Therefore, I'm reading ancient history

[Smiley]

Today I received a message from Arlina in response to my view on "Middlesex", then, I just came across this interesting group.

I was sorry I didn't take history as my major during my college years. However, a few years ago I decided to read as many titles in ancient history in the West as possible. This resolution includes my search/reading those English (and Thai)texts on South-East Asia since Thailand (formerly called Siam) is my motherland. Thus, I need to know more on our great & formidable ancestors so that I can do the right things for my children, students, friends, etc. within my intellect and determination.

This morning I posted this on my Facebook webpage: I'm getting older, therefore, I'm reading ancient history.
What do you think?

[Ron]

By all means read ancient history--all of us should study history--but don't major in it . . . unless you like teaching school or flipping burgers. (Not that either of those are bad, but . . . )

[Mir]

I love ancient history, but I gotta admit that Medieval History degree hasn't done too much for me employmentwise.

[Smiley]

Thanks, Miriam and Ron, for your messages.
One query: Would someone out there please recommend me some classic, authoritative texts on ancient South-East Asia and Siam?
I now have one, that is, "A History of South-East Asia" by Prof. D.G.E. Hall. Thanks.

[Mir]

I've been looking through back issues of the American Historical Association's Review of Books for something on this topic without success. Almost everything published on Asia is on China or Japan (occasionally Viet Nam) and almost always 17th century and after.

Oddly, the AHA seems to maintain the old conception of "Ancient" as pertaining only to the Greco-Roman world and Egypt.

[Smiley]

Thanks, Miriam, for your information. I suspect this might have been taken for granted centuries ago, therefore, we should learn something from reading on Orientalism.

Archaeologically speaking, how old is Ancient History according to academic research/agreement? And what institutions have long been regarded as those pioneering researchers in the field?

[Smiley]

You're welcome and it's of course my delight to see you join our community. Let's enjoy reading all history-related books or some of those formidable texts till the end of time. Keep us informed, thanks.