CAPITVLVM VII: Puella et Rosa

Cincinnatus leaves the plow for the Roman dictatorship.

Juan Antonio Ribera. c. 1806

Today we digging into the grammar of the seventh chapter of Lingua Latina.

Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Lecture on Grammar for Cap XIV:
1. Nouns: Case Uses & Datives
2. Verbs: Imperatives & Compounds
3. Pronouns: Reflexives & Datives 
4. Adverbs & Points of Style
5. Review interrogatives
3. Work on Famous Roman Projects
4. Review HW:
1. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
2. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz in 4th quarter.)
3. Be perfect.

Famous Romans: Part III

Pannini. Roman Capriccio: The Pantheon and Other Monuments
1735. Oil on canvas. Museum of Art, Indianapolis.

Today we still finishing our study of that period in Roman history wherein the world was made bigger and made one through battle after battle, conquest after conquest, generation after generation loyal to civic and familial virtues and acting as one in the possession of the globe: the expansion and the conquest of the Roman State.

Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Work on Famous Roman Projects
3. Review HW:
1. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
2. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest.
3. Be perfect.

Fomous Romans: Part II

LENS, Andries Cornelis. Regulus Returning to Carthage.
1791. Oil on canvas. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg.

Salvete, discipuli. Hope you all had a good "weekend" and are ready to work hard this week. Today we are continuing our work on the Famous Roman Projects, which are between the years 500 B.C. and 30 A.D. Here, consider the resolve of a Roman, intrepid and determined to return to what would most certainly be his death. Note the resolve written on the face of Regulus.

Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Questions on Ancient Rome: Expansion & Conquest. Check them; you need to know them: 
1. In the early days of the Roman Republic, what was Rome’s army like? Was it only defensive, or offensive?
2. What were the secrets to Rome’s military success in the early years of the Republic?
3. When were the Punic Wars, and why were they so significant? Who was Hannibal?
4. How did Rome win the Punic Wars, and how did Hannibal die?
5. Why was Rome’s non-professional army eventually no longer adequate?
6. Why would army be more loyal to its general?
7. When army becomes more powerful than the State, what are the consequences?  
8. What was the pattern that Sulla eventually set for the future of Roman rule?
3. Intro new vocab: Cap VII. 
4. Work on Famous Roman Porjects.
5. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

Gaudete! And again I say, "Gaudete!"

This is the second and last day of the "Week of Joy." 

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Work on making reparations to quizzes. 
3. Make-up quizzes
4. Tutorial Sessions...
5. Questions on Ancient Rome: Expansion & Conquest. Check them; you need to know them: 
1. In the early days of the Roman Republic, what was Rome’s army like?Was it only defensive, or offensive?
2. What were the secrets to Rome’s military success in the early years of the Republic?
3. When were the Punic Wars, and why were they so significant? Who was Hannibal?
4. How did Rome win the Punic Wars, and how did Hannibal die?
5. Why was Rome’s non-professional army eventually no longer adequate?
6. Why would army be more loyal to its general?
7. When army becomes more powerful than the State, what are the consequences?  
8. What was the pattern that Sulla eventually set for the future of Roman rule?
6. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

The Week of Joy: Part I

LOO, Carle van. Aeneas Carrying Anchises.
1729. Oil on canvas. Musée du Louvre, Paris.

"But to recall one's steps, and to up above to the air, that is the task, that the work." 

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Work on making reparations to quizzes. 
3. Make-up quizzes
4. Tutorial Sessions...
5. Questions on Ancient Rome: Expansion & Conquest. Check them; you need to know them: 
1. In the early days of the Roman Republic, what was Rome’s army like?Was it only defensive, or offensive?
2. What were the secrets to Rome’s military success in the early years of the Republic?
3. When were the Punic Wars, and why were they so significant? Who was Hannibal?
4. How did Rome win the Punic Wars, and how did Hannibal die?
5. Why was Rome’s non-professional army eventually no longer adequate?
6. Why would army be more loyal to its general?
7. When army becomes more powerful than the State, what are the consequences?  
8. What was the pattern that Sulla eventually set for the future of Roman rule?
6. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

The Feast of Saint Valentine's

Bassano, Jacopo. St Valentine Baptizing St Lucilla.
1575. Oil on canvas. Museo Civico, Bassano del Grappa

Happy St. Valentine's Day! Here Bassano shows the influence and beneficent effect of that mysterious figure, Valentinus. He takes his name from the Latin adjective valens, meaning "strong, effective, or influential." Although there is little known about the man, we honor his martyrdom: "The feast of St. Valentine was first established in 496 by Pope Gelasius I, who included Valentine among those "...whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God." One story, that he married Christians during a time of Roman persecution, influenced the holiday, which flourished in the days of Chaucer, during the chivalric days of the courtly love of the Middle Ages. 

In Latin today, we are reviewing our pronouns in order to prepare for this week's quiz. In addition, we will begin a new project, which, if done well, should improve everyone's grades.

Agenda:

1. Pray 
2. Study for a bit
3. Grammar Quiz: Cap VI
4. CAP VI in Lingua Latina 
1. Do Pensum A 
5. Begin Famous Roman Research Project
1. Read the assignment.
2. Find someone you work well with. 
3. Download the books and begin reading resources.  
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
6. Questions on Ancient Rome: Expansion & Conquest. Check them; you need to know them: 
1. In the early days of the Roman Republic, what was Rome’s army like?Was it only defensive, or offensive?
2. What were the secrets to Rome’s military success in the early years of the Republic?
3. When were the Punic Wars, and why were they so significant? Who was Hannibal?
4. How did Rome win the Punic Wars, and how did Hannibal die?
5. Why was Rome’s non-professional army eventually no longer adequate?
6. Why would army be more loyal to its general?
7. When army becomes more powerful than the State, what are the consequences?  
8. What was the pattern that Sulla eventually set for the future of Roman rule?
7. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

Ash Wednesday

REMBRANDT. The Return of the Prodigal Son.
1669. Oil on canvas. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Today is a Ash Wednesday, which marks the day of corporate repentance for sins and the beginning of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer. Typically we would all have a black ash on our foreheads, the outward sign of our inward contrition, as in the ancient times.Consider Rembrandt's depiction of the broken and contrite heart of the Prodigal Son, who returned in dust to his father.

In Latin today, we will we continue our study of the famous men of Rome.

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Begin Famous Roman Research Project:
1. Download the books and begin reading resources.  
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3. Finish Grammar Notes for Cap VI
4. Questions on Ancient Rome: Expansion & Conquest. Check them; you need to know them: 
1. In the early days of the Roman Republic, what was Rome’s army like?Was it only defensive, or offensive?
2. What were the secrets to Rome’s military success in the early years of the Republic?
3. When were the Punic Wars, and why were they so significant? Who was Hannibal?
4. How did Rome win the Punic Wars, and how did Hannibal die?
5. Why was Rome’s non-professional army eventually no longer adequate?
6. Why would army be more loyal to its general?
7. When army becomes more powerful than the State, what are the consequences?  
8. What was the pattern that Sulla eventually set for the future of Roman rule?
5. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

Happy Shrove Tuesday.

DUYSTER, Willem Cornelisz. Carnival Clowns.
c. 1620. Oil on oak. Staatliche Museen, Berlin

Shrove Tuesday is more commonly known as "Mardi Gras," or "Fat Tuesday." Today marks the end of the carnival feast, which is typically the climax of wild and raucous reveling. Tomorrow, we shall all repent in ashes and dust.

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Begin Famous Roman Research Project:
1. Download the books and begin reading resources.  
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

Of Famous Roman Generals

DAVID, Jacques-Louis. The Oath of the Horatii
1784. Oil on canvas. Musée du Louvre, Paris

Today in Latin we are continuing our study of the fami viri Romae. One story, which comes to from Livy and later Dionysius, is the dispute between two warring cities, Rome and Alba Longa. As a last measure to end the war, three brothers from a Roman family, the Horatii, agree to end the war by fighting three brothers from an Alba Longa family, the Curiatii. Here David depicts a scene from the Roman legend, as the three brothers appear more than willing to sacrifice their lives pro patria and for the good of Rome, saluting their father who holds their swords out for them. 

Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Finish notes on the Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well)  
3. Begin Roman General Research Project (aka the Famous Roman Project):
1. Read the assignment.
2. Find someone you work well with. 
3. Download the books and begin reading resources.  
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
4. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest. (Quiz next week as well) 
2. Famous Roman Research Project. Download the resources:
1. Fami Viri Romae
2. Fabulae a Romana Historia
3.  Be perfect.

Dixit autem Dominus ad: "Abram egredere de terra tua."

Abraham Teaching Astrology to the Egyptians. 1665.
Zanchi, Antonio.Oil on canvas. Venice.

Here is Abraham teaching the Egyptians the wisdom they are so famous for, the wisdom that his descendent Joseph shall in learn from them, in order to save his family. Note the Copernican knowledge of the ancient world, note the globe.

Today in Latin we will have some kind of celebration. Let the feasting commence. Let the happy begin.

Agenda: 

1. Pray
2. Lecture on the grammar for Cap VI.
3. Take Notes on Part II of Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest  
4. Roman feasting: Party!!!
5. Review HW: 
1. Study grammar concepts for Chapter 6. Quiz next week (2/15). 
2. Review and memorize the Latin Charts
3. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest 

Cap VI: Via Latina

LINT, Hendrik Frans van. Rome: A View of the Tiber. 1734.
Oil on canvas. Private collection.

In Latin today, we still continuing our descent into the "fire swamp" of Latin pronouns, which you, like the man in black, will soon get accustomed to and be able to navigate quite easily. For now, remember, our destination is Rome. In addition to this metaphor, our study of Latin moves on to its geography and roads.

Agenda:

1. Pray
2. Take notes on the Grammar for Cap VI:
1. Accusative Prepositions
2. Irregular Verbs: it, eunt
3. Interrogatives: Unde venit? Quo it?
4. Accusatives and Ablative Constructions
3. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest 

Simeon and Christ / Pax Romana: Part II

REMBRANDT. Simeon and Anna 
Recognize the Lord in Jesus.
1627. Oil on wood. Kunsthalle, Hamburg.

The other reason why this episode of Christ's Presentation in the Temple is significant is the two characters that are highlighted in regards to this scene.

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace: 
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum 
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace;
Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.

Notice, however, the grammar of the Latin, compared to that of the English. Notice the mood of the verb "dismiss." What is significant about this? Why does he state it in this manner? Such is the wisdom and profound beauty of this scene. Notice here that Rembrandt places himself within the drama. Why does he do this?

Agenda:

1. Credo
2. FEASTING this Block Day!
3. Finish reading Lingua Latina Cap VI together. 
4. Watch Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest: Part II
1. Take notes as you watch
5. Review HW:
1. Roman Film Project
2. Es perfectus!

Christ's Presentation in the Temple

BELLINI, Giovanni. Presentation at the Temple
1460-64. Tempera on wood. Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice.

This weekend, post kalendae Ianuariis, was the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. The Church saw fit to highlight this day of Christ's life for many reasons. For one, it underscores the reality that Christ was under "the Law", and not merely any law. Jesus lived a perfect life within the impossible constraints of the Hebraic Law.

Agenda: 

1. Credo
2. Continue reading Lingua Latina Cap VI together. 
3. Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest.
2. Be perfect.

Pax Romana: Pars I

Continence of Scipio. Nicolas-Guy Brenet.
Oil on canvas. 1788.

In Latin today we are picking up where we left off in our study of Rome. Rome has awoken. The sun of empire springs forth from the east, rising in full heat. Our study of Rome leads us to the expansion of the empire, into a period of prosperity, security, and "peace." Last week we learned of the fame and cunning of Scipio.

Note here the depiction the self-restraint and "continence" of Scipio, as he returns a captured young woman to her fiance, having refused to accept her from his troops as a prize of war.
 
Agenda: 

1. Pray
2. Recensio Latin Basics
3. Read Lingua Latina Cap VI together. 
4. Watch Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest: Part II
1. Take notes as you watch
5.  Review HW: 
1. Study notes on Ancient Rome: Expansion and Conquest.
2. Be perfect.