Dies Septimus: Studia, Legio XX, et THERMOPOLIUM NUGAEQUE!

Salvete omnes et welcome back! Your True Aediles have returned with another blog summarizing the 24 horae of 45 discipuli. Today, as usual, we started our schedule with lectures - Voces Feminarum, Quid Rides?, and Stylus Amicitiae.

In Voces Feminarum, Magistra Koshute introduced us to the poems of the Roman poetess Sulpicia! We translated two of her poems that pertained to her lover, Cerinthus.

In Quid Rides?, Magistris Primis McIntire taught us a new category of humor: turpitudo, which is roughly equal to “bullying.” Our classes also discussed societal aspects of humor and the underlying elitism towards knowing to understand jokes.

Finally, today’s topic in Stylus Amicitiae was the media of messaging - papyri and wax tablets. We discussed the emergence of papyri in Ancient Egypt and its eventual soar in popularity among Romans along with wax tablets. Magistra also gave us papyri and handmade wax tablets - maximas gratias Magistra Harrell!

Our first big activity of the afternoon was the special visit of Legio XX! They set up multiple hands-on stations for us students with various gears: two for military armor and one each for a grindstone with grain and stuffed animals (Romans’ pets). Everyone had the opportunity to experience Roman life for a brief moment. Maximas gratias, Legio XX!

Our first of two evening activities was the long-anticipated Thermopolium, where we had the chance to recreate Roman society while speaking Latin we practiced in Latina Loquenda. Our provinces, divided into rich, middle-class, and poor, were assigned spots for various activities. Thermopolium was perhaps the busiest activity yet, as we had music, a Pyramus and Thisbe puppet show, two gladiator fights, shops hustling to sell food and crafts, and a revolution against the rich that lasted for five minutes - all at once in lingua Latina! It was a unique experience allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the daily lives of the Romans.

The last (but definitely not the least-exciting) activity was Nugae, where we either participated in karaoke or board games. We sang songs such as Let It Go, Hotel California, Rasputin, You’ll Be Back, Demons, and Break Free in karaoke. During Nugae, we also received snacks and a hand-written letter as gifts from the Japanese Academy. Thank you so much Academia Iaponica, we hugely appreciate your presence!

As we close in on our first week of GLA, we would love to give a word of appreciation to all the students and staff at GLA for both your unwavering support and unmatched enthusiasm. The academy could not have been more exciting without you all.

GLA Out of Context:
“No, I think you’d be the emperor’s little boyfriend.”
“Lamby from Doc McStuffins is cute.”
“Amo rubrum quattuorginti.”

Arleigh’s Fanta Furies:
Dies Sextus: 4
Dies Septimus: 5
Total: 31

Iocus Diei:
“Are you the third principle part? ‘Cause you’re perfect.”
Today’s joke submitted by Philip.

Valete,
Ciara and Philip (Your True Aediles)