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Living History: Experiencing Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

By: Robert Garland, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Robert Garland
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Publisher's Summary

Macedonia, 336 B.C.E. - King Philip II is murdered under mysterious circumstances amid a cloud of intrigue.

Constantinople, 532 C.E. - The Byzantine Emperor Justinian nearly abandons the city to an angry mob until his wife, Theodora, persuades him to stay.

France, 1095 C.E. - Pope Urban II gives a speech that inspires thousands of his subjects to embark on a crusade to Jerusalem.

Time and again, moments shape history. We often examine history from a distant vantage, zooming in on a few kings and battles. But history is made up of individuals who were as alive in their time as we are today. Pausing on a few key individuals and magnifying specific moments in their lives allows us to experience history in a whole new way-as a vibrant story, full of life.

Living History: Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds takes you back in time and throws a spotlight on two dozen turning points where the tide of history changes irrevocably. These 24 dramatic lectures examine key events from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to medieval Europe and Asia. Spanning thousands of years and three continents, this course illuminates fascinating historical dramas on the individual scale.

More than covering great events that change the contours of history, Professor Garland takes you into the scene and allows you to hear what he terms the "heartbeat of history". Rather than merely reviewing the facts of events such as the Battle of Marathon, the arrest and trial of Jesus, and the coronation of Charlemagne, you'll engage with a variety of firsthand accounts and authentic primary and secondary sources to experience what it was like to live these events as they occurred. From reports by historians such as Herodotus and Livy to official scrolls and administrative records, these eyewitness sources and ancient documents take you back in time through the eyes of people who were there.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about Living History: Experiencing Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

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Such Fun!

A fascinating insight into lots of incredible moments in history.
By its nature, each lecture is only an overview of a period in time, but such an entertaining one.
As promised, Robert Garland gives us a ringside seat into a living history.

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Brilliant

A brilliant series of lectures highlighting moments of history with compelling and informative insights. A wonderful lecturer, so pleased to have access to this series.

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Fascinating Stuff

Robert Garland presents a series of historical stories about critical turning points in the development of the world as we know it. today. His voice is clear, perfect diction. I knew some of the history but learnt a great deal in a very enjoyable series of bedtime stories. I will look for more by Robert Garland.

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1 person found this helpful

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Epic real stories that are richer than fiction!

A great collection of epic tales of past people and events that have shaped the world around us as we encounter it today and even to some surprising extent how we think. The history contains rich facts and references that make it educational and interesting BUT the author does well in the audio edition to bring these complex affairs together in a very human way so his retelling of feeds the mind, engages the imagination and stirs the soul. Very worthwhile for lovers of history, philosophy, action, adventure and thrillers!!!

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Good Great Courses stuff

Quite good, I was a left wanting more. The reader is good. Some of the events were not in chronological order, which was a little confusing at first.

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Absolutely superb!!!

What a masterpiece! I could have listened for the rest of time to Robert Garland - his knowledge, enthusiasm, and balanced outlook are a joy to experience and inspire a love of learning. Like the orators of history, he is moving and extremely memorable.

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Excellent book

l must have for any history buff. the author structured the chapters in a very engaging manner and cover all the key points with just the right amount of detail.

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Breathtaking review of some of ancient history's pivotal moments

Well worth a listen if you are entertained by the idea if exploring great moments of history. Loving rendered by the enthusiastic lecturer. Riveting.

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History comes alive!

loved it. Our lecturer goes into as much detail as possible with some of history's turning points. I was sorry to reach the end and have already started the next lecture series by our host.

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