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

The long view of Western history

The serious student of Western history will probably not learn anything terribly revealing from this course, but it provides an excellent context and perspective on the subject. The focus is on daily life of common people, though it provides an overall survey of life among the wealthy as well, in order to fill out the picture.

The lectures are clearly understandable in terms of the material presented and the performance is magnificent. Professor Garland speaks with real passion and emotion that helps one develop a clear image of the message. Most importantly, Professor Garland's analysis is conducted in the context of the times, rather than the context of some modern ideology.

It was a joy to listen to.

This was the best great courses yet

Phenomenal. Best great course I've listened so far and I've listened to many. Never a dull moment. Incredibly captivating material covered. I can't wait to listen to his other lectures! He has great presence and a good speaking voice as well as deep insight. Also he's funny! Most of the great courses professors have no personality but he does! I definitely don't know what to think of humanity after finishing this course. It's very troubling. Loved the section on Ancient Egypt most of all. Utterly fascinating.

Simply amazing

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?

Truly worth a listen or two. Kudos to Prof Robert Garland, he provides a rich listener experience.

Best great courses title ever

I have listened to quite a few Great Courses, and is the case with all courses some are great and some are a bit disappointing. But this one is hands-down the best ever. Prof. Garland truly makes the past come alive. His delivery is entertaining and he uses just enough humor to keep you interested, without being forced or obnoxious about it. The content is fascinating, and I feel that I learned a great deal.

I am also very grateful that Prof. Garland takes a great deal of trouble to show us history from the perspective of people who don't normally get included - women, the disabled, elderly, children, the poor. This truly deepens one's appreciation for how the historical pieces all fit together in a way that you don't get from a strictly political or military treatment of history.

If I could give this 10 stars, I would. It is that good.

Firewall 5's.

And well deserved at that.
Good story and personable narrator.
Kept me company on my commute for a solid 3 weeks.

Great ancient history lecture

I am taking a course in Ancient history and listening to this lecture meshed perfectly with what I was learning. The lecturer was interesting and engaging. I recommend it for anyone who wants an overview of all the civilizations from ancient times.

excellent

an entertaining and eye opening view of the regular people throughout human history. I would highly recommend

A perspective everyone should experience.

Robert Garland takes us on a journey through history with perspective and empathy, and hopefully teaches us to be more humble and kind in looking on the past.

great course

As a masters student of late antiquity, i think professor Garland does a good job at trying to illuminate the popular side of history, especially to elicit sympathy in the reader for them. would recommend.

The way history should be taught first

This book relates the history of the 99% not the one %. The regular people, rather than the outliers. It fills a huge void in the traditional teaching of history, confined as that is to kings generals explorers revolutionaries et al. This history gives foundation and significance to the history on the leaders. Excellently done.