The Classics Department recently took Second Year students of Latin to visit the Roman Baths, to enhance their classroom learning through hands-on experience.
Bath, or Aquae Sulis as the ancient Romans called it, was a key town in ancient Roman Britain. Students have recently been learning about the cultural significance of the baths complex as a place of leisure and religion and were able to explore the very well-preserved ancient baths complex, visit the museum and participate in an educational session where their knowledge of Latin was put to the test!
They were challenged to read a variety of Latin inscriptions found at the baths, handle real Roman artefacts and also see real life examples of curses which were found at the baths. This links directly to their previous defixio (curse tablet) project.
Second Year Dylan said, “I really enjoyed the Bath trip as it brought Latin to life as we saw Roman artefacts. It was amazing to see what we had been learning about as well which were curse tablets. The museum and artefacts were very well kept considering the 2000 years of their existence. First, we went round the museum and saw lots of artefacts and the baths themselves and then after we had a workshop talking to an expert which was cool. We learnt about the different rooms in the baths and saw what Romans would’ve worn in each. It was a really fun day even with the long coach trip and I would recommend it for anyone who hasn’t been.”
Ms Van Dal, Head of Classics, said, “There’s something really special about seeing students make the connection between the ancient world and their own learning. Standing where Romans once stood, reading inscriptions they left behind, and holding real artefacts—it brings Latin out of the textbook and into vivid reality. It’s wonderful to see our students so engaged and curious.”
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