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

Just Call It History!

Wow, I love history, and if you do, this is for you! I want one of these for the Eastern half of the world too. Listen to this to appreciate what you have and to make yourself extend some grace to your fellow primate.

Wonderful and Entertaining

You can tell the information provided was detailed with passion. My favorite course so far.

History truly living

I never thought I could finish this lecture, but indeed I couldn't stop listening. History is boring? No, totally not with this lecturer. He brings us to the trial of Socrates as a juror, a slave sleeping under the leaking roof dreaming himself being a Roman celeb, and so forth or so to say (his occasional expression). After 35 years being uneventful office worker, I was brought back to the days of great classroom, but now with convenience of reclining on my couch. Thank you for the truly Great Lecture!

Entertaining and Informative

I greatly enjoyed this series of lectures! Garland gives a lot of insight to life in ancient times

Garland's best lecture series by a landslide

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

Yes I would. I would also listen to this with others and then discuss their interpretations and findings in detail. This lecture series acted as a conduit to several historical time periods that had not interested me in the past. I have to believe this was Garland's masterpiece, because "experiencing great events", though excellent, does not have the same thoughtfulness embedded within the lectures.

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

I cannot isolate a single lecture. The title provides the listener with an excellent idea of what to expect, and Garland doesn't disappoint. The depth and imagery provided in each lecture really allows for you to empathize with all classes of people in world history.

What about Professor Robert Garland’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed the depth and enthusiasm that he teaches with. I had listened to two of his other series prevoiusly, and had adjusted to his voice beforehand. I understand that this may not be what you are accustomed to as an audible listener. Garland does not sound like a professional narrator, but the authenticity that comes with his less-than-professional voice is worth the wait.

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

I cannot imagine that you could listen to this all in one sitting. The lectures are isolated by class and historical time period (i.e. Roman Slaves). There is little continuity. This is not the audiobook version of the TV show "Lost". That said, I did listen to these lectures for 7 hours one sunday as i was hiking, cleaning, and cooking.

Any additional comments?

I cannot say enough to convey my appreciation to Robert Garland for taking decades of research and experience and diluting them down to this course. He answers as many questions any history fan could ever reasonably ask in one lecture series. This was one of the best of the "Great Courses", next to "The Art of Negotiating the Best Deal". I also enjoyed how this book was not continuous. I understand how that sounds, but while I was cooking with my girlfriend we could begin a new lecture and discuss it with minimal explanation of what the lecture series included. This is a great experience for any listener, and a great investment.

Wonderful listen

It was so interesting, detailed, and compelling. It is so nice to learn how the average person lived hundreds of years ago.

Wonderful!

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

The professor really knew his stuff, and related the information in a humorous, relaxed tone.

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

This is my first Great Course, so can't compare.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really enjoyed hearing about women in the various societies.

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

The professor had a great sense of humor that made me smile quite a few times.

Any additional comments?

This is my first Great Course but won't be my last. I'm hooked!

Excellent

I think that this is a great series of lectures. Perhaps because it has been studied for such a long time and there are typical topics to look at, ancient history is often about battles and kings.

Furthermore, Professor Garland is exactly the sort of thoughtful, genuine, and interested lecturer who can carry a lecture series.

The only fault--or at least something to be clear about--is that the title is a misnomer. It is the other side of Western history so don't expect to learn much about daily life in ancient China, South America, Africa, India, etc.

Still, I found it very worthwhile.

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.