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

The past comes alive when considering the imaginary lives of ordinary people; these include the citizens, soldiers and slaves who live on the other side of history; asking questions that many textbooks never ask.

Taking a look at the lives of human ancestors; picturing oneself as a Neanderthal, whose life is dominated by the environment; discovering the significance of the human mind, language and art in the Old Stone Age.

Stepping into the world's earliest permanent settlement; why the development of agriculture is a revolution; the invention of writing; the creation of laws; an increase in trade; technological innovations such as the wheel.

What it is like to be an ancient Egyptian; exploring everyday life during the New Kingdom era; the richness of the Nile; the conservatism and stability of the society; relics that survive across millennia, such as hieroglyphics, papyri and art.

Entering the lives of an ordinary Egyptian family; exploring aspects ranging from marriage, fertility and women's rights to social gatherings; experiencing elements of daily life such as the house, its furniture and even the cosmetics.

Egyptian religion is a hierarchical affair; priests pray on the common people's behalf; meeting gods such as Hathor, Amun-Re and Osiris; learning about the myths attached to them; discovering the ins and outs of the Egyptian priesthood.