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Ruling with the Gods

In the last week of his series, Neil MacGregor explores how faith and politics intersect, starting with rulers with a mandate from the gods, from the UK to Benin to China.

Neil MacGregor continues his series on shared beliefs with a focus on earthly rulers and the gods.

Queens and kings may be priests of the gods, or their representatives. They may be incarnations - or even gods themselves. Or the relationship may be so close that to divide spiritual from temporal power at all would simply make no sense.

Neil examines these ideas, with the help of objects including a bronze staff belonging to the Oba of Benin, and a bronze vessel from China, whose inscription suggests that its dynastic leaders enjoyed a mandate from heaven.

Producer Paul Kobrak

The series is produced in partnership with the British Museum, with the assistance of Dr Christopher Harding, University of Edinburgh.
Photograph (c) The Trustees of the British Museum.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Sun 25 Sep 202200:15
BBC Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Gods Living Together

Next

Living with No Gods

See all episodes from Living with the Gods

Broadcasts

  • Mon 27 Nov 201709:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Mon 27 Nov 201719:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 23 Sep 202214:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 25 Sep 202200:15
    BBC Radio 4

Animations

Animations

Neil MacGregor tells the stories of some of the key objects in the series.

Podcast

  • Living with the Gods

    Neil MacGregor explores the role and expression of shared beliefs around the world.