A Classics Trip for the Ages!

Written by Head of INSPIRED Sixth Form and Head of Latin and Classics, Mr Oracz

Historians have raised the question for decades about how advanced the world might be today if the Roman empire had not fallen. The advancements in architecture, education, medicine, philosophy, science, you name it, changed the world, past and present. And so, it is plausible that the Roman empire never truly fell but lives on through the legacy it left behind. No matter, Italy prides itself on showcasing that rich history and culture to this very day, one our Classics students enjoy learning about in their Classics and Latin lessons. However, excited by the prospect of immersing themselves in this cultural heritage, an esteemed group of Westholme Classics enthusiasts embarked over Easter upon a historical expedition to explore such achievements and wonder for themselves at the time-capsules left behind as a reminder of Roman glory.

Aeneas, the mythological founder of Roman culture, first landed on Italy at the religious sanctuary of Cumae before heading north to his final destination that would become the eternal city of Rome. Therefore, it seemed fitting that we followed in his footsteps and first explored the Bay of Naples, once the playground and favoured holiday destination of Roman royalty and elite, now a popular tourist location under the watchful eye of Mount Vesuvius. Regarding the famous fire-mountain famously described in its most violent eruption by Pliny the Younger, we could only imagine the tragedy that befell the citizens of Pompeii as we wandered through the preserved city, the forum, the bath houses, the amphitheatre and, most famously, the casts of those whose dying moments have been immortalised forever.

From tragedy to comedy, an odyssey over sea, hills and mountain peaks ensured a jovial atmosphere amongst our intrepid explorers as we visited the stunning island and peaks of Capri. It is understandable why the emperor Tiberius retired to the island, with the tranquil ambience and stunning landscape a breath-taking example of Mediterranean beauty. Ambling along with refreshing Amalfi-lemon drinks and fresh, delectable Italian foccacias, students embraced the good life as they gazed out from the heights of Capri Town at the endless turquoise sea. Despite initial reservations, the highlight was certainly the ski-lift to the heights of the island, both the journey and the panoramic views at the summit.

Back down to earth we ventured into the earth, namely the subterranean location of the priestess of Apollo at Cumae, who gave riddling prophecies throughout history in her eerie cavern beneath the temples of the prophetic god. We then passed Lake Avernus and the entrance to the underworld, before arriving in the city of Naples for some well-earned authentic Neapolitan pizza and an intriguing pitstop at the Archaeological Museum, home to many of the relics, frescoes, statues and artefacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum and the wider region.

We then left Vesuvius behind and headed via rail to the eternal city itself, emerging within the beating heart of Italy in a jubilee year. The atmosphere was electric, as we explored the labyrinth of streets, excited by the anticipation of unbelievable monuments and spectacular sights being revealed at every turn. As we departed from an iconic gelateria at night where students were torn between the challenging decision of which of the 150 flavours to choose from, we entered a piazza where the iconic Pantheon became the spectacular backdrop as we enjoyed our cups and cones layered with fruity and chocolatey delights. A few turns later and the bustling Trevi Fountain gave students the chance to follow tradition and throw a coin over their shoulder in the hope that their wish would be granted of a future return trip to Rome. Beautiful basilicas with breath-taking paintings, classical fountains from Bernini and renaissance masters, piazzas, the river Tiber, and the seven hills of Rome; there is so much to see and do that one trip is never enough. Nevertheless, we certainly made the most of it and ensured we did not miss out on experiencing as much as possible. With that in mind, we could not miss a visit to the Colosseum, marvelling at the iconic landmark at first sight, and being captivated as we explored the passages, stairwells and interior arena of the legendary stadium. Just a short walk away, we followed in the footsteps of emperors, as we enjoyed the royal palaces on the Palatine Hill, with the highlight being an immersive light show in the House of Livia, the wife of the emperor Augustus. Ambling down the sacred way, past the arch of Titus, the Senate House, iconic temples of Romulus and Julius Caesar, and the house of the Vestals; the Roman Forum was once the centre of the greatest empire in history, and it was incredible to feel that sense of past and present overlapping in such a special location.

Next, we visited the Vatican, where we enjoyed a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s most famous works. We then moved into St Peter’s Basilica itself and marvelled at the grandeur of the building before scaling the 551 steps up to the top of the dome and enjoyed the panoramic views of the city.

Rounding the trip off, we made a few more famous pitstops including the temples of Hercules and Portunus, the Theatre of Marcellus, the famous location of the assassination of Julius Caesar, with the occasional obelisk or imperial column along the way.

All roads lead to Rome and I know I speak for the whole group when I say that this trip is proof the Roman empire is flourishing in every way. It was truly a trip for the ages, the beautiful bay to the eternal city, one which our students will remember for many years to come. With such a packed itinerary there was never a dull moment, but it was certainly another occasion where I felt incredibly proud as a Westholme teacher. My highlight was seeing the complete joy of our students at everything they experienced, with that famous Westholme spirit resonating from start to finish. Every student was a credit to their families, themselves and the school, and it was a pleasure to lead such an enthusiastic, delightful group of students. My eternal thanks go to Miss Taylor and Miss Burton for their meticulous support, organisation and just wonderful company, without whom this trip could not have been such a success.

Many years ago, when I was in Year 8, I also went on a school Classics trip to the Bay of Naples and Rome. Little did I know that the sheer joy I experienced on that trip would inspire my life’s journey, taking Classics throughout my education, eventually becoming a Classics teacher who spends every lesson aiming to inspire students to love this subject that has long been my personal passion. My hope is that the students who enjoyed this trip will now carry these memories with them throughout their lives, forever remembering this incredible Westholme Classics adventure.