In November, 102 Simsbury High School Latin scholars, along with teachers Selina Kell and Judith Trout, World Language Department chair Stephanie Duchesneau, and five parent chaperones, visited the traveling exhibit “A Day in Pompeii” at the Museum of Science in Boston.

This is the largest special exhibit of Pompeiian artifacts to tour the United States since 1979. Much of our knowledge of ancient Roman life comes from Pompeii, the city near Naples that was buried for hundreds of years under tons of volcanic debris. Highlights of this exhibit include more than 250 artifacts — room-sized frescoes, sculptures, jewelry, coins, and everyday household items. There are also body casts of some of the unfortunate victims of the 79 A.D. eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, as well as short videos and specialist interpreters who interact with the exhibit visitor.

Throughout the weeks leading up to the visit, students in all levels of Latin became acquainted with various aspects of first century A.D. Pompeiian life through class discussion of frescoes, mosaics, graffiti, floor plans, and epitaphs from that city. Several students even spent many hours at home making authentic panis Pompeiianus, the classic round loaf produced in every neighborhood bakery in Pompeii. Latin 4 and 5 students read in the original the only eye-witness account of the historic eruption, written by 17-year-old Pliny the Younger, who was living nearby in 79 A.D. In the wake of the power outages of the historic October 2011 A. D. snowstorm, the students easily related to some of Pliny’s fears and the traumatic effects of such an overwhelming natural disaster.

After an early lunch at Quincy Market, students started their museum visit with an IMAX theater production of “Greece: Secrets of the Past,” which features panoramic views of ancient Greek temples, theaters, and islands. The volcanic island of Santorini and its recent archaeological discoveries are highlights of this excellent film production.

The multimedia presentation of the Pompeii exhibit appeals to many interests. Some SHS students found the time-lapse computer generated video of the August 24-25, 79 A.D. eruption mesmerizing. Others especially liked the gladiator helmet, the figurines of the household gods in the lararium (household shrine), and the gold jewelry and coins. Everyone was moved by the plaster casts of Pompeiians (including a dog and a pig) in their final moments of pain and fear as they tried to escape the eruption. Students were thrilled to recognize the actual furniture, religious, and personal items that they had read about and seen in texts. Each student chose a favorite artifact to focus on and sketch, and considered what items they themselves might try to save in the event of a sudden disaster.

This exhibit will be in Boston at the Museum of Science through February 12, 2012.

Information provided by the Simsbury Public Schools.