Ancient Trove of 2000-Year-Old Gemstones Found at the Site of a Roman Bathhouse in England

One of the main objectives of classical education is about learning from the past to understand the present. That's why we were thrilled to hear about the recent discovery of lost gems over 2,000 years old found at a Roman bath complex in England. This exciting discovery provides a window into the world of ancient Rome and showcases the remarkable skills and craftsmanship of the time.

The Roman baths were a central part of ancient Roman culture. They were not just places for hygiene, but also served as social and cultural centers. As such, the baths were decorated with intricate and beautiful mosaics and sculptures. Bathers in the case of the bathhouse in ancient Britain wore rings with sealing stones into the baths. The stones in their rings were usually made of precious stones and semi-precious stones and were often used to adorn jewelry.

The recently discovered gems were found in a vaulted area of the baths, hidden under layers of sediment and debris. The gems were originally part of a larger piece of jewelry and are engraved with images of animals, including lions, panthers, and bulls, as well as mythological figures such as Cupid and Medusa.

The discovery of these gems is a reminder of the remarkable artistic and technological achievements of ancient Rome. It also provides an opportunity for students of classical education to learn about the history and culture of ancient Rome. This can be an exciting and engaging way to learn about ancient history, art, and craftsmanship. We might ask why there were so many stones in one location. Did the ancient Romans realize that there was a chance they would lose the stones from their rings, and if so, why did they wear them into the baths?

When we encourage homeschool students to explore ancient history and culture, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the world around them and a curiosity about the connections between the past and present. The discovery of these lost gems in the Roman baths is a fascinating glimpse into the world of ancient Rome. What does it have to do with the present? When was the last time you dropped a valuable item in water?

To learn more about the recent discovery and to see beautiful color images of the stones, here is a link to an article in Smithsonian Magazine.

Self-Directed Learning

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on self-directed learning in the homeschool community as an alternative to traditional education models. Self-directed learning, also known as self-directed education, is an approach to education that emphasizes the importance of allowing children to take control of their own learning process. As an educator, I believe that self-directed learning can offer a wealth of benefits for children, both academically and personally.

One of the most significant benefits of self-directed learning is that it allows children to take ownership of their own education. Instead of being dictated to by a curriculum or a teacher, children are able to pursue their own interests and passions, and to learn at their own pace. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings, as it allows them to customize their learning experience to fit their unique needs and learning style. When teaching Latin class, I try to keep an idea of our trajectory while also leaving space to follow the interests of individual students. Sometimes an interesting student question can lead us on a multiple class discovery process of the nuances of ancient Roman history or culture, for example.

In addition to promoting academic success, self-directed learning can also help children to develop a range of valuable life skills. For example, when children are given the freedom to pursue their own interests, they are often more motivated to learn and to take initiative. This can help them to develop a sense of independence and self-confidence, as well as skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management. I believe that cultivating the intrinsic motivation of students is the primary goal of educators.

Another key benefit of self-directed learning is that it fosters creativity and innovation. When children are encouraged to think outside the box and to explore their own interests, they are more likely to develop new and innovative ideas.

Of course, it is important to note that self-directed learning is not without its challenges. Children who are accustomed to traditional classroom settings may struggle initially with the freedom and responsibility that comes with self-directed learning. However, with support and guidance from parents and educators, most children are able to adapt to this new approach and to thrive academically and personally.

Ancient Mythology Inspires Homeschool Students to Learn Latin and Greek

I have observed a trend: students interested in ancient Roman and Greek mythology develop a fascination with these civilizations' culture and mythology and seek opportunities to learn more. Often, this interest prompts them to study Latin and Greek.

Gods, Goddesses, Monsters, ancient customs, and ancient travel. All inspire a desire to understand the original mythological texts and sources. These myths reference gods, heroes, and historical figures from antiquity. By delving into these stories, students realize that myths are not merely entertainment but also gateways to the ancient world's culture, history, and language.

Furthermore, studying Latin and Greek offers a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which the myths originated. By reading original ancient texts, students gain nuanced insights into language, literature, and philosophy. They also gain a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that has shaped Western civilization.

In addition, studying Latin and Greek develops crucial language skills. Learning a new language demands precision and attention to detail, which are essential not only for language study but also other academic pursuits.

Finally, studying Latin and Greek offers homeschool students a unique intellectual challenge. Acquiring ancient language skills requires mastering vocabulary acquisition, grammar, syntax, and translation. These skills offer intellectual stimulation and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when mastered.

Diversity in the Classics

The field of Classical Studies has long experienced a lack of diversity and inclusion. The results of this are often an inaccurate picture of what life was actually like in the ancient world.  

Why is diversity important in Classical Studies?

Diversity is important in any field of study because it brings different perspectives and experiences. In Classical Studies, diversity is especially crucial because the field has been traditionally dominated by white, male scholars who have focused on the writings and achievements of other white, male scholars. This narrow focus has resulted in the exclusion of many voices and perspectives, including those of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from non-Western cultures.

By promoting diversity in Classical Studies, we can bring attention to the contributions of individuals who have been historically marginalized, and we can expand our understanding of the ancient world. This can lead to new insights and interpretations of texts and artifacts, as well as a more inclusive and accurate representation of the past.

Many organizations and individuals are working to promote diversity in Classical Studies. Here are a few examples:

The Society for Classical Studies (SCS) has established a Task Force on Race and Ethnicity to address issues of diversity and inclusivity in the field. The Task Force has recommended a number of initiatives, including diversifying the curriculum, increasing the representation of scholars from underrepresented groups in leadership positions, and promoting mentoring programs for students from underrepresented groups.

The Multiculturalism, Race & Ethnicity in Classics Consortium (MRECC) is a grassroots organization that aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in Classical Studies. MRECC sponsors conferences, workshops, and other events that highlight the contributions of scholars from underrepresented groups and foster a more inclusive environment in the field.

Many individual scholars are also working to promote diversity in Classical Studies by incorporating perspectives from underrepresented groups in their research and teaching. For example, some scholars are studying the contributions of women and people of color in the ancient world, while others are exploring how ancient texts and artifacts have been used to support systems of oppression.

Conclusion

Diversity is crucial for promoting a much more accurate understanding of the ancient world. By expanding our focus beyond the writings and achievements of white, male scholars, we can bring attention to the contributions of individuals who have been historically marginalized and gain new insights into the past. Many organizations and individuals are working to promote diversity in Classical Studies, and it is important that we continue to support these efforts.