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

Loved it!

Professor Robert Garland is simply outstanding in his ability to paint highly detailed pictures of daily life in history. Recommended!

Well presented, in depth, interesting book.

What made the experience of listening to The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World the most enjoyable?

The author/professor who reads it has a great interest in the subject matter, and draws from a variety of sources. Each lecture has a focus 'Being Old in Greece' - for example, and really draws you into what their experiences would have been. Where there is not original material to draw from, he leans on archeology and similar contemporary societies.

What other book might you compare The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World to and why?

It's the first 'Great Course' I've listened to of it's kind - however it is much more like you're sitting in a great University lecture hall - only without the 8am and hard, uncomfortable lecture seats.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not finished with it yet - it's a run time of 24 hours! But so far I like the focus on Greece more than the Egyptian culture. The author did his doctoral work on that, and he's very enthusiastic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Uh, it's a college course.

Fantastic Journey

A surreal look at where we've come from and how our modern lives would not be as comfortable as they are if not for the unknown people of the past who struggled to get by on a daily basis. It's mind-opening to realize that being murdered or sold into slavery was just as easy back then as buying a Latte at Starbucks is today.

Professor Garland becomes an old friend guiding you through the ups and downs of the human experience from the Neanderthals to the Middle Ages. I was sad to see the journey end but came away with greater respect and awe for the people on the other side of history.

Excellent!!

A wonderful journey through history. Fun and eye opening at the same time. Highly recommend.

Currently my favorite Great Course!

Memorable in both the structure and the enthusiasm of the presenter. There is not a better course with which to start your plunge into the Great Courses.

Learning should never end!

Where does The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is in the top ten of Great Courses. Keeps your attention.

Any additional comments?

If you would like to learn information beyond the lives of Kings, Queen, Royalty, Pharaohs, rich and famous of ancient times than buy this Great Course.

what a good listen

eye opening, honest, and very educational. a read for all ages, ethnicities, or background of any kind.

Excellent “read”

Just finished the last lecture and am looking to listen to more by Mr. Garland. He made ancient history relevant and interesting. I was amazed at all the information we were never taught in school which would have made those boring classes much more bearable! I highly recommend listening to this course as it helps us understand why we are where we are today and that our ancestors were not so different from us today.

Truly Excellent

Professor Garland does an amazing job with this course. Really interesting all the way through, never gets tedious. He teaches in the second person which really makes everything he talks about hit home. Highly recommend

Fascinating and Insightful

This course really truly taught me how the other side of history lived. So cool and very smart instructor.