Since the earliest use of gold around 6500 years ago on the Bulgarian coast, it has been desired and shaped by generations of craftsmen.
As they did not leave any written records, their skills can now only be deciphered through the objects they made. They reveal not only
unparalleled expertise and flair whether in making cripplingly heavy neckrings, intricate wire bracelets or enormous decorated hats. Studying
the gold also reveals crucial insights into the technology, trade and religious beliefs of these distant ancestors.
Dr Ben Roberts researched and co-wrote the first 40 programmes on the BBC Radio 4 series: A History of the World in 100 Objects. He is a
graduate of Sheffield and Cambridge Universities, and is now Curator of Early Prehistory at the British Museum. . Published and lectured widely on
Prehistoric Europe.
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