The Decisive Battles of World History

By: The Great Courses, Gregory S. Aldrete

Narrated by: Gregory S. Aldrete

Throughout history, military engagements have altered the course of historical events, causing major changes both on a global scale (the battles of Yarmouk & al-Qadisiyyah in 636 determined the religious/linguistic orientation of the Middle East that persists today) as well as within individual cultures (the 1836 battle of San Jacinto gave the United States nearly one-third of its continental territory). For these reasons and more, the study of pivotal battles is a highly useful analytical tool and an important component for understanding world history.

In these 36 dynamic lectures, Professor Aldrete leads you in discovering the military conflicts that have had the greatest impact in shifting the direction of events and defining our world. Across 4,000 years of history, you'll explore nearly 40 key military engagements, from the milestone battles of Western civilization to their counterparts in the Middle East, India, and Asia.

Through his dramatic and evocative descriptions, using special maps and animations, Professor Aldrete brings the events vividly alive, taking you through the moment-by-moment unfolding of each battle. Throughout the lectures, he uncovers fascinating background material that highlights the drama, poignancy, and scope of the experience of war. This engrossing course provides unique insights into world civilizations by revealing the profound impact of military battles in human history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Great Courses; 2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

must listen if you are a history buff

well done! very enjoyable and educational. it's amazing how very small decisions at critical times can have massive lasting impacts on societies. so much to learn here. highly recommended!

Best course ever.

This course was so exciting for the mind and I can't wait to hear some more

Best Great Courses I've heard so far!

I've spent the last year and a half chewing through 20 or so of The Great Courses' history lectures, and this is hands down the best one I've heard this far.

The narration is great, especially with the inclusion of the occasional humorous or random fact. The reasoning is sound, with the professor explaining why he included each battle as opposed to others. But finally, the stories with which he presents each case are absolutely riveting. I found myself audibly exclaiming "wow!" or "Oh no!" at several points during his lectures. The twists and turns are presented in such an engaging and captivating way.

I'm definitely recommending this one to my friends who are generally turned off by the dryness of most history lectures. This one may not be quite as in-depth as some others, but it really makes history fun.

Great listen for anyone into military history

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because although I knew about most of the battles discussed, the specific details about all the factors affecting the outcome was extremely informative.

What did you like best about this story?

The analysis of each battle and explanation of why it was so historically decisive gives a unique insight.

Any additional comments?

Great listen, feels like a history lecture from a professor that is entertaining, extremely informed, and able to be paused at your convenience.

Fascinating introduction to military history

To me, a newbie, the lectures were like new bedtime stories to a child... could not wait for the next one...

Informative, accurate, and entertaining

TGC hits another home run. It is a listen well-worth the time for any history nerd. Never disappoints. Would definitely recommend this book. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Excellent high level review of military history

Any additional comments?

Each battle is reviewed in about 30 minutes. I have read military history my whole life and he covered several battles I haven’t read anything about. Battles that you have read heavily on you may be frustrated about some details the author had to leave out due to the time limitations. But overall an excellent review. The author covers a lot of history around each battle giving you a good overall history.

Excellent

Superb. Provocative history and compelling narrative. Moves seamlessly between small scale battlefield vignettes and large scale analysis of a battle's global implications.

Exciting and engaging course

Outstanding lectures with compelling, enthusiastic narration and an excellent survey of historical battles and military tactics.

Worth the Time.

This was free and in retrospect I would have paid for it. Very interesting perspective, the lectures keep your attention. Thought provoking if you study military history.