Classics events bridge the gap between the ancient world and today
Dawsyn Wilson - Editor in Chief
On Halloween evening, the Classics Department hosted a Cider with Classics. Participants learned about curse tablets and amulets, and the Greco-Roman equivalent of cursed dolls. Logan Serpette, a junior classics and computer science major, introduced these traditions before creating their own.
“It’s a very laidback environment, and it’s always a good time. It’s only an hour of your day, and I never regret having spent time there,” said Lynn Rech, a senior classics major.
With the provided materials, eventgoers made dolls, wrote out curses on wax tablets, and made friendship bracelets with Latin or Greek curses as they enjoyed a cup of cold cider.
Participants, (Left to Right) Aria Thorsen and Cupid Wilson, writing on wax tablets. Photo by Dawsyn Wilson.
“Cider events are held a few times a year for various holidays to explore the ancient origins of the holiday, or themes of a holiday we see in the ancient world,” said Serpette. All are welcome to these ciders, and they are great opportunities to learn more about the classical world outside of the classroom. “How many people can say they have written in a wax tablet like ancient people used to, or written curses in Latin?”
There’s more to the department than many think. “We are not just languages, mythology, and the Iliad and Odyssey,” said Serpette. The classical world still has influence today. Rech said: “I think that people outside of Classics---be it through the department or otherwise---don’t realize how many things have managed to stay the same or get direct influence from the Classical world.”
Logan Serpette presenting on curse tablets and amulets, and the Greco-Roman equivalent of voodoo dolls. Photo by Dawsyn Wilson
“It’s really important and eye-opening for people to learn about the ancient world and how these people really lived, not only to see how different they were to us, but how similar,” said Rech.
A cursed doll created by a participant. Photo by Dawsyn Wilson.