"History of the Ancient World: A Global Perspective" Prof Gregory S. Aldrete (48 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture /  8x DVD - The Great Courses)
Taught by Professor Gregory S. Aldrete,  History of the Ancient World: A Global Perspective presents a sweeping, multidisciplinary survey of human history that spans from the earliest civilizations to the transformative events of the 9th century A.D. Unlike traditional courses that focus solely on Mediterranean powers like Greece and Rome, this lecture takes a comparative approach, exploring the greatest empires of Asia and the Americas alongside Western ones. Examining civilizations such as the Maya, Persia, India, and China, analyzing how they flourished in context with one another and established the cultural, religious, and legal foundations of the modern world.
 
Beyond dates and battles, the course dives deep into the daily lives, art, and philosophies of these societies to show how they continue to influence our present. Professor Aldrete guides you through the evolution of diverse religions, the practicalities of ancient warfare, and the expression of power through monumental architecture. It even addresses the challenges modern archaeologists face when interpreting physical evidence without written records, such as in the case of the lost Indus Valley civilization. Ultimately, the course aims to provide a "bequest from the ancient world," giving you a nuanced historical base to better understand global interactions today.