Waltham Forest

Classical Studies "Classics"

We don't always restrict our interests to Greece and Rome alone: we sometimes cover other ancient civilizations too. No-one is an 'expert'. We pool any information or experience we do have and no previous knowledge of classics or ancient history is required. The way we study depends on the topic we choose. Individual research agreed in advance is a common tactic, with each person then doing a very short informal presentation of what they've found out. We also read out loud of course or, very occasionally, watch a DVD together. We talk a lot as well as learning a good deal and we eat quite a few biscuits. The decisions about what to research are made democratically (naturally) though with Jane quite willing to exercise the odd spot of tyranny if necessary.

We started over 10 years ago by reading Homer’s Iliad (in English of course) which took us over two years but proved to be an excellent foundation for much else. It was followed by various aspects of Greek Myths and some of the central characters within them. One afternoon was enjoyably spent 'messing around' with the Ancient Greek alphabet. Another similar one was later devoted to hieroglyphics. A couple of meetings have been trips to exhibitions at the British Museum.

After a few months with the Vikings we moved on to a year with the Ancient Egyptians and then a brief canter around the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This was followed by Alexander the Great and then a few selected Roman Emperors. We had been studying Ancient China for a year before a suspension due to family illness and then COVID-19. After that the usual periodic interest survey identified as top priorities: Pompeii & Herculaneum, the Odyssey (which we recently completed), Ancient Britain (which we're doing now), reading a Greek play, studying Virgil's Aeneid, and looking at some Greek & Roman philosophers. Enough to keep us going for another 5 years.

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More Group Pages
Asian Dining Birdwatching
Book Group Book Group 2
Chess Classical Studies "Classics"
Enjoying Classical Music Epping Forest Walks
Film Club Freedom Pass Wanderers
Gardening Group Geography of Great Britain
Knit and Natter Mahjong
Midweek Country Pub Lunch Needlework
Origami Play Reading
Poetry Reading Remarkable Women 1
Remarkable Women 2 Rummikub 3
Shakespeare Singing for Fun 1
Singing for Fun 2 Sketching Outdoors
Speed Scrabble Table Tennis
Theatre Outings Upwords
Walking Cricket