A History of the World in 100 Objects - Oxus Chariot Model

Download Oxus Chariot Model

Neil MacGregor's world history told through objects at the British Museum arrives in Persia 2500 years ago. Throughout this week, Neil is looking at powerful leaders across the ancient world. Today he focuses on Cyrus, the first Persian emperor who created the largest empire the world had ever known. It stretched from Turkey to Pakistan and required a hugely sophisticated network of communications and control.

At the heart of today's programme is a gold chariot pulled by four gold horses. This hand-sized model helps explain the rule of Cyrus, the "king of kings", and his ambitions for his vast territory - with contributions from the historian Tom Holland and Michael Axworthy of the University of Exeter. How does this glorious pre-Islamic past sit with the people of Iran today?

Published on Monday, 22nd February 2010.

Available Podcasts from A History of the World in 100 Objects

Subscribe to A History of the World in 100 Objects

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the A History of the World in 100 Objects webpage.