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

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

By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Robert Garland
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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

What listeners say about The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

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Very enjoyable

Very enjoyable from the first to the last lecture. I highly recommend it. Although one wonders how someone who is not able to correctly interpret the words if his contemporary Larry Summers is going to interpret the texts of those who lived thousands of years ago.

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Highly informative

The author has a sense of humor and helps to listener feel like they are in ancient Greece or Rome. It was interesting to hear how the people lived and died and that they are not all that much different than we are. It also gave me a different perspective on how we could live .

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fascinating look into lives in history

not everyone can drop into history and be a prince, princess, or historically huge figure, so this is a great look into the lives of everyday "others".

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Highly Entertaining Plus Educational

I purely love history, and this series of lectures was extremely well done, both in research and composition. Reading this in books is sometimes laborious, but listening to this presentation was wonderful. I believe that even those persons not particularly fond of "history " will find themselves truly enjoying this series.

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Very enjoyable

This was riveting! Highly recommended! I look forward to my next Great Courses audiobook, and would definitely choose to hear more from Robert Garland!

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Brilliant!

Thank you for this wonderful gift of ancient world history. Well thought out Expert delivery!

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insightful and thought provoking

I wasn't expecting much more than slavery and smallpox blankets. These lectures had a depth and a fairness that I loved

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I loved it

One of the best audibles so far.Prof Garland does a great job with his style .Very attractive and enjoyable

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A must read for everyone.

Totally changed my perception of our ancestors. loved every word. I strongly recommend this book to everyone.

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Outstanding Journey Through Time

These inspirational lectures take you into the footsteps of the unknown people of history. The common unsung people who didn't have a voice. The journey is exciting and interesting. I highly recommend this course.

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