Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
A Survey of Ancient History
- Narrated by: Alec Sand
- Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
£0.00 for first 30 days
A Survey of Ancient History
Buy Now for £14.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Summary
Take a fascinating journey from the mists of prehistory to the fall of the Roman empire. Be introduced to the most notable men and minds of the ancient world. Explore the great currents of philosophy, art, science and economics that have shaped our world.
Editor reviews
Five thousand years in the progress of human civilization is explained with a concise, animated series of mini-lectures. Examining of the course of human events flows briskly from the geologic influences in prehistory through the seismic shifts in culture and power created with the fall of the Roman Empire. (This look at history also serves as the perfect complement to the author’s companion volume, A Survey of the Middle Ages: A.D. 500 - 1270). The easy-to-follow discussion highlights the most notable minds, greatest leaders, most significant events, and influential philosophies, as well as the formation of the arts, the development of the sciences, and foundation of the economic principles that continue to shape the present day.
What listeners say about A Survey of Ancient History
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Vanessa
- 17-03-11
Interesting approach, rather unbalanced result
The first third of the book takes a very broad brush sweep from palaeolithic age to the end of Greek civilisation. There is no mention of the rise of Mesopotamian city states and their impact on developments in Europe. The remaining two thirds covers the Roman empire with particular emphasis on early Christianity. As a result, the book feels unbalanced, even acknowledging the limited sources for the earlier times. It does take an interesting approach however in using a series of very brief chapters for each period discussed, covering a wide range from agriculture, economics, battles, key personalities, and culture in its widest sense (art and architecture, philosophy, religion, poets and authors etc). The parallels between the Pax Romana/decline of the Roman Empire with modern capitalism are particularly well-drawn. I do not know who is reading this (an omission I have found with many Audible readings), but the listener feels the lecturer is addressing him/her as the sole person in a huge auditorium. Pronunciation of many words, particularly people's and place names is very unfamiliar and difficult to a British ear.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful