St Mary's Calne
Our Fifth and Sixth Form Classicists enjoyed an adventurous three-day trip exploring the fascinating sites of Ancient Rome. Here, Minty and Lara report on their experience:
Over Exeat, the Fifth and Sixth Form Classicists had a fantastic time in Rome. After a very early flight, we had a jam-packed first day starting with a visit to the Baths of Diocletian, which was one of the largest bathhouses in Rome. The size of the complex and the vast range of artefacts that were preserved amazed us. Then we wandered through Rome, making our way to the Pantheon. On our route we stopped to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and all made a wish. The Pantheon itself was perfectly preserved, its interior with many columns, statues and a circular skylight at the summit of the dome were beautiful. In the evening, we had some free time to enjoy the Piazza Navona with an opportunity for shopping and a chance to experience our first Italian gelato. On the way back from a delicious supper, we were able to see the Spanish Steps all lit up with pretty lights.
On our second day, we headed just outside the city escaping the crowds to Hadrian’s Villa where we had some time to explore the historical site. The incredible architecture that still stood gave us an idea of the scale of the Roman Emperor’s country home, which comprised of a Greek theatre and three different bathing areas. Next was Villa d’Este, which was a grand Renaissance palace with spectacular artwork and gardens, containing many water features and a beautiful view. After refuelling with some lasagna, we visited the Vatican Museum. Its overwhelming art collection was unforgettable, a highlight was the statue called 'Death of Laocoon and His Sons' which many of us studied in our classical civilisation lessons. Towards the end of the museum visit, we found ourselves in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, which was an excellent way to round off our excursion. That evening, after pizza, we watched 'Gladiator' in a private cinema which was life-changing for many who hadn’t watched it before and perfect preparation for the Colosseum the next day.
Day three started with us adventuring to the centre of Ancient Rome, where we received a guided tour. First, we went inside the Colosseum and learnt all about the gladiatorial games that took place there, and that watching these games was part of their school curriculum. It was also fascinating to learn about the other uses of the Colosseum, after gladiator fighting was banned, such as a marketplace and more recently parking for buses! On the Palatine Hill, we ventured through the Villa of Augustus and Livia and reached an amazing view of the Roman Forum, which we then explored seeing the site of Julius Caesar’s murder, the Temple of Vesta and the Villa of the Vestal Virgins. On the way back, we stopped off at the Circus Maximus, where chariot racing took place on a vast scale. We ended the day with a fun quiz and games, including dressing up in anything relating to Classics; congratulations go to Tara for her winning Cerberus costume!
On the final day, on the way to the airport, we visited Ostia, which was an ancient port of Rome and often referred to as ‘mini-Pompeii’. It was incredible to wander through the streets of this Roman city and to see its actual layout and size. To end the trip, we reconvened in the Greek theatre and practised our Italian by singing ‘Bella Ciao’ led by Ms Alberelli.
All in all, it was a fantastic trip, not only fun but extremely educational.
Minty and Lara - UVI Heads of Classics and Latin