Greek red-figure stamnos, mid 5th century BC. A man dances with a girl who plays with castanets, while the second girl plays the double pipes.  As in 2004, Cape Latin learners on 5 September enjoyed an excursion to Stellenbosch University's Department of Ancient Studies for the annual Latin Day of the Western Cape branch of the Classical Association of South Africa. Attractions for 2005 were illustrated lectures, first by Mrs. Carina Malan on Greek vases,  Afrikaanse weergawe
Greek red-figure stamnos, mid 5th century BC. A man dances with a girl who plays with castanets, while the second girl plays the double pipes.
 and, after break, by Professor Sakkie Cornelius on artifacts from the Ancient Near East, some of which are currently on display in the University Museum.

 Alabaster canopic jar from a 7th Century BC tomb.  Oil lamp from Caesarea.  Ushabti in the shape of a servant girl.

 Some Egyptian pots and vases displaying lotus flowers.  After the second lecture, the two speakers took the group of about 100 eager learners on a guided tour of the Living Antiquity exhibition, Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern relics on loan from Iziko Museums in Cape Town.  Udjat, the eye of Horus

 Examples of Corinthian alabastron; a Cypriot jug (c. 850's - 600 BC); and a Cypriot bottle (early bronze age 2300 - 2200 BC) on display at the Sasol Art Museum.

   They were then challenged to fill in a multilingual crossword puzzle based on what they had seen, prepared by Dr. Maridien Schneider. A highlight for many learners was once again the opportunity to exhibit their own classroom projects, and, during break, to admire the work of other schools.

 Models, posters and reports produced in Grades 8 to 10 were displayed, and prizes for these were awarded in each grade. Such projects have been the standard in Latin classrooms for many years, and are now also expected in other subjects within the new "Outcomes-based" educational approach. The reports and essays in some cases were of almost university standard. Some young authors attested to having expected to write a short and boring report and ending up with a long and interesting one.
Models ranged from a reproduction of the Colosseum, to a replica of a Roman bath.		  

    Posters depicted Greek myths, Roman leisure activities, or other ancient forms of entertainment, including the Olympic Games, and even Latin as used in the search for and appointment of the new Pope.
A fourth, open category, drew a variety of entries, one of which was a display by the Grade 8 and 9 boys of Paarl Boys' High of newspaper clippings all featuring use of Latin. The Grade 9 entry that took the prize in the open category was a love story "Fabula Amoris" written by Marcelle Steinmetz (La Rochelle) in admirable Latin and illustrated by the author. The open category in Grade 8 again featured a series of very sophisticated board games based on Greek myths, devised by learners from Rustenburg Girls' High. The exciting Dies Romanus in 2005 again emphasised learners' commitment and enthusiasm (even during the more informal break and lunch !) for Latin as school subject.

Prof. Jo-Marie Claassen, Master of Ceremonies
for the Western Cape Branch of the Classical Association of South Africa.

Adjudication