Month: May 2011

Latin at Waterloo Collegiate Institute Threatened!

~ David Meadows ~ rogueclassicist ~ 1 Comment

Long-time readers of rogueclassicism will know that one of my ongoing bugbears is the sorry state of Classical knowledge up here in the Great White North and the lack of general recognition of the value of such basic things as Latin. And so, it was with great dismay when Anna Norris brought to my attention the fact that a Latin program down the highway from me was facing cuts … here’s the incipit of an online petition for same:

On April 21, various grade 10 and 11 students at Waterloo Collegiate Institute were called down to the guidance office. They were dismayed to find that the Grade 11/12 Latin class for the 2011-2012 school year was cancelled due to the ‘small’ number of people signed up (15). The class has run with numbers like this before.

WCI is one of two schools in the Waterloo region to have a Latin Program. Next year, it will be the only school. What the students would love to do is continue to learn this language, and learn more about the fascinating culture and history that has greatly influenced modern society. However, their opportunity to do this has been jeopardized. The WCI Latin students are a passionate group of people that love the course. They want to continue their education in Latin.

… I’m sure these budding Latinists and Classicists could use some support from the Classics community at large; here’s where you can sign the petition:

[note that the particular petition site these folks are using asks for a donation; you do NOT have to donate for your signature to be recorded, as far as I can tell]

This Day in Ancient History: ante diem iv idus maias

~ David Meadows ~ rogueclassicist ~ Leave a comment
Remains of Forum of Augustus with the Temple o...
Image via Wikipedia

ante diem iv idus maias

Temple of Demeter from Russia

~ David Meadows ~ rogueclassicist ~ Leave a comment

Interesting item from Greek Reporter:

What is considered to be a unique discovery has been made in Taman, South Russia, at the Black Sea. The ruins of an ancient Greek city, dated around the 6th century BC, came to light. Archeologists are stunned both by the number of the findings and the condition they were found in.

The excavations are proceeding with extreme caution, in order to avoid damaging the city’s ancient fortress. According to historians, it is assumed that the ruins are the temple of Dimitra, the ancient goddess of fertility and agriculture, while they were able to determine the very spot of the altar. But, the number of the findings induce them to believe that a whole city has been found.

The conditions of the excavations are being extremely difficult due to how remote the place is, the lack of running water, the very cold weather ( up to -25 C during the night ). Another difficulty is the lack of money, which for the moments is being aided with the help of volunteers who are paying 13 euros a day each to participate.

via Ancient Greek City Uncovered in Russia | Greek Reporter Europe.

This (Russian) news report accompanies the original article … it clearly shows the foundations of a temple (Demeter/Dimitra):

I can’t be positive, of course, but ancient Hermonassa seems to be a likely candidate for this one …