Ancient History: Getting Into It

[luiznogueira]

When I was 14/15 years old and was starting to be interested in history, I realised that I needed a basic timeline of events so that I'd have an idea of what happened when. I feel that many people lack this basic knowledge; like a former workmate of mine who once asked me if Jesus had lived in the Middle Ages(!) So I came upon HG Wells 'A Short History of The World', a book that, sure, is now outdated and perhaps a bit sketchy, but it gave me exactly that "what happened when" notion that I was looking for. Besides, it's an easy read, ideal for curious teenagers like I was, and who would probably find some of those rather didactic tomes you recommended a bit tough to get through. From there I went on to read stuff like Herodotus, Polybius, Xenophon and Caesar, as well as contemporary greats like Tuchman, Runciman, Campbell, Graves, etc. I also would say that you can't underestimate the learning potential that comes from reading historical novels, although some fact-checking may be useful with most of them.

[davidsigler]

I got into Ancient History duo to my freshman year of high school due to Mr. Cyrus and have never stopped. It is a great subject....

[RickClassico]

One popular history book I recently read was Eric Cline's 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed which was about the Bronze Age Collapse. I felt it was pretty good especially his unwillingness to assign the reason for the collapse to a single reason (The Sea Peoples) as some in his field tend to do. In his book he even said basically, "I know you all want a nice, neat conclusion to this story but sorry, you're not getting one because we don't know enough to make that call." Don't get that from popular history books very often. Also, I am getting the Penguin Deluxe Edition of Herodotus' The Histories based on your recommendation.

[elizabethmurphy]

Excellent resources! A great video giving us solid information. Very helpful!

[mtngrl]

Michael, great video! Years ago I took year of Ancient History in college and I remember the Professor claiming that Suetonius was fun to read but not big on facts, he said he was more like a gossip columnist!

[DebMcDonald]

Excellent video Michael! I read The Twelve Caesars and Herodotus last year and they were fabulous. Deb

[sgriffin]

History IS great and it’s not boring! That book on Iraq looks interesting. Might have to add it to my TBR!

[irinanka]

Great video and a fascinating topic!
Jennifer Brooks recently made a video about Nero and how he was probably not quite as bad as he is made out to be.
Greetings from the UK!

[LeeKempter]

Well, I have listened and made an entire list of 2 pages long that I do not have. I am off to see what I can find to purchase. This was absolutely excellent!! Would you ever consider doing a weekly or monthly deep dive into them? We can do a read a long so we are up with you and then sit back and enjoy. Thanks Michael and welcome back, I have missed you!

[annaspivak]

What a beautiful channel Michael! I got addicted!

[DDB]

Thanks for this. I have been looking into this topic and you've offered some great suggestions. Sadly, in Australia those textbooks will cost about $1 million. 😥😥

[petespensive]

Hi Michael, I'm delighted to have found your channel! I study archaeology so I found it fascinating to hear your thoughts on this. In the dichotomy between ancient history and archaeology (the texts vs the material stuff), my thoughts continually return to the fact that additions to the textual record are comparatively rare, whereas huge amounts are constantly added to our knowledge of the archaeological record. This usually results in books on archaeology going out of date far faster than books on history - indeed many scholarly archaeology books go out of date between being written and being printed! My studies have never led me to delve into the classical world that you cover in this video, so I will definitely make use of your recommendations here. Super video!

[BookZealots]

Yes! I agree, question everything. I've taught my son to do that and told him even when the information comes from me. It's interesting you should mention Caesar, as I was just gifted a biography on him. I also have SPQR. Purdy pictures are always a bonus. =)

[revenantreads]

Great recommendations! I’ve read a decent amount on those subjects but haven’t read those particular ones. I’ve also found some Oxford histories dry as well as presumptuous that I would be more familiar with the geography they speak of. I agree that supplemental readings are recommended.

Also, that’s quite a big edition of Suetonius! I didn’t know that Rome’s tabloid extraordinaire could be found in such a nice copy.

Lastly, I completely agree with how rewarding studying ancient history can be, especially if you get the chance to travel to those places. I honeymooned in Rome and it was a near transcendent experience.

[TheHistoryShelf]

Hi, Michael! I just discovered your channel, and I'm pleased as punch! I'm a history BookTuber and an all-around history nerd. Ancient history is one of my favorite topics. I have several of the books you highlighted, and I was particularly pleased to see Ancient Greece: A Political, Social, and Cultural History. I loved that book! I own the second edition. I may need to save up for the fourth. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself (I'm Peg), and I do hope you'll make more history videos in the future! In the meantime, I'll catch up on all that I've missed. Great video!

[tripp]

Wonderful video! I have the Oxford book on Egypt and you’re right - it’s very dry! But I’m going to check out the Rise & Fall by Toby Wilkinson.

[Manuel]

I know this was from a couple years ago but the atlas on Ancient Civilizations looks pretty interesting. I'll definitely check it out so thanks for the recommendation.

[woolybooger]

Wish I could click like more than once. Third time watching this particular video. Do you have a list of other historical videos that you have done?

[saintdonoghue]

This was great - so nice to see some textbook-love on BookTube!

[jamesfetcho]

I started with Rome as my 1st intrest. Like you said though , it brought up other cultures, and that had me looking into the rest. Loved this. Great Video. I found kind of like you said, I read one thing it, tells you one thing, read another, here you have another. Made me realize about a lot of things, they are not sure. Still I find it fascinating. Again Great Video. 👍