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

Eye-opening tour of ancient life

Any additional comments?

This course was a delight. Without a plot, it was easy to pick up after a break, which was important with such a long recording. The instructor did an outstanding job of making the mundane come to life. You will never look at history in the same way. A bargain at one point!

History comes alive!

It surpassed my expectations. Professor Garland is a real teacher, not just a learned researcher, although he is certainly that, as well. His love and respect for his subject matter comes through in the intelligence as well as the humanity of his organization and deliver. This is a work about real people and for real people. Bravo!

Awesome

Was able to hold my interest through the entire book. I would recommend this is a listen to anyone.

great but eurocentric - would love to see expanded

first and primarily, this is a wonderful, well prepared, and well lectured course to listen to. the only criticisms I can give is that the lecturer's speech is very halting and can be difficult to listen to after a while. the other thing is that this is a primarily eurocentric survey of history. it's not necessarily a bad thing, but as a listener going into this course, I think it's important to know what coverage of the 'ancient world' you'll be learning about.

the performance would have got 5 stars, have liste

this is a great topic & an excellent listen, lisp was little distracting tho. still, real facts about early america & the unbiased look at the changes that happened over that time.

Excellent course

Thank you for excellent lectures! What a pleasure it was! There was no dull moment!

Absolutely great

I wasn't on board with this at first. I think the subject matter slowly ramps up. By the time he gets to talking about Greece, I was truly enthralled. Will listen again. Truly great performance.

Engrossing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend, and already have recommended, this audiobook to anyone who finds history fascinating, or who finds it dull and boring. This audiobook engaged not only me, but my 14 year old daughter, my 21 year old son, and my anti-intellectual husband.

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

I wish there were more books/courses like it.

Which character – as performed by Professor Robert Garland – was your favorite?

Professor Garland had us falling in love with the nameless many who populated the "other side of history". The women, the poor, the children, the slaves, the outcasts whose names do not get preserved in the history books.

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

History from the perspective of those who lived it, not those who made it.

Extremely Interesting

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

Among the best lecture series I've listened to.

Which scene was your favorite?

Being a child in Ancient Greece.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, episodic.

Any additional comments?

Perhaps some would say a little dry, but I found the content extremely interesting and well delivered. Offers great perspective.

Fascinating

What did you love best about The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World?

A unique, fascinating point of view of the lives of regular people in history. Good pacing and presentation of the lectures.