Classical Studies Home Classics Faculty News and Events Undergraduate Conference 2008 Classes Spring 2008 F 2007 F 2006, S 2007 F 2005, S 2006 F 2004, S 2005 F 2003, S 2004 F 2002, S 2003 Course Webpages          Aristophanes' Birds          Lysistrata Versions          Latin I Answers          Latin II Answers Major and Minor Requirements Student Research WU Language Learning Center Study Abroad Student & Alumni News Why Study Classics? Classics VIPs Archaeological Institute of America, Salem Society Association for the Study of Marble & Other Stones in Antiquity (ASMOSIA) FAQ                       last updated: 03/16/08			The roots of Western civilization can be traced to the various classical cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world. Our forms of government, education, religion, and artistic and literary expression all have their beginnings in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Near East. Classical Studies thus serves two purposes: it introduces us to the languages, literatures, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world, and it provides insights into our contemporary world by exploring the roots of Western civilization. Roman Lararium (altar to the gods protecting the home of a Roman family) In the middle, the pater familias, his head, as required by ritual, covered by his toga, performs the daily sacrifice to the deities of his house and family (You want to do it too? Here is the ritual you need to follow). He is framed by two Lares, portrayed as youthful gods in short tunics who perform dancing steps while they are pouring wine from a drinking horn (rhyton) into a small wine bucket (situla). Below, a serpent (spirit of the deceased?) tastes from the offerings on the altar in the far right corner. (detail) House of the Vettii, Pompeii (Italy), 2nd half of the 1st century A.D. Photo courtesy of Maecenas.   Send us mail! If you like our site, have suggestions to improve it, or have any question about our program at Willamette or Classics in general, our magister retis (webmaster), Dr. Ortwin Knorr, would love to hear from you!       This site has been visited by