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

Discover the breadth and depth of human history from the perspective of the so-called ordinary people, from its earliest beginnings through the Middle Ages.

Overview

Course No. 3843

Professor Garland presents 24 immersive lectures that transport you to pivotal historical moments through eyewitness perspectives. This course features:

• Dramatic turning points from Ramesses II to the First Crusade
• Firsthand accounts from Herodotus, Livy, and other ancient sources
• Key figures including Socrates, Cleopatra, and Charlemagne
• Cultural encounters across Egypt, Rome, China, and Byzantium

From battlefield decisions to palace intrigues, experience history as it happened through vivid recreations of 24 world-changing events.

Video Lectures

Part 1: Ancient Battles and Politics

1-5. Egypt to Athens (32-33 min)
Ramesses at Kadesh, Marathon, Pericles’ gamble, Socrates’ trial.

6-10. Macedonian to Punic Wars (30-33 min)
Philip II’s murder, Alexander in Punjab, Hannibal’s threat.

Part 2: Roman Empire Transformations

11-16. Republic to Fall (30-32 min)
Caesar’s assassination, Jerusalem revolts, Colosseum games, Alaric’s sack.

Part 3: Medieval Crossroads

17-21. Byzantium to Islam (31-32 min)
Theodora’s crisis, Wu Zetian’s rise, Muhammad’s revelation, Tours battle.

22-24. Europe’s Formation (31-33 min)
Vladimir’s conversion, Charlemagne’s coronation, Urban II’s Crusade call.