education — Blog — Seven Hills Online Classical

The recent excavation of a thermopolium at Pompeii has revealed new insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient city. A thermopolium was essentially an ancient Roman fast food restaurant, where customers could purchase food and drink from a counter. This particular thermopolium (one of likely over 100!) was discovered in 2019, but excavation work has continued, revealing new details about the business and its customers.

The thermopolium is located in the Regio V section of Pompeii, which was only recently opened to the public after decades of restoration work. The area was buried by volcanic ash and pumice in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, preserving much of the city's architecture and artifacts.

The excavation has uncovered several frescoes that depict the types of food and drink that were sold at the thermopolium. The frescoes show various animals, including chickens, ducks, and pigs, as well as a variety of fish and seafood. There are also depictions of fruits, nuts, and wine jugs, suggesting that the thermopolium offered a wide range of options to its customers.

One of the most exciting discoveries was a decorated lararium, or household shrine, which was located in a small room adjacent to the counter. The lararium would have been used to worship the household gods and to ask for their protection. This finding is significant because it suggests that the owners of the thermopolium may have been wealthier than previously thought.

Another interesting feature of the thermopolium is the presence of serving holes, which would have allowed customers to access the food and drink on offer. These holes were covered with a type of volcanic rock that would have helped to keep the food warm. Food discovered by archaeozoologists (amazing job title, right!?) in one amphora was a stew consisting of fish, sheep, and snails! Also discovered was evidence of wine lightened in color with fava bean powder.

The excavation has also revealed evidence of the people who frequented the thermopolium. The remains of a dog were found in the same room as the lararium, suggesting that the owners may have had a pet. Additionally, the bones of a man and a woman were discovered nearby, leading to speculation that they may have been customers or employees of the thermopolium.

The ongoing excavation work at Pompeii continues to reveal new insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient city. The discovery of this thermopolium has shed light on the types of food and drink that were available to ordinary people, as well as the religious practices of the city's inhabitants. As excavation work continues, it is likely that further discoveries will be made, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Rome.

Images of the wonderful and vivid frescoes can be seen at Atlas Obscura.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of homeschool students learning Latin. The language of the ancient Romans has been used for centuries as the language of scholarship, law, and science. In this blog post, we will explore why homeschool students are learning Latin and the benefits of studying this ancient language.

Why are homeschool students learning Latin?

Homeschool students are learning Latin for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of the English language. Many English words are derived from Latin, and learning Latin can help students to expand their vocabulary and improve their writing and communication skills. The same students often study Romance languages such as Spanish or French, in which the grammatical understanding as well as vocabulary gained from studying Latin is of great help.

As Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, it had a significant impact on the development of Western culture. By studying Latin, homeschool students can gain insights into the history, literature, and art of the ancient world. A full understanding of the ancient world and the roots of western culture must always include the diversity represented in the ancient world. Many voices and histories have been overlooked in classical education, and it is a priority of Seven Hills Online Classical to present a more holistic picture of the ancient world and all of its diversity.

Many homeschool students come to Latin with an avid interest in ancient mythology. They have learned about the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome and seek to read some of the original texts. Latin is sometimes called a “dead language,” but the language is very much alive in the creative writings of students and their continued interest in the subject. This creativity and “play” approach to Classical Studies is one element of what we seek to present at Seven Hills Online Classical.

Finally, some homeschool students are learning Latin as a way to prepare for college. Many colleges and universities require students to take at least one year of a foreign language, and Latin is often a popular choice because it can help students to build a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills. I personally can attest to learning English grammar via Latin, and feel that learning the art of translation has helped my writing in English.

Learning Latin can be a valuable experience for homeschool students. Whether it is to improve language skills, gain cultural context, explore ancient mythology and literature, or prepare for college, the benefits of studying Latin are numerous. As the popularity of homeschooling continues to grow, it is likely that more and more students will choose to learn this ancient language.