By, Mr. Alex Turock, Upper School Latin Teacher

 

There is Latin all around us if you just take a look.
Here are three places that Mr. Turock suggests can help extend your Latin learning.

 

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

5^th Graders at Wyndcroft take a field trip to the Egyptian rooms of this museum, but did you know there are also rooms full of wonders from the Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman civilizations as well? Spend some time here to see items discovered around Rome and even Pompeii (the focus of our sixth grade year in Latin). These items include lamps, jewelry, pottery, art, and much more from the ancient world. You can even get ideas for a future Latin Day project!

 

Longwood Gardens

Aside from taking in the beautiful sights of the gardens, take an opportunity to put your Latin vocabulary to the test. Each species of plant is labeled with its Linnaean name (the scientific Latin name consisting of genus and species). Can you recognize the roots (pun intended) of all of those Latin words?

 

Grand Monument to General Washington in Valley Forge Park

Spend a day hanging out in Valley Forge Park, taking a hike, having a picnic, and most importantly stopping to admire the memorial arch celebrating General Washington. The triumphal arch is a common staple of Roman architecture. In Rome there are arches all over the city  dedicated to emperors and important military figures. The concept of the triumphal arch spread out from Rome to Paris and eventually America. This monument to General Washington is right in our backyard and is a great local spot to get a little view of Rome (stop for some charcuterie, pizza, or gelato for your picnic and you can get a taste of Rome too).