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

1,000+ Audible listeners can't be wrong

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

After reading the reviews for this Great Course and listening to the excerpt, I decided to take a chance on 48 lectures (24 hours!) on Ancient History. I was enchanted by the approach - everyday life of the everyday person - and the professor's style. I learned so much while listening in my car - ten minutes here & ten minutes there.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have to say I teared up at the final lecture when Professor Garland summed up the course and said goodbye.

Any additional comments?

My next selection will be "Greece and Rome: An Integrated History of the Ancient Mediterranean."

Fascinating and Entertaining

This series was extremely well prepared and presented. The presenter's ability to communicate continually allows for a thoroughness of understanding as well as an enjoyment of the material.

Very interesting and easy to listen to

This was great. I was not sure what to expect from a lecture series, but very much enjoyed it. Found it educational, and interesting, yet easy to listen to. Very highly recommend The Other Side of History.

Enjoyable, though could have been more throrough

I enjoyed this course. The professor was very informative and related the information in a clear and enthusiastic manner. It touched briefly on the Persian Empire, focusing mainly on the development of civilization through the Greek, Roman and then Medieval Europe world. It would have been nice to hear about Daily Life in the Ancient Far East and more from Persia and the Steppes, but I suppose they would have needed to make it two different courses. It will definitely stop your grousing and make you thankful for the precious things we have and overlook everyday in the constant race for more and better.

Compelling

Perhaps the best of the great books series. Humorous and captivating, Robert Garland is an exceptional lecturer. I can listen to this again and again.

Good for imagining

A novel collections of portraits of generalized common people during various times in history. Made me really appreciate being alive today.

A treat

After decades of history studies, something new(ish). I enjoyed it very much. I hope you do as well.

Terrific Work

I love ancient history and while the big names are of interest a work like this brings the World to life. I cannot praise the series or the lecturer highly enough. It is packed with detail and I listened to some lectures again and again to take as much away as possible. The lecturer has a slight lisp which if you listen to the online extract may put those who suffer from misophonia off. Don't let it. He is absolutely wonderful.

What a grand tour of history!

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this course. I love the professor’s presentation style and subtle English wit. I’m already downloading more of his courses to accompany me on my commute to work!

Excellent

This was eye opening! I was impressed with the knowledge ancient world’s other people. The professor was very good lecturer.