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

Enlightening!

Professor Garland not only recreated the ancient world and helped me learn a great deal about the lives of the common folk but he also helped me to empathize with their everyday struggles, fears and the occasional small moments of joy!

Listening to his personal stories and anecdotes helped bring things into perspective and contrast the ancient with the modern world.

It was a credit well spent. If you're on the fence, I'd highly recommend it dear fellow learner.

Mind blowing and beautiful

This is told beautifully. There’s a sense of pride that I had in human kind by the end of this. A story was told, as best as possible, of those that history chose to ignore for the most part. I loved this so much! I believe this is well worth the listen.

Very compelling

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

Yes, gives a nice view of everyday life in a number of ancient civilizations.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World?

The narrative surrounding death in an ancient Greek household.

Which scene was your favorite?

The story of an Irish Monk being pursued by a viking.

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

It was very moving in places. Garland is a very compelling speaker.

Any additional comments?

My one qualm is that after the 4th century or so, everything was viewed through a Britain-focused lens. I would have preferred to spend some time going back to Rome in the time of Constantine, or learning about life in the Byzantine empire.

Solid audio course

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

Since it's an audio course, I'm ranking it against other courses I've listened to rather than audiobooks in general. This course's subject matter is fascinating, but the delivery of the narrator falls somewhat short.

What did you like best about this story?

Focus on the "great man" approach is extremely common, particularly in ancient history where the sources are limited and generally commissioned by said "great men." It's refreshing to see a general survey of what life was like in various ancient societies.

Did Professor Robert Garland do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

There aren't characters, but Dr. Garland's speech is a little off and took some getting used to. Once you get involved in the material, however, there shouldn't be any issue.

Any additional comments?

Strongly recommended if the subject matter interests you; not recommended if it does not or if you don't like listening to audio courses and/or history podcasts.

Clever of you Audible

Any additional comments?

I listened to two of the lectures through the Channels section and HAD to buy the entire series. Professor Garland is a great storyteller, his lectures are interesting and engaging, and I was hooked. Clever clever, Audible.

Fascinating insights

Would you consider the audio edition of The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World to be better than the print version?

Yes - I can listen while driving to and from work!

If you’ve listened to books by The Great Courses and Robert Garland before, how does this one compare?

n/a

Have you listened to any of Professor Robert Garland’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

No!

Any additional comments?

I guess some chapters are more interesting than others, but thats inevitable !

Great course!

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

Easy to understand, pleasant listening. Learned a lot about ordinary people.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World?

Learned that when Romans left Britain, society fell seriously into decline.

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

The woman warrior - Queen Boddicca

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

... Not able to do that, but did listen nightly to all lectures.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE, tell me how to access additional info on these lectures. There is a statement that says these materials are in my library. I cannot find them.

Again and again and again

Would you listen to The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World again? Why?

I have listened to this with my children again and again and again. My kids will often ask if they can listen to certain chapters (ex: Roman Poor, or Roman Soldier), although they've heard them several times before. The way Dr. Garland tells the stories of the "regular" people in history really brings them to life. I always wondered how the merchant, the soldier, the father, the daughter, all lived their daily lives. This book delivers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World?

The daily lives of Romans; poor, rich, soldiers, criminals, etc.

What about Professor Robert Garland Ph.D. University College London’s performance did you like?

This makes the book.

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

The beauty is that you didn't need to listen in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Possibly the best credit I've ever used. We've received more value from this purchase than any other book.

Walking in their sandals.

Excellent course that's takes you through the scope of human history in the sandals of the common folk. Very entertaining and enlightening.

Average people and how they shaped history

If you could sum up The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World in three words, what would they be?

long enriching listen

Who was your favorite character and why?

The evaluation of the Egyptian pathos.

What does Professor Robert Garland bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It would have taken me much longer to make it threw.

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

No way. The span of time in each chapter is great. A pause to reflect on them; in hind sight, is suggested.

Any additional comments?

I know it would be a separate course all together and to trying to break it down would be an enormous task. However; I would have enjoyed a greater look in to Asian history.