The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Robert Garland

Length: 24 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Look beyond the abstract dates and figures, kings and queens, and battles and wars that make up so many historical accounts. Over the course of 48 richly detailed lectures, Professor Garland covers the breadth and depth of human history from the perspective of the so-called ordinary people, from its earliest beginnings through the Middle Ages.

The past truly comes alive as you take a series of imaginative leaps into the world of history's anonymous citizens, people such as a Greek soldier marching into battle in the front row of a phalanx; an Egyptian woman putting on makeup before attending an evening party with her husband; a Greek citizen relaxing at a drinking party with the likes of Socrates; a Roman slave captured in war and sent to work in the mines; and a Celtic monk scurrying away with the Book of Kells during a Viking invasion.

Put yourself in the sandals of ordinary people and discover what it was like to be among history's 99%. What did these everyday people do for a living? What was their home like? What did they eat? What did they wear? What did they do to relax? What were their beliefs about marriage? Religion? The afterlife?

This extraordinary journey takes you across space and time in an effort to be another person - someone with whom you might not think you have anything at all in common - and come away with an incredible sense of interconnectedness. You'll see the range of possibilities of what it means to be human, making this a journey very much worth taking.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

It's like a Dr. Who episode with history

A fantastic trip through history from the viewpoint of the comoner. The narrator has a captivating style and way of presenting history as a relatable set of stories. I highly recommend this.

life of the common person

This is the best yet description of the daily life of the common person in ancient times. As I read and listen to the tales of ancient battles and heros it is my great desire that there were quiet places where common people did not starve, nor need to fight off attackers.

new look at history

truly a new way to look at history, missing China was the only criticism I have on the lectures

Great for history lovers

I literally got lost in history. The professor's enthusiasm is infectious. loved it from start to finish.

Outstanding

One of the best history listens on Audible. Rich fresh perspective on ancient civilizations through the eyes of the everyman (and woman). The depth of discussion of slavery, soldiery, and the lives of women does to one’s understanding of history what reading a hundred conventional history books could not.

There is a lot of content here, mostly centered around the lives of Ancient Greek (bronze to Hellenic), Egyptians, and Romans. The author choice of narration places the reader in the ancient persons perspective, in each of these respective civilizations and times, and teaches the important lesson of what it must be like to think like them, based on the historical evidence.

Well sourced!

Difficult Delivery

I was really looking forward to listening to this as I teach Art History. I did learn a few new things BUT the way Dr. Garland delivered the information was so distracting to me that towards the end, I just gave up. His thought process is not consistent and the delivery is chopped up. I realize that he wrote the book but I strongly suggest someone else read it for Audible.

extremely interesting and informative

this has been a thoroughly joyful experience informative and very interesting subject.it is definitely worth the time and the effort to go through all of the lectures as it let you know some very interesting facts that are usually on the side of history

Unique Approach to History

Not the usual history as written by the victors. Timely during the current social/political conditions.

Thank you for this!

A great start to quarantine. I really really miss being able to ask questions still very informative.

so good. so glad I picked it. The lecturer is ve

the lecturer is very easy to listen to and his love of the subject shines through making this a very enjoyable listen along with learning