Wax Tablets & Ramen Dreams: Horace’s Hustle Through School in Ancient Rome

Horace

In this post, I trace Horace’s wax‐tablet hustle and Cicero’s scroll‐toting swagger to today’s laptop lectures and TikTok chats, proving student life — status symbols, gossip, and big dreams — still beats with the same ancient pulse.

Why Horace’s Father Snubbed Rome’s Elite Prep School

“He wouldn’t send me to Flavius’ school, where the fine lads —sons of proud centurions — strode in with satchels and tablets on their left arms, eight coins of tuition clasped in hand on each Ides.”

—Horace, Satires 1.6. 75-79 

From Clay Tablets to Campus Chats: Student Life in Ancient Rome vs. Today

In ancient Rome, heading to school meant carrying a tablet — and no, not the digital kind. Roman poet Horace dryly noted that wealthy students strolled to class with wax tablets and leather satchels, ready to pay their monthly tuition. Horace, however, didn’t come from money. His father, a freed slave, scraped together enough to send him to Rome for a proper education. Think of Horace as the scholarship kid living on the ancient equivalent of ramen and PB&J, while his classmates showed up with nicer gear and more lunch money.

Cicero, by contrast, grew up in an upper-middle-class family and received a top-tier education in literature, philosophy, and rhetoric. He likely had the finest tablets, an arsenal of scrolls, and perhaps even a capsarius — a servant to carry his school supplies. Imagine having someone attend class and take notes for you! Later in life, Cicero did just that, hiring his enslaved secretary, Tiro, to take dictation in shorthand. You could say he managed to outsource his homework after all.

Fast forward two millennia, and students now tote sleek laptops instead of wax tablets. But one thing hasn’t changed: the tech you carry still signals status. School has always been a social arena, where cool gear gives you a boost — whether it's the latest MacBook or a particularly fine stylus.

When it came to staying in touch with home, Cicero would’ve envied our instant messages and video calls. He once received a letter from Syria after 27 days. Imagine waiting over a month to hear from your mom! In an age of TikToks and texts, we forget that “mail” once meant a horse and a lot of hope. But even then, students grumbled about slow replies from home.

---

Gossip, Reputation, and Parental Oversight

Classrooms, ancient or modern, are more than places to learn — they’re breeding grounds for gossip. Horace took pride in avoiding slander and credited his father’s watchful parenting for keeping him out of trouble. “He guarded my innocence,” Horace wrote, recalling the day his father walked him to school. It turns out campus rumors aren’t a modern invention. Back then, a clever insult could be scribbled on a wax tablet and passed around — the Roman equivalent of a subtweet.

Horace’s father understood the risks of student life. He personally escorted young Horace to class and even sat in on lessons to shield him from bad influences. Today’s parents may not accompany their kids to lectures, but they show up at orientation, worry about safety, and dream big for their children’s future — often hoping they’ll be the first in the family to earn a college degree.

Horace’s father, once enslaved, dared to give his son a gentleman’s education — a radical act that still resonates. Like many modern parents, he saw learning as a way out, a step up, and a gateway to independence. And just like today, a student’s reputation mattered. Horace was proud no one could accuse him of greed or debauchery. Maintaining a good name was as vital in the Roman Republic as it is on today’s campuses — whether through whispered rumors or viral posts.

---

Rhetoric, Romance, and the Eternal Student Struggle

No PowerPoint? No problem. Roman students like Horace and Cicero gave speeches from memory — a high-pressure task that trained them for life in politics or public service. Rhetorical exercises were central to elite education, and being able to speak on the fly was the gold standard. Public speaking still makes palms sweat today, even if we now have slides and teleprompters to lean on.

Of course, student life isn’t all essays and exams. Horace’s poetry often reveals a heart caught up in love. In one Ode, he daydreams about a faithful lover — a glimpse into his emotional world that feels all too familiar. You can practically picture him in Athens, juggling crushes and classwork, trying to become a famous poet while nursing heartbreak.

Sound familiar? Modern students are still navigating late-night study sessions and love lives. Whether it’s a classmate who catches your eye or a messy breakup during finals week, the collision of romance and responsibility is timeless. Horace’s longing for a girl under the porticoes of Athens mirrors the modern dilemma: chase your dreams, but don’t flunk out while doing it.

And outside the classroom, Horace dabbled in extracurriculars — namely, writing poetry and briefly serving in Brutus’s army after Caesar’s assassination. Today’s students join clubs or advocate for causes. The urge to make a difference while balancing coursework? Eternal.

---

Changing Times, Timeless Traditions

So, what’s really changed since the days of Horace and Cicero? Scale, diversity, and freedom. Roman schools were small and socially exclusive. Today’s universities welcome students from all backgrounds, cultures, and genders — a scale and inclusivity Rome never imagined.

Freedom of choice has also evolved. In Horace’s time, education often locked students into a career path chosen by their family. Poet Ovid famously griped that his dad wanted him to be a lawyer — but he just wanted to write. Horace, too, chose poetry over politics, thanks to support from his patron Maecenas. It was a risky move, akin to turning down med school to join a garage band — but it was his dream.

Marriage expectations? Also very different. Rome pushed young adults into arranged marriages that served economic or political interests. Horace avoided that trap and remained a bachelor — even as Augustus tried to legislate marriage into fashion Horace managed to avoid that fate – he never married, remaining a bachelor with no kids. (Suetonius reports that Augustus Caesar passed laws against bachelorhood, essentially nudging men like Horace to marry and produce heirs, but Horace still did his own thing). Today, we marry (or don’t) on our own timeline. Education now symbolizes personal freedom rather than civic obligation.

Still, the heart of school life beats with familiar rhythms. Students today, like Horace and Cicero before them, juggle studies and social lives, battle homesickness, crave independence, chase ambition — and occasionally fall in love. Whether you’re writing verses in Latin or pulling an all-nighter in Python, you’re part of a tradition as old as civilization itself.

---

Same Human Story. Different Tools.

Clay tablets have become iPads, scrolls replaced by PDFs, and letters by instant messages. But the student experience — learning, laughing, gossiping, dreaming — remains remarkably unchanged. Horace and Cicero might raise an eyebrow at modern campuses, but they'd surely recognize the thrill, stress, and promise of student life.

Two thousand years on, we’re still trying to get to class on time, still trying to find our voice, and still wondering if the person three rows down might text us back.

Works Cited (MLA):

• Cicero, Marcus Tullius. Letters to Atticus, translated by E. O. Winstedt. Gutenberg Project, 1921. (Letter of Aug. 15, 47 BC, showing a 27-day transit of a letter).

• “Cicero.” NumberAnalytics Blog, 28 May 2025, pp. 1–3. (Early life of Cicero: wealthy equestrian family, top education).

• Horace. Satires I.6, c. 35 BC. (Horace on school: wealthy kids with tablets; his father’s protective guidance).

• Horace – Biography. Academy of American Poets, Poets.org. (Horace’s background: son of a freedman; finest school in Rome by Orbilius).

• “Horace: The Son of a Slave Who Became Rome’s Leading Poet.” World History Encyclopedia, edited by Donald L. Wasson, World History Encyclopedia, 2020. (Horace’s later life: patronage of Maecenas; remained unmarried despite Augustus’s law).

• New York Public Library Digital Collections, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection. Horace. 1800-1910.

• “Ovid.” World History Encyclopedia, edited by Donald L. Wasson, 2017. (Ovid’s early life: father urged him toward law and politics over poetry).

• “Roman Education.” World History Encyclopedia, World History Publishing, 2019. (Overview of Roman schooling: students’ equipment, use of slaves, rhetorical exercises).

• Tiro, Marcus Tullius. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, last modified Jan. 2023. (Cicero’s secretary Tiro and his duties: taking dictation, managing correspondence)

PDF Copy for Printing

Doubled-Headed Janus from the Villa Medici in Rome Unisex Staple Tee

Janus of the Villa Medici Tee – Roman Mythology Style

Step into the rich world of Roman art and mythology with this unisex staple tee, featuring an intricately engraved bust of Janus—god of beginnings, doorways, and time—as seen in the gardens of the Villa of the Medicis. Rendered in fine-point, monochrome detail, the dual-facing profile captures Janus’s power to look both backward and forward. On the back, a discreet “stonesoferasmus.com” reminds you of your journey through the stones of history.

Perfect for classicists, humanities teachers, museum lovers, and anyone drawn to the magic of ancient Rome, this shirt pairs effortlessly with jeans, jackets, or layered under a blazer for an academic-chic look.

Unwrapping and Wearing My Roman God T-Shirt

I just got out of the shower, but I had to show y’all this new package I just got—it’s gonna be exciting!

So, I found this public domain image in a 19th-century book that featured illustrations of Roman villas. Since it’s out of copyright, I took the original image and used Adobe Illustrator to turn it into a vector graphic. I cleaned it up, and this inscription—originally carved in stone—was found in the gardens of Cardinal de Medici, near the villa of Pope Julius III.

I used a font (I think it’s Londrina Outline) to recreate the text. So, while the inscription isn’t from the original site, the rest of the design is based on historical artwork.

This is actually the first piece of merch from my Stones of Erasmus store (Link in Bio)! The design features a Roman god—if you know who it is, drop a comment. The shirt design is the same. Here’s the purchase info—well, this is the shirt I designed, and it’s available on my Stones of Erasmus website.

And check this out—this other shirt features Dionysus with a panther, which is one of his sacred animals. I found the image in the public domain and loved how expressive it felt. I hate those crinkly-feeling t-shirts—but this one? It’s so soft and smooth.

Oh, and I colored this one myself! The original illustration was in black and white, but I added the color. Fun fact: I also use these kinds of images in my educational resources, so it’s cool to see them on merch.

And yes—I can be a capitalist swine—check out stonesoferasmus.com 😄
I love how this stuff looks. It’s bold but not too loud.

Product Details

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric with side-seamed construction and shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Sublimated print for long-lasting clarity and detail
• Unisex fit: flattering on all body types
• In White, Silver, Ice Blue, Citron, Ash

Carry a piece of Roman heritage wherever you go—because every new chapter begins at your doorstep.

PDF Copy for Printing

Travel Diary: Ancient Roman Port Town of Ostia Antica on a Summer Day in 2004

Long story short, I visited the ancient Roman ruins of Ostia Antica, once Rome's port city. Today, Ostia Antica is a meticulously preserved archaeological site—a day trip journey from Rome.

The author sits astride the entrance to an ancient Roman snack shop on what was once a busy commercial street in Ostia, Antica.

I remember the day we set out—my friend, a clinical social worker, and I, a Benedictine monk! What a pair! The day was hot—one of those excessively hot summer days, which is why, historically, Popes have left Rome in the summer months to retreat at Castel Gandolfo, slightly more elevated and on a beautiful lake. Anyway, I digress. We took one of those local Italian trains that stopped at every village and township between Termini station and the coast. 

I don't remember much about visiting Ostia except to say I appreciated how the ancient Romans had snack shops, indoor plumbing, heating, like us, storefronts, and well-laid out streets—a presage to pretty much how we live today—except trade horse carriages with gas-powered automobiles.

Takeaway: Ostia Antica is a day trip by train if you are traveling to Rome, Italy.

PDF Copy for Printing

Zeus Ammon at the Met: A Greek-Egyptian Syncretism in Stone

🏛️ Museum Musings 🏛️ I'm at the Metropolitan Museum of Art today.

Just laid eyes on the fascinating 2nd-century bust of ‘Zeus Ammon’ and I can’t help but marvel at the blend of cultures captured in stone. As expected, you’ll find the grandeur and aesthetic of Classical Greece, but what truly captivates is the god’s syncretic figuration as the Egyptian god Ammon—notice the distinctive ram’s horns!

With the great temple of Zeus at Olympia lost to time, pieces like this offer a glimpse into how the supreme ruler of the Olympians was once revered. It’s an extraordinary testament to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. 

PDF Copy for Printing

Sully Wing Secrets: Louvre's Greek and Egyptian Wonders

Discover a teacher's unique Louvre encounters, from Greek beauty to Egyptian relics. Explore beyond Mona Lisa to uncover the Louvre's heart.

(2) Apollon Sauroctone

(1) Éphèbe

You can't expect to tour the Louvre and see it all. I've visited the museum three times; most recently this past February as a high school English teacher on a London and Paris school trip. My previous visits were in 2000 and 2001 as a college student. During the first of those trips, I explored the Denon wing, which houses the Louvre's iconic treasures — the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Coronation of Napoleon, and all those wonderful works of art. I was in awe, though I do recall the Mona Lisa looking more like a postcard (she still does, but we adore you, La Joconde!).

On this third visit, I began in the basement of the Sully wing and worked my way up, which proved to be immensely rewarding. And I did not even catch nary a glimpse of Leonardo's lady nor did I see the Nike (they live in my heart). Where the Éphèbe (1) and Apollo Sauroctone (2) reside is a vast collection of Greco-Roman sculpture, including the Venus de Milo. I was struck by the youthful Narcissus, whom I initially mistook for an athlete — he epitomizes Greek beauty and the stylized classical loveliness associated with the young and svelte. Similarly, there is the Apollo — it seems the gods enjoyed odd, vain acts like slaying lizards — apparently, this depicts Apollo as a protector. I had some knowledge of this piece prior to my visit, so seeing it in person was a delight.

Deep in the Sully wing lie the remnants of the Louvre's past life as a fortress before it became a royal palace and now a museum. The dungeon, curiously, serves as the storage for artifacts related to French history and the story of the Louvre complex. Here, I encountered a majestic sculpture representing the river (3) — there are actually two, but here we speak of one: the Seine. And I must say, I was captivated by him.

The Louvre's Egyptian wing is dizzying, with fifteen thousand objects from their massive half-a-million-piece collection. Even after seeing Egyptian art in numerous museums, the Louvre's assemblage feels personal and well-organized. The procession of sphinxes (4) in Room 327 was a charming touch — I half-expected one to spring to life and pose the classic riddle about the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening.

A three-thousand-year-old Egyptian statue (5), likely once part of a fierce work, is displayed, and it caught my attention, especially because of its eyes. It reminded me of how Percy Bysshe Shelley envisions the sculptor of Rameses II (now in the British Museum), meticulously carving the pharaoh's visage, well aware of the emperor's demands for precision.

And finally, I returned to that room that first captured my heart — Room 344 — where a statue of Zeus, or technically Jupiter (6) (since it's a Roman piece), stands from the second century. And, goodness, what a figure he cuts!

(3) Un fleuve

(4) Statue of a Sphinx

(5) Statue

(6) Jupiter

Citations:

(1) Louvre Museum. Narcisse (Type, Original en Bronze) - Éphèbe (Boucle, Court, Nu, Appuyé, Sur Pilier, Bas). 2nd century A.D., Basse Égypte. Louvre, Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sully wing, ground floor, room 344, item Ma 457. https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010278134.

(2) Louvre Museum. Apollon Sauroctone. 2nd quarter 1st century A.D., Italy. Louvre, Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sully wing, ground floor, room 344, item Ma 441. https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010278000.

(3) Barye, Antoine Louis. Un fleuve. 19th century, France. Musée du Louvre, Department of Sculptures of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Modern Times, inventory number RF 1560 & RF 1561. Louvre Museum, Sully, [HIST LOUVRE] Salle 134 - Salle de la maquette, Vitrine 08 https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010093894.

(4) Musée du Louvre. Statue of a Sphinx. Circa 380-362 B.C. [?], Serapeum of Memphis, Saqqara. Musée du Louvre, Department of Egyptian Antiquities, Room 327, Sully, inventory number N 391 D. Louvre Museum, https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010009175.

(5) Musée du Louvre. Statue. Third Intermediate Period, circa 1069-664 B.C. [?]. Musée du Louvre, Department of Egyptian Antiquities, inventory numbers E 2410; N 1579; Clot bey C 25 no. 5. Louvre Museum, https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010013953.

(6) Musée du Louvre. Jupiter. 2nd century A.D. [?], Italy. Musée du Louvre, Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Room 344. https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010277023.

PDF Copy for Printing

Unearthing Mysteries: An Encounter with Fortuna at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A Byzantine Tale of Civilization and Fate at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Where history meets artistry.

I am standing amidst the breathtaking expanse of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Amid the myriad of artifacts and art pieces, I find myself drawn to an object of particular intrigue. At first glance it may not command your immediate attention, but its narrative is as grand as any. It’s a captivating statuette hailing from the Byzantine era, bearing the likeness of the Roman goddess Fortuna—also known as Tyche.

Fortuna (Tyche), Late Roman or Byzantine, ca. 300–500 C.E.

Fortuna’s sculptural headdress resembles a walled city, complete with gate and battlements—an emblem of civic power. In her hand she holds a cornucopia, the timeless sign of abundance. Together these details weave a story about the interplay of prosperity, urban life, and the capricious hand of fate. Far from being “just a cool little statuette,” this bronze is a compact lesson in how chance shapes civilizations.

PDF copy for printing

Exploring Ancient Rome: The Majestic Bust of Marcus Aurelius at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

I've taken to re-visiting some of my favorite works of art. Here's a fantastic piece from Rome — created around the second century C.E.

Exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City today. I’m admiring a second-century C.E. bust of a Roman youth. This isn’t just any youth - it’s a youthful portrait of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher and Roman emperor.

Clip Art: Endymion Sleeping on Mount Latmos

Endymion (some say it's Adonis) wears a hat, a Roman tunic, and sandals and naps on Mount Latmos. The original marble Roman sculpture dates from the 2nd Century C.E., where the drawing is based and is located in the British Museum in London. 

Source: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Ancient styles of hats" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1845. This image is in the public domain. 

PDF Copy for Printing

Quotation: Lucretius On Childish Fear

"Our life is one long struggle in the darkness; and as children in a dark room are terrified of everything, so we in broad daylight are sometimes afraid of things that are no more to be feared than the imaginary horrors that scare children in the dark."

Lucretius, De Rerum Natura, Liber Secondus
PDF Copy for Printing

Quotation on How the Wise Understand

a word to the wise is sufficient

dictum sapienti sat est

Attributed to Plautus, Roman dramatist and Terence, Roman poet

PDF Copy for Printing