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David Abulafia’s epic history of our relationship with the oceans is this year’s winner of the prestigious Wolfson History Prize. Charting maritime networks from the earliest seafaring societies, Abulafia explores how mankind has used the oceans to travel, trade and survive – for ends both noble and wicked.

In 15th century China, Emperor Yong-le’s maritime expeditions speak volumes about the ambitions of the Ming dynasty.

Read by Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie