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The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

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The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Robert Garland
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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
Ancient Marriage Royalty Thought-Provoking War Greece Mesopotamia Rome Ancient History Middle East Ancient Greece China Africa Ancient Egypt Classics
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Editor reviews

Captivating and informative, The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World is narrated by Professor Robert Garland in association with The Great Courses. This book gives an entirely original perspective on history, told through the eyes of the ordinary citizen living in the vast and influential ancient empires that once ruled. Professor Garland narrates these historical audiobook lectures vividly. He brings to life the finer and fascinating details of ordinary life for the ordinary person during this time. In order to understand cultures and behaviours in today’s societies, knowledge of those from the past is essential. Available now from Audible.
All stars
Most relevant
Entertaining and informative. Well presented by the prof. who sounds a bit of a stereotype, but his enthusiasm is evident and his empathy for ancient lives is clear.

A great Listen. plenty of it. Slight repetition.

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I am reasonably well-versed in history but there was plenty of new material here. The content is focused on the lives of ordinary people through the ages. This approach really brings history to life and helps to cement the understanding of each period. My favourite lecture was the one that dealt with apartment buildings in ancient Rome (called insulae). It was so fascinating I looked them up on YouTube and watched a full documentary on the topic. Needless to say I highly recommend this course.

Really insightful material, great narration

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

I've always been interested in the ancient world. I purchased this series of lectures on whim and I am please to say that the good Professor has fondled my mind with his enthusiasm and knowledge. For the first time ever, I have actually listened to the entirety of an audio-book (ADHD?). I will probably listen to whole thing again in a year's time to refresh my memory and I will also be purchasing the other lecture that he has done on the Romans and Greeks.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The period of Egyptian history really fascinated me and got me hooked.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Learning that I am a descendant of the French...

I've learnt so much

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A fascinating insight into the very human side of history, the glimpses into the daily lives of our ancestors that often go unreported. Professor Robert Garland leads us through their daily realities, their struggles and their joys, their pleasures and their fears.
Adding a corporeal touch to the ancient world. More depth would have been preferable but understandable as the subject matter is so expansive. Robert Garland is a joy to listen to, often humorous and very reminiscent of your timeworn history professor.

Professor Garland brings history to life...

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I’ve listened to many history Audible books over the last few years and this is by far the most interesting and engaging. It was been a delightful experience

Exceptional course

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