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.

Is Specialization a Myth?

In modern society, we are often led to believe that specialization in education is the key to success. We are encouraged to choose a career path early on, study a specific subject, and become an expert in that field. However, there is some evidence that the pursuit of early specialization is counterproductive. One interpretation is that early specialization can be detrimental to our personal and professional growth.

An article in The Correspondent by Michiel de Hoog titled "Why hard work and specializing early is not a recipe for success" sheds light on this issue. Bregman argues that the idea of specialization is a product of the industrial era when workers were needed to perform specific tasks in factories. However, in today's rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and learn new skills is more important than ever.

One of the main problems with early specialization is that it can limit our potential. When we focus on one subject or skill set, we become narrow-minded and miss out on opportunities to explore other areas of interest. This can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation, which are critical for success in today's world.

Moreover, de Hoog argues that early specialization can lead to burnout and disillusionment. When we spend all our time and energy on one subject or skill, we can become bored and lose motivation. This can lead to a lack of enthusiasm for our work, which can ultimately impact our success and happiness.

Another problem with early specialization is that it can be limiting in terms of career options. In today's world, many jobs require a broad range of skills and knowledge, and employers are looking for candidates who can adapt to changing circumstances. By specializing too early, we may be closing ourselves off from opportunities that require a more diverse skill set. Link to article about specialization.

Why Homeschool?

As a teacher of homeschool students, I often get asked about my thoughts on this educational path from families considering homeschooling as well as parents of students in traditional schools. Simply put, I believe that homeschooling has the potential to foster a lifetime love of learning in ways that traditional schooling may not.

One of the reasons why homeschooling is highly effective at promoting a love of learning is that it allows children to explore their interests and passions in a way that's often impossible in a traditional classroom setting. By enabling your child to pursue the subjects they find most fascinating, they are more likely to become deeply engaged with the material and develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Moreover, homeschooling provides children with a level of flexibility that's not easily achievable in a traditional school. Whether it's the ability to learn at their own pace, travel with family to places studied, take breaks when needed, or delve into a particular subject without the constraints of a rigid curriculum, homeschooling can be tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each child.

However, homeschooling can be challenging. Parents may find it tough to balance teaching and arranging classes with other responsibilities, and finding the right resources and support systems to help their child thrive can be a daunting task.

Despite these challenges, I strongly believe that homeschooling is one of the best ways to encourage a lifelong love of learning in your child. By providing a personalized education that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a deep appreciation for knowledge, homeschooling equips children with the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in school and beyond.

With the right resources, support, and commitment, homeschooling can offer your child a rich, rewarding educational experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Ancient Snack Bar in Pompeii

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.

Why Homeschool Students are Learning Latin

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.