Following Rudens rehearsal and otium (free time) on the second, students listened to an enthralling speech on the representation of Marcus Aurelius in film from the esteemed Dr. Martin Winkler, an author and professor of Classics at George Mason University. Dr Winkler especially praised the 1964 epic Fall of the Roman Empire which the students began watching later that night.
On Thursday breakfast was followed by play practice before a presentation on ancient Roman coins by Dr. Liane Houghtalin, a Classical Archaeologist from the University of Mary Washington. Students had the opportunity to examine currency over a thousand years old through a hands-on activity within their ordines. That afternoon discipuli et discipulae had optiones discendi (elective classes) on topics ranging from Celts to Middle Egyptian hieroglyphs. After dinner, they ened their evening by finishing The Fall of the Roman Empire and continuing to work on their mosaics.
Friday morning, to celebrate the fourth of Julius, students paraded through downtown Ashland in their togas, raising spirits with Latin chants and festive signs. Four students took turns pulling the mayor of Ashland, George Spagna, in the Academy's very own chariot. Afterwards students were given time to explore a patriotic outdoor fair. Students then returned to Randolph Macon for lunch and play rehearsal. Dinner was followed by the praetor orchestrated Festus Iuvenalis.
Quotes of the day:
"Don't rush me; I'm a delicate creature!" Yonsei
"You don't need a vacation because this is a vacation!" Dr. Casey on Middle Egyptian
