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

Refreshing change.

This was a refreshing change from the usual "great man" approach to history. a good review Into the everyday lives of normal people.

Loved It!

I heard two of the lectures when they were on the Audible channels. I loved the way he presented the history from a regular person perspective as much as possible. Professor Garland is engaging and enthusiastic about the subject matter and often builds on previous lectures.

Thank you Professor Garland!

One of the best courses I've heard yet. Thank you professor for the great travels through time!
:-)

Captivating

Garland delivers a tour de force, bringing history to life. I'm a PhD and professional historian but I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Great perspective.

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

Absolutely! Interesting insights throughout the world and time.

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

Other great courses, because of the format.

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

His energy that makes it easy to be excited to learn new things with him.

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

Go and see this. Don't miss that. The most terrifying thing you ever saw is coming to baby sit for you tonight!

Any additional comments?

No, I think that will do...

a great overview of daily life in the past

the lecture is humble and relatable and really makes the daily lives of many peoples accessible. 2 things you should know before buying this book is that it covers far more than just the ancient world and that because of this breath there is sometimes I lack of depth.

Thoroughly Enjoyable Course

I would encourage anyone who has had a Western Civ class to supplement it with this course. It revolves more around How People Lived, especially what we know of common people's lives.

Dr. Garland is an incredibly engaging lecturer, so not only is this educational, it's entertaining.

Absolutely wonderful!

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

Engaging, insightful, moving

What did you like best about this story?

The focus was truly on the common person, with dashes of comparison between the nobility and the every day people to give perspective.

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

I have not, but after this, am very excited to!

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

Even though it was 48 lectures long, I didn't want it to end!

Any additional comments?

A must for any ancient history lover, especially those of us who want to know more about the inner workings of every day life for people then. It helps make history feel alive and relatable.

Great book!

Many of the themes resonate in today's western society and culture. It's a good reminder how brutal life was until very recently.

Really good except ep 42

I really loved listening to this and was totally immersed in the story. I wish there were more! Sadly, in ep 42 (if memory serves), he speaks rather disparagingly and disrespectfully about a trans person. I would think someone interested in “the other side of history” would have devoted additional attention to those who continue to be disenfranchised to this day.