24_25_Pluma_Fall Issue

The PLUMA

CONNECTING STUDENTS THROUGH CLASSICS

ISSUE NO.01

FALL 2024

PLUMA CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NYLA BLITZ

EMMANUELLE KRAMER

NOELLA CARLO HAZEL CHABALLA ARLO DALGARNO-PLATT COLE DOOLING

MANAGING EDITOR VIOLET GORMAN

BRIAN LESTER EMELYN RUDALAVAGE KYRAN TALATY ISABELLE XIE

CONTENT DIRECTORS SABRINA BAUER NYLA BLITZ

ART DIRECTION JULIAN KRAMER

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARLO DALGARNO-PLATT

EDITORIAL BOARD MARY JANE KOONS TRACI DOUGHERTY SABRINA BAUER NYLA BLITZ VIOLET GORMAN EMMANUELLE KRAMER

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FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Please enjoy our Fall 2024 edition of the PLUMA! This issue explores various elements of the ancient world, allowing you to experience chariot racing, astrology, and ancient humor from our incredible student contributors.

Dive into the world of Roman markets, and experience old trade. Learn about ancient astrology, and see how signs influenced the decisions of many individuals. See how the Roman baths became a hangout spot for ancient Roman social lives. And for those interested in F1 racing, take a look at the comparison of racing then and now. You’re be surprised tolearn about the interesting mechanics there.

As you experience the wonderful aspects about ancient Rome, I hope you find inspiration in learning about new history. I hope this issue sparks your curiosity and encourages you to pursue a love for learning and of course Latin!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 12

HUMOR AND LIFESTYLE

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Dive into a fun-filled section with comics, polls, artwork, certamina, games and more.

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THE SHAPING OF ASTROLOGY

Uncover the comedic parallels between ancient Roman jokes and today’s memes.

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Explore how the stars influenced ancient societies and modern beliefs.

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ROMAN RING FOUND Discover how a small artifact unveils the vast expanse of Roman influence.

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HOW THE ROMANS LAUGHED

NASCAR VS CHARIOTS Reflect on the enduring appeal and evolution of racing sports.

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BATHING IN ROME Dive into the luxurious and social world of ancient Roman baths.

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CLUB UPDATES FALL HIGHLIGHTS Emelyn Rudelavage, Co-VP

Dates: September–November 2024 Location: Upper Dublin High School

Students enjoy the Ice Cream Social, kicking off the year with sweet treats and big plans!

Latin Club members show off their creativity at the Pumpkin Painting Party.

Upper Dublin’s Certamen team celebrates their success at Fall Fest 2024.

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The Upper Dublin Latin Club has had an exciting and eventful fall semester, packed with activities that brought students together in celebration of classical studies and community spirit.

September Highlights: The year kicked off at the Upper Dublin High School with the Club Fair, where new and returning students were introduced to the vibrant opportunities within the Latin Club.

The enthusiasm and turnout set a positive tone for the semester. Later in the month, the Ice Cream Social brought together high school and middle school students, fostering connections while sharing plans for the year ahead over delicious scoops of ice cream.

October Festivities: October was full of creativity and camaraderie. During our Pumpkin Painting Party, members showcased their artistic talents with stunning designs. Later in the month, the club hosted the much-anticipated Fall Fest event, bringing together multiple Latin Clubs from across the region.

Highlights included thrilling Certamen matches, themed Tshirt shopping, pizza, and opportunities for students to bond with fellow Latin enthusiasts.

November Events: This month the club celebrated Cerealia, a fun and delicious gathering where members mixed cereals with creative toppings. This event also served a greater purpose, as students participated in a Food Drive to support local families in need. As the semester wraps up, the Latin Club looks forward to December’s celebrations, promising to end the year on a high note.

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EVENT UPDATES FALL FEST EVENT Sabrina Bauer, Co-Consul

Date: October 15, 2024 Location: Sandy Run Middle School Latin enthusiasts from ten schools across Pennsylvania gathered for the annual Fall Fest, hosted by Sandy Run Middle School. The event was packed with activities celebrating classical culture, learning, and camaraderie.

Participants engaged in exciting Certamen matches, tested their creativity in the Cupcake Wars competition (with over 150 entries!), and enjoyed an Oculus VR experience that brought the arenas of ancient Rome to life. Upper Dublin students shined throughout the day, taking top honors in the Certamen finals and earning the People’s Choice Award for Cupcake Wars.

The marketplace, featuring student-crafted items like themed T-shirts and artwork, was another standout feature, fostering connections between students from across the state.

Athletic events like the chariot races and ultimate frisbee kept the energy high, with spirited competition and plenty of laughs.

Key Highlights: Certamen Victories: Upper Dublin secured 1st place in the advanced category.

Cupcake Wars: Upper Dublin swept both the Popular Vote and Judges' Choice categories.

Chariot Races: Team Red Lightning won by a narrow margin, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Upper Dublin students celebrate their Certamen victory.

Cupcake Wars entries dazzled judges and attendees alike.

Our retired teacher and former club sponsor Mary Jane Koons serves as Tabernaria in the Shopping Forum area. Photos by Arlo Dalgarno-Platt.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another unforgettable Fall Fest.

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NATIONAL LATIN HONORS SOCIETY

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LEADERSHIP UPDATES WELCOME NEW STUDENT LEADERSHIP Noella Carlo, Co-VP

This year, the Upper Dublin Latin Club introduced several new leadership roles, including Secretary, Editor, Treasurer, and Historian.

We welcomed back some former officers, who are stepping into new roles and already demonstrating impressive growth. Welcome back: Sabrina Bauer & Nyla Blitz, serving as Consuls, and Noella Carlo & Emelyn Rudelavage, serving as Vice Presidents!

The addition of leadership roles on the student board has created valuable opportunities for underclassmen to participate, gaining hands-on experience and mentoring from the upperclassman. Welcome, Aiden Bray & Molly Permar, Arlo Dalgarno-Platt & Morgan Keaton, Jacen Glassman & Kelvin Todd, Violet Gorman and Emmanuelle Kramer, and Stephen Sena & Meriah Wilson The entire board has had a highly successful year so far, from hosting our first PAJCL event for the state to joining with the middle school Latin Club. Our student officers’ hard work and dedication have been key to our success, and we are excited to see what they will achieve moving forward.

OFFICER FAREWELLS Nyla Blitz, Co-Consul

We are so grateful to Prajvala Mysore, Julia Axler and Alexis Andrulonis for their outstanding leadership last year as club consuls.

As we say goodbye to our Triumvirate, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their guidance, unwavering support, and dedication to our Latin Club.

As they embark on their next adventure in college and beyond, we wish them every success.

Bonam Fortunam and always, Carpe Diem!

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SPONSOR UPDATE A NEW YEAR OF LATIN ADVENTURES

Our new Latin Club student leaders are ready to bring fresh ideas and energy to the year ahead!"

Traci Dougherty

Welcome to an exciting new year with the Upper Dublin High School Latin Club!

As your new advisor—though many of you may know me as Mageesh—I’m thrilled to join this incredible community.

Together, we’ll explore the rich world of Latin and the classical studies while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Get Involved?

Joining the Latin Club is easier than ever: Schoology Group: Use the code 2XPW-9BC7-77NQ9 to stay informed.

Remind Group: Sign up for reminders with @udhslatin.

Membership Form: Don’t forget to complete form to officially join!

I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together this year. From academic competitions to community events, it’s going to be an unforgettable journey. Let’s make it a great year!

What’s New This Year?

We’re starting the year with fresh ideas, energy, and opportunities:

CLUB SPONSOR

Fresh Leadership: Our new team of student officers is ready to bring innovative ideas and enthusiasm to the club.

Exciting Field Trips: Get ready for trips to Philadelphia musicals, the UPENN Certamen, and Nationals in Ohio!

Flexible Meetings: Rotating meeting dates ensure everyone can join, even with packed schedules.

New Website: Stay connected and up to date with our brand-new club website.

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CALENDAR

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CONTEST UPDATES We are excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of our UDSD Latin scholars at the this summer’s Pennsylvania Junior Classical League (PAJCL) State Latin Convention!

Our talented students demonstrated their passion and skill at Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, competing alongside high school students from 10 schools across the state. Already excelling in competitions like the National Latin Exam, Philadelphia Classical Society Art Contest, and SCRIBO Latin Writing Contest, these students shone brightly in creative arts, athletics, and academics.

Judged by dedicated Latin educators and volunteers, they brought home an impressive 10 individual awards and 1 team award for Spirit. Their combined efforts earned them 1st place in the State Championships (Division II)!

This extraordinary accomplishment reflects their hard work, the unwavering support of their teachers, and the encouraging environment of UDSD. Congratulations to our Latin scholars for bringing pride and honor to our school community!

SRMS Creative Arts Painting: Elise Brasch: 4th Decorative Stitching: Morgan Keaton: 1st Illustrated Latin Quotation: Morgan Keaton: 3rd Sketch Ink: Kris Watkins: 4th Costume Life Size: Abigail Thomas: 1st SRMS Athletics Friscus Toss: Juliet Palumbo: 1st, Violet Gorman: 2nd Girls 100m: Juliet Palumbo: 2nd :

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SRMS Academics UDHS Creative Arts Daily Life: Dolls: Pola Belezina: 2nd; Sabrina Bauer: 1st Kris Watkins: 5th Color Photography: Derivatives: Julia Gregg: 1st Kris Watkins and Elise Black and White Brasch: 2nd; Photography: Violet Gorman: 3rd; Julia Gregg: 2nd Morgan Keaton: 4th; Scrapbook: Abigail Thomas: 5th Chapter: 1st Vocabulary: Impromptu Art: Violet Gorman: 1st; Molly Permar: 1st Morgan Keaton: 2nd; Kris Watkins: 4th, UDHS Athletics Elise Brasch: 5th Girls 100m Sprint: Mythology: Molly Permar: 3rd Morgan Keaton: 3rd, Girls 200m Sprint: Violet Gorman: 4th, Julia Gregg: 3rd Elise Brasch: 5th Rubber Chicken Toss: Grammar: Sabrina Bauer:2nd Lydia Malloy: 2nd, place.

Morgan Keaton: 3rd, Abigail Thomas: 4th UDHS Academics History: Mythology: Nyla Blitz: 5th Lydia Malloy: 3rd, Vocabulary: Nyla Blitz: 4th Pola Belezina: 5th Grammar: Julia Gregg: 5th Certamen: Elise Brasch, Violet UDHS Spirit Gorman, Morgan Keaton, Chapter: 3rd Kris Watkins, UDHS Overall Division Chapter: 1st FALL 2024 | ISSUE NO 1

HUMOR AND LIFESTYLE

DIGITAL ART To anyone looking for a heart wrenching read centered on Greek mythology, The Song of Achilles is the book for you. This collage utilizes some of the most prevalent symbols and themes from the novel, and some of my favorite quotes*

CERTAMEN As we celebrate National Pickle Day, these Certamen themed questions explore the culinary, cultural, and practical significance of pickling in Roman life, from the kitchens of villas to the feast tables of festivals and the supplies carried by soldiers.

Question 1: Romans preserved many foods, including cucumbers, in brine or vinegar. What Latin term refers to "brine" or "salt water"?

B1: Name a Roman seasoning that combined fermented fish and salt, often used alongside pickled foods.

B2: What was the Latin term for a kitchen, where pickling jars might have been stored?

Question 2: Roman soldiers valued pickled vegetables for their long shelf life. What famous wall built by Roman soldiers in Britain might have required such provisions?

B1: Hadrian’s Wall was built during the reign of which emperor?

B2: What was the primary purpose of Hadrian’s Wall?

*This content references The Song of Achilles, which includes themes of war, violence, death, grief, and mature relationships. Reader discretion is advised*

Nyla Blitz is a senior at Upper Dublin High School, where she serves as Co-President of the Latin Club, Winds/Brass Ensemble Captain of the Marching Band, and Head of Sound for the UD Theatre Department. In addition to her leadership roles, she enjoys swimming, playing soccer, and hanging out with friends.

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Question 3: Romans enjoyed fermented foods at festivals. During what December festival might pickles have been part of a feast celebrating equality and abundance?

B1: What Roman holiday celebrated the beginning of the harvest season and honored Ceres?

B2: Ceres was the Roman equivalent of what Greek goddess?

Question 4: Pickling was an important method of preservation. What Roman storage vessel, often buried underground, was used to keep food like pickles cool and fresh?

B1: What Roman invention, often found in villas, helped maintain temperature control for storage?

B2: Name the Roman structure used for bathing that might also feature areas for food storage.

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B2 Gladius

CERTAMEN: STREET STYLED

B1 Roman soldiers (legionaries) B2 Galen B1 Deipnosophistae Q7 Athenaeus B2 Mediterranean Sea B1 Hispania Q6 Via Appia

B1: Name the Roman cook who wrote recipes that included pickling.

B2: In what century did Apicius compile his cookbook De Re Coquinaria?packed rations?

Q8 Posca

Question 5: Roman banquets featured a variety of foods. What Latin word, meaning "relish" or "sauce," was used for small side dishes that complemented meals, like pickled vegetables?

B2 4th or 5th century CE B1 Hypocaust system Q4 Dolia B2 Demeter B1 Cerealia Q3 Saturnalia Picts movement between Roman Britain and the B2 To defend the Roman frontier and control B1 Emperor Hadrian Q2 Hadrian’s Wall B2 Culina B1 Garum Q1 Salmuera or Muria (brine/salt water)

ANSWER KEY

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B2 Roman baths (Thermae)

Question 8: Romans used vinegar not only for pickling but also as a refreshing drink for soldiers. What was the name of this vinegarbased drink?

B1: Posca was often consumed by what group within the Roman military?

B2: What was the primary weapon carried by a Roman legionary, complementing their provision-

Q5 Condimentum

Question 7: Roman cuisine was heavily influenced by Greek culture. What Greek author, famous for writing about gastronomy, might have inspired Roman pickling techniques?

B1: What is the title of Athenaeus's work, a compilation of culinary knowledge?

B2: Which famous Greek doctor promoted the health benefits of pickled foods and influenced Roman medical practices?

B! Apicius

Question 6: Roman merchants traded pickled goods along famous routes. What was the name of the main Roman road connecting Rome to Brindisi, facilitating such trade?

B1: Name the Roman province where olives, often pickled alongside cucumbers, were heavily cultivated.

B2: What body of water facilitated the trade of pickled goods from Roman provinces?

Sabrina Bauer is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and a passionate leader in various activities. She serves as copresident of the Latin Club, vice president of the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League Board, Treasurer of the Library and Media Club, and Secretary of the Archery Club.

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HUMOR AND LIFESTYLE

GAME: CONNECTIONS Test your knowledge of Roman culture with this exciting Connections Game! Explore the fascinating world of Roman life, including their food, clothing, housing, and family traditions. Do you have what it takes to master the challenge?

Hazel Chaballa is a freshman at Upper Dublin High School. She is an active member of Mini-THON and serves on the SGA General Assembly. Hazel is also a dedicated athlete on the UDHS water polo team and enjoys playing basketball for fun. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her friends and family.

COMIC: SACRIFICE SEASON Roman festival of Fordicidia, celebrated annually on April 15th in honor of the earth goddess Tellus.

As the deity associated with the fertility of the land, Tellus was central to this agricultural holiday.

The ritual involved the sacrifice of a pregnant cow, symbolizing the renewal of life and ensuring the fertility of both the soil and livestock for the coming season.

Isabella Xie is a senior at Upper Dublin High School with plans to pursue a career in nursing. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending quality time with her beloved cat.

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HUMOR AND LIFESTYLE

CLASS POLL: THE AENEID What sounds more appealing: being a powerful goddess, a fearless warrior, or the ruler of a thriving city?

This poll invites Latin students to reflect on which character from the Aeneid they connect with most— and why they see themselves in that role.

Kyran Talaty is a junior at Upper Dublin High School. He participates in winter and spring track, specializing in sprints and jumps, and plays recreational basketball during the winter. Kyran is also an active member of Chelten’s youth group.

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THE SHAPING OF ASTROLOGY

HISTORY & MTYHOLOGY

BY EMELYN RUDALAVAGE

“The Roman tradition of astrology is deeply intertwined in today's popular culture.”

Astrology in Ancient Rome was an important piece of their political and cultural world. Although astrology can be traced back to earlier civilizations such as the Babylonians and Egyptians, the Romans transformed it into something even greater.

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PLUMA They took the structure of the Babylonian zodiac and blended it with their own mythology and culture. Roman deities were assigned to each of the twelve zodiac signs. This made the zodiac relatable to Roman citizens as well as providing symbolic meaning that reflected Roman values. The Romans also developed horoscopic astrology. Horoscopes were drawn depending on the position of celestial bodies at the time of the person’s birth.

Emperors often consulted astrologers to seek guidance when making political or personal decisions. Emperor Augustus used his sign, Capricorn, to prove his right as a divine ruler of Rome. As the zodiac grew in importance, it was found in art and literature throughout Ancient Rome.

It was appealing to those in all social classes creating common ground between the people of Rome.

The Roman tradition of astrology is deeply intertwined in today's popular culture. Astrology has gained huge momentum as lots of people refer to their sun signs, read horoscopes for fun or guidance, and use zodiacinterpreted signs, fashion, art, and media. Similarly, this modern fascination with astrology reflects the Romans' use of astrology as a means of guidance and source of inspiration.

The Romans had a vital role in molding the zodiac system and popularizing astrological practices that have carried well into the modern era. By blending astrology into their mythology, everyday life, and political systems, they provided a foundation upon which we base our understanding and relation to the zodiac today. The Romans' contribution to astrology has made a lasting impact on people's understanding of the connection between human life and the cosmos.

Emelyn Rudalavage is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and serves as Vice President of the Latin Club. She is also the President and an attorney for her school’s Mock Trial Team. Outside of academics, Emelyn enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with her beloved rabbit, Rosie.

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ART & ARCHAEOLOGY

ROMAN RING FOUND IN ISRAEL: AN EMPIRE’S REACH

BY COLE DOOLING

“To understand your present world, you have to understand the past.”

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A Roman ring has been discovered in Israel. But what does this mean? And why should we care? Well, the city of Rome is about 2,520 miles from the city of Jerusalem.

That's a long distance. So long you might not be able to comprehend it. So long it might make you wonder: how did that ring go all that way?

Flashback To The Roman Empire The Roman Empire, at its height, was massive. It covered much of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It stretched from Britain in the north to Egypt in the south, and from Spain in the west to Iraq in the east, covering about 3 million square miles. That’s a lot. Almost 20% of the world’s population lived under Roman rule. That’s also a lot. Roman culture, architecture, and language shaped the world, and eventually, the empire became the center of Christianity.

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PLUMA A Journey Across 2,500 Miles Speaking of Christianity, this guy showed up in Jerusalem, named Jesus. Maybe you've heard of him. During that guy's time, the Romans had conquered so much territory that they spanned that aforementioned 2,520. For context, that’s about 44,000 football fields. Yeesh! Try playing on that, Tom Brady.

Why Artifacts Like These Matter To understand your present world, you have to understand the past. The discovery of a Roman ring in Italy is more than just a cool archaeological find. It’s a reminder of how connected the ancient world was. The Roman Empire wasn’t just massive. It was a network of people, goods, and ideas that traveled thousands of miles. Its impacts are still felt today.

Ever taken a bath? So, the next time you hear about ancient artifacts, think about how even tiny things like a ring can shine light on our world.

Cole Dooling is a junior at Upper Dublin High School, where he is dedicated to academics and actively participates in school events. Outside the classroom, Cole showcases his musical talents by playing the piano, electric guitar, and bass guitar.

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MODERN RECEPTION

HOW THE ROMANS LAUGHED: ANCIENT HUMOR VS. MODERN MEMES

BY BRIAN LESTER

Latin may no longer dominate daily speech, but one language transcends time: humor. From sarcastic Roman poets to modern-day memes, humanity’s ability to laugh at life’s absurdities proves that some things never change.

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BUT WHAT DID ROMANS FIND FUNNY, AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE JOKES WE SHARE TODAY? Society has always been a significant focus for the entertainment industry. The complexities of a sophisticated society ultimately create absurdities - moments of irony, humor, and bizarreness - which have become an exploit for those looking to find a silver lining. Whether it be pop culture, human habits, or politics (which God knows we’ve seen enough of recently), the potential is endless.

This basic truth was captured by no one better than Ovid, a Roman poet born during the transition from the Republic to the Empire.

Ovid, born into nobility, had a knack for orating and writing poetry. Therefore, after abandoning public service to pursue literary arts, Ovid produced a wide array of masterpieces ranging from tragedies to elegiac couplets. However, his claim to fame is none other than his satirical works. In pieces such as Metamorpheses and Ars amatoria, Ovid used a refreshingly sarcastic yet witty style with a dark sense of humor to criticize and commentate on the social attitudes of the time, whether it be romance, royalty, or masculinity. This form of satire lives on today through mass media. Witty critiques of culture have once again been popularized by talk show hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, known for their vibrant, sardonic portrayals of major talking points. In this sense, Roman and modern satire have more in common than one would expect, proving that despite how much the world changes, humans will always find a way to poke fun at the absurdities of society.

When most people associate Rome with slapstick comedy, they probably first think of Monty Python’s The Life of Brian. As relevant (and hilarious) as it is, Rome’s ties to common, whimsical comedy don’t end there.

Plautus, one of the most accredited playwrights in Roman history, proves that this style of entertainment is a fundamental part of the human palette, spanning far beyond Hollywood’s greatest creations.

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Plautus, taking inspiration from Greek tales, developed a new way of portraying stories transforming the products of Philemon and Menander into tales much greater. By taking significant liberties with his reconstruction of ancient plots, and with his rather vulgar and low-brow sense of humor, Plautus established himself as one of the greatest entertainers in Roman history, redefining the very essence of theatre.

This type of artistry experienced a revival within the 20th Century, as the increasing accessibility of film gave birth to a new era of entertainment. Filmmakers such as Monty Python and Mel Brooks used many of the same styles as Plautus to pioneer the genre of on-screen comedy, with movies such as Mel Brooks Frankenstein retelling old tales with a new playful idea of humor.

Though separated by thousands of years of shifting trends, the slapstick comedy of artists such as Mel Brooks and Plautus are deeply intertwined - not by inspiration, but by the nature of humor itself.

If the entirety of 21st Century humor could be defined with one word, it would be “meme.” Memes, first defined in 1976 by Richard Dawkins as a product of cultural trends and duplication, have become the lifeblood of modern entertainment. As the internet has expanded, new jokes, habits, and cultural icons have spread like wildfire, reshaping the way humans interact to build a more authentic understanding of our habits. As archaeologists continue to unearth the ruins of Roman society, the discovery of graffiti has provided insight into how similar Romans were to the modern person.

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MODERN RECEPTION

PYRRHUS TO HIS CHUM CHIAS:

I’M SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE DEAD, AND SO, GOODBYE!”

Small notes have been found tagging the walls of temples and colosseums, such as jokes like, “Pyrrhus to his chum Chias: I’m sorry to hear you are dead, and so, goodbye!” and “O, Epaphras, thou art bald!” Upon reading these, one could wonder if they were taken from Rome, or written out in some comment section on a YouTube video from 12 years ago. Much like photographic memes, imprints and sketches were often left to either describe - or insult - the people and places around them.

However, these photos were often pretty vulgar, and as such, I don’t have the liberty of showing them in this article. At the end of the day, these artifacts serve as a testament to the continuity of human humor. No matter how advanced we become as a civilization, crude jokes and comments will always remain deep in our hearts.

Humor is not merely a product of circumstance. The jests of the day are as natural as our basic instincts to congregate and collaborate. Despite the tests of time, humanity has proven that the language of laughter is truly universal and uniting, spanning far beyond class, dialect, creed, and era. So the next time you hear a joke that you can’t help but giggle at, think, “I wonder if Cato, Caesar, or Plautus would be laughing with me.”

Brian Lester is a junior at Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, PA, currently enrolled in Latin IV Honors. A dedicated Latin scholar since 7th grade, Brian has had his work published in Torch US and is an inducted member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting America’s honor society, which recognizes service and leadership through a selective election and initiation process. Looking ahead, Brian aims to deepen his understanding of diverse belief systems, philosophies, and schools of thought.

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PAJCL STATE CONVENTION

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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

NASCAR VS. CHARIOT RACING

BY NOELLA CARLO

“You feel your heart begin to pound out of your chest and the crowd begins to blur.

You're going faster than ever before.”

NASCAR is now more popular than ever; even racing around the Las Vegas Strip. It is easy to see racing technology evolving.

Still, it’s important to remember what came before NASCAR -Chariot Racing.

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PLUMA One horse pulling a cart around the track seems prehistoric compared to the modern day 750 horse powered cars but still, there are many similarities between the two. The greatest similarity between NASCAR and chariot racing is the world of betting, especially in Rome. The Greeks ran 12-lap races, the Romans on the other hand ran 7-lap races to open up more betting opportunities.

This year during the Las Vegas races there were many betting opportunities including inperson betting, the race did happen in Las Vegas after all, and a plethora of online opportunities. Another minor difference is during chariot racing the fastest horses and carts would race in the outside of the track making it easier to pass slower vehicles. In modern-day NASCAR it is the exact opposite.

The faster cars stay in the center lanes making them even faster since they are able to cut out additional distance. Cars will still pass each other but have to do more work moving to an outside lane than making a move to pass.

Besides minor differences, the basis of the sport has mostly remained the same. There are participants in their vehicle and they compete to be the fastest. Yes, NASCAR participates in longer-distance races and the technology has improved but what hasn’t?

Chariot racing set the blueprint for what NASCAR has become. Whether you are Richard Petty, commonly referred to as the “King of NASCAR”, or a Roman from almost 2,756 years ago, your heart will begin to pound as you approach the starting line.

As the race begins the crowd will begin to blur and everyone will have their eye on one thing — the prize. When you're watching the cars zoom around the track, going so fast you can barely see them, remember what came before NASCAR and what came before 750 horse powered cars.

A single horse pulling a cart. The Roman chariot races.

Noella Carlo is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and a dedicated member of the Latin Club. She joined the club’s leadership as a junior, managing the scrapbook and overseeing the social media page. This year, as Co-Vice President, Noella plays a key role in running meetings, mentoring younger members, and contributing to the club's growth and success in collaboration with the executive board.

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NATIONAL LATIN EXAM

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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

BATHING IN ROME BATHS, LONDON

BY ARLO DELGARNO PLATT

What do rich patricians, poor plebeians, and the average modern-day person have in common? They all love baths.

More specifically the Romans loved Roman baths and that average modern-day person might love a spa or a small bathtub bath. No matter the differences between any two time periods of baths, there are always many similarities to compare the two together. Although, in order to see these similarities, one must know what Roman baths were.

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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

Roman baths were large structures containing many different rooms and baths. They were not just a place to clean up, but a place of comfort and exercise. Rather than being a quick place to exercise or bathe, the Roman baths were a place for Romans to relax and chat with any friends for however long they would like. They were very interesting and popular structures among Romans and people whose land was occupied by the Romans.

“ROMAN BATHS OFFERED A HUGE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES, WHETHER IT BE HEART-RACING AND BLOODPUMPING EXERCISE OR A WARM AND STEAMY STAY IN A CALM-INDUCING CHAMBER.”

Roman baths offered a huge variety of experiences, whether it be heart-racing and blood-pumping exercise or a warm and steamy stay in a calm-inducing chamber.

However, it is hard to ignore the familiarity of those two ideas, as a gym or a spa might offer the same exact accommodations. Just like how a modern individual would go to their local gym or spa, ancient Romans would go to their local Roman baths to enjoy the same feelings. Roman baths would contain the typical saunas, massage rooms, and even an area for wrestling or boxing.

The Roman baths were not just pools for cleaning. The baths also contained many rooms with different purposes.

Much like a modern spa, there was an exercise area called an ephebeum that was found in specific exercise rooms called palaestrae, and there were also massage rooms.

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There was also an apodyterium, the changing room and a natatio, an open swimming pool.

Then, there are the dry and wet sweating rooms, laconica and sudatoria, much like modern-day saunas.

Last but not least, there are the hot, warm, and cold pool rooms, called a calidarium, tepidarium, and a frigidarium, with their temperatures indicated in their names. It is understood that there were the three rooms with their unique temperatures, the calidarium, tepidarium, and the frigidarium, but how did the Romans achieve such temperatures of rooms?

In the ancient times, the Romans would use the Hypocaust system to heat up any rooms of their choosing. Underneath each heated room, there was an open space that allowed hot air to flow through and heat up the room above.

There would also sometimes be tubes within the walls for the hot air to climb up. This hot air would come from a fire or a furnace that was lit underneath the rooms. The Romans, however, got this system from the ancient Greeks, but made the system more efficient.

Roman baths were more than just baths. They were a place to socialize, relax, and exercise, just like a spa or a gym. It can be easily forgotten that Roman baths were a key part to the Romans’ lives. Just remember that Roman baths, though some pools prove shallow, are deeper than they may appear on the surface.

So, put on a scuba suit and dive into the depths of the Roman baths.

Arlo Ritchie Dalgarno-Platt is a Scottish-born sophomore at Upper Dublin High School and serves as the Historian of the Latin Club. In addition to Latin Club, he participates in French Club, Spanish Club, and German Club, although Latin is the only language class he is currently taking. Arlo also has a passion for photography, which he enjoys pursuing in his free time.

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FALL 2024 | ISSUE NO 1

NJCL CONVNTION

72nd Annual

National Junior Classical League Convention July 21-26, 2025 | Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

“Non scholae sed vitae discimus.”

Registration Opens March 1, 2025

“We learn not for school but for life.”

-Derived from Seneca

Cost: TBD Agenda and Convention events Lilia AitSahlia, NJCL President | president@njcl.org Elizabeth Bouis, Convention Advisor | convention@njcl.org University and Local Matters Amy Elifrits, Convention Co-Chair | abelifrits@yahoo.com Emelie Inderhees, Convention Co-Chair | inderhees@wellington.org Todd Wegenhart, Convention Co-Chair | programs@njcl.org

FOR REGISTRATION

Sherwin Little, Convention Registrar littles@aclclassics.org P. 513-529-7741 | F: 515529-7742

PLUMA

NATIONAL JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE 860 NW Washington Blvd, Suite A Hamilton, OH 45013 P. 513-529-7741 | F. 513.529.7742 | njcl.org

MORE INFORMATION njcl.org/NJCLConvention/2025NJCL-Convention

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PLUMA

OFFICERS CO-CONSULS SABRINA BAUER NYLA BLITZ CO-VICE PRESIDENTS NOELLA CARLO EMELYN RUDALAVAGE CO-WEBMASTERS MERIAH WILSON STEPHEN SENA CO-COMS COORDINATORS AIDEN BRAY MOLLY PERMAR SECRETARIES JACEN GLASSMAN KELVIN TODD (ELECT) EDITORS EMMANUELLE KRAMER VIOLET GORMAN (ELECT) TREASURERS MATTHEW GREGG JULIA GREGG (ELECT) HISTORIANS ARLO DELGARNO-PLATT MORGAN KEATON (ELECT)

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