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

Absolutely singular!

I love history. These lectures took me on the journey of incredible, beautiful, ordinary lifetimes. A true treasure.

Five stars is not enough!

I've listened to many of the Great Courses, but after this title, I need to revise their ratings because The Other Side of History may be the best Great Course I've listened to. Ever. The content, as reflected in its title, is new and captivating. The lecturer may be one of the best ever. His delivery makes it feel as if I was sitting at table with him, and his sense of humor is great. Add in a cool British accent and there it is. Worthy of six stars!

Fantastic!

I looked forward to drive anywhere just so that I could listen to these lectures. If you love ancient history this is the book for you. If you always wonder how it would be to live in another time, this is for you. I was transported throughout history and loved every second of it!

Great, but not quite what it says on the tin.

This is the first Great Courses lecture series that I've listened to, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Professor Garland clearly knows his business and, while he's not the most engaging speaker I've ever heard, his passion for the material shines through. I would have loved to have had him as a professor in school.

My only real complaint is this: the summary says that "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."

In actuality, the great majority of the lectures focus on three civilizations: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. If you, like me, are already fairly knowledgeable about these civilizations, you won't learn too terribly much from these lectures. If you, like me, were hoping for a broader overview, you may be disappointed. I've learned my lesson and will be sure to check out chapter summaries before I buy future Great Courses lecture series.

History brought to life!

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

The closest we can get to walking a mile in their shoes. Presenting the various classes of people in the ancient world, Professor Robert Garland's expertise and lecturing style brings a far removed and unknown reality to life.

Great once you get used to his sense of humor!

Who takes college courses? 17-21 year olds! His sense of humor is a little silly, but then you put it in context and it's fun and funny.
Mr. Garland also has a very modern point of view with regard to human rights, and I appreciate the lessons that he is trying to share.

My only wish is that there was more!

Robert has narrated the best Great Courses lecture I have ever listened to. Great delivery and enthralling content keep you wanting more through all 48 chapters. Highly recommended for anyone remotely interested in history.

Superb. Finally a look into the lives of People.

Top drawer piece of obviously loving work. I strongly recommend this course. Go for it.

Wonderus journey

I have enjoyed this series very much.
Education never stops. A little each day can inject a new view on life.

Entertaining and Educational

Kept my interest...listened to it over several weeks as I often do with the Great Courses. Author anchors analysis and observations in previously mentioned facts, which laces the lectures together and keeps one in the flow of the content. What emerges overall is a rich tapestry of social life through the ages. Not many surprises for one well versed in history, but keeping the focus to the "other side of history" makes a compelling story, worldview.