MY LOVE OF CLASSICS
Latin Commentary
In my Latin commentary, 'Valor and Vantage: Caesar’s Depiction of Gauls' Fiercest Tribes,' I explored Caesar's portrayal of the Belgians and Helvetii in De Bello Gallico Book 4. By analyzing linguistic choices and historical context, I examined how Caesar contrasts the rugged bravery of these tribes with their distance from Roman civilization, underscoring their martial prowess and constant conflicts with the Germans. My commentary seeks to unpack the nuanced relationship between Roman cultural ideals and Caesar's strategic narrative, highlighting how perceptions of strength, valor, and identity are crafted through his prose.
Self-Studying Latin with friends
After taking Latin throughout HighSchool my school stopped offering it in my senior year so I am currently self-studying De Bello Gallico to deepen my understanding of Caesar’s accounts of his campaigns in Gaul. With every line of Caesar's De Bello Gallico, the Roman Empire seems to unfold before me. This independent study allows me to explore Caesar’s narrative techniques, linguistic intricacies, and historical context, providing a comprehensive view of his strategic and cultural depictions of various tribes. Through this self-guided exploration, I aim to further enhance my ability to analyze Latin texts and understand the broader implications of Roman military and political rhetoric.
Next - Paideia Institute - Living Latin in Rome
My online studies with the Paideia Institute had become more than just translating words—they are a connection to history itself. I have been accepted to study in Rome in the summer of 2025. My heart races at the thought of performing Ciceronian speech at the Forum and walking the same streets where the language I have been mastering for the last 3 years once echoed.