The Classical Studies department at IU has been incredible throughout my time at IU. I have always appreciated the department’s dedication to students and its ability to make me feel at home. Thanks to my experience in the department, I can’t imagine my life without Classics!

My travels to Greece last summer (2019) were a dream come true. Being able to interact with archaeological sites and material culture directly and to walk in the footsteps of the people I’ve studied was an experience that I will always remember and one that gave me indescribable feelings. Directly applying all that I have learned throughout my college career was an incredibly valuable opportunity. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) seminar provided me with unforgettable experiences: visiting sites like the Athenian Acropolis (and entering the Parthenon!), searching for unstudied sites, shouting “This is Sparta!” on the Spartan Acropolis, and foot-racing at Olympia. The seminar also allowed me to become friends with some of the most kind and intelligent graduates and undergraduates studying the classical world.

The seminar I attended through the ASCSA examined the Spartans through texts, epigraphy, and on-site archaeological evidence. We traveled from Athens throughout the Southern Peloponnese to learn more about Sparta’s significant role in politics and war. We examined the “Spartan mirage” and compared it to the pieces of information that scholars and archaeologists have put together to reconstruct the history of the Spartan people. I gave an on-site presentation on Artemis Orthia in Sparta. We also studied the topography of Sparta and examined the Spartan Acropolis. We visited Monemvasia to learn about the importance of the Perioikoi; the Temple of Poseidon at Tainaron; several ancient quarries; Messene; Pylos; Thebes; Olympia; and Delphi. Along the way we explored many museums, and learned on site about battles like those at Sphakteria, Leuktra, and Thermopylai, and how in each case military strategy was adapted to topography. Each day was filled with exploration and learning about Spartan life as we made our way from site to site.