Amanda H. Podany is a treasure. I have never read or listened to anyone quite as knowledgeable or enthused about ancient near eastern history as she is. I watched her lecture series on ancient Mesopotamia and learned so much, so naturally I had to read her newest book.

The title did not disappoint. I felt like it was getting a glimpse of real life thousands of years ago in the ancient cities of Ur, Uruk, and Nineveh. She covers the broad strokes of political life in the region but as the title promises, the lives of ordinary people are front and center as well. Ancient people, it turns out, were more similar to us than they were different. They worried about money, health, the safety of their loved ones, they planned for the future and enjoyed life when they could, drinking beer with friends or travelling to see family.

This book is the best kind of history book, one that informs, entertains, and shows you something you thought you knew all about from a fresh perspective.