Academy students had an exciting past two days, and they learned topics ranging from Alexander the Great to Roman board games. Dr. John Hyland gave an enthralling presentation, leading students step-by-step through Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia. On Wednesday night, students watched
Iphigenia and studied the cinematic techniques the director used in order to convey the emotions behind the story and Greek culture. Head RA Tory also spoke about Roman architecture's effect on the state capitol in Richmond, and the group visited this building on Thursday. On the tour, students learned from tour supervisor Mark Greenough about the Virginia flag's other seal, the nation's most realistic statue of George Washington; they even got to visit the House chamber! After the captivating tour and an impromptu performance of the national anthem by the boys' chorus, the
discipuli stopped by Maymont Park to participate in a scavenger hunt and have a picnic lunch in the beautiful (hot) summer weather. Burning from the heat, students stopped for a sweet gelato treat at DeLuca gelato on the way back to campus. Later that evening, RA James Secundus taught everyone about Roman board games and their social context. Following the presentation, students made their own
ludi duodecim scriptorum, and they will be playing their new games tonight at the first
nugae (social events).
Quotes of the past two days:
"Latin Academy: the school of lack of sleep." - Aleida
"'Acting is reacting.' So even if someone else [on stage] messes up, you have to act like he/she didn't." - Grace C.
"Nobis cognoscendum est." - Katie
"We're learning something that teachers want to teach us...and are passionate about." - Caroline
