A group of Second, Third and Fourth Year Hamptonians recently returned from an inspiring Classics trip to Sicily, an island whose rich history and mythology provided the perfect setting for bringing ancient civilisation to life.
Pupils explored key moments from the island’s Classical past, from Greek colonisation and the birth of Archimedes in Syracuse to Sicily’s central role in the Punic Wars and its eventual status as Rome’s first province. Along the way, the Classicists encountered landscapes steeped in myth, with Mount Etna and the surrounding coastline featuring prominently in ancient stories of gods, monsters and heroes.
The trip included visits to some of Sicily’s most awe‑inspiring archaeological sites and museums. In Catania, pupils explored the impressive Roman amphitheatre, baths, theatre and odeon, gaining insight into Roman urban life and entertainment. A visit to the Villa Romana del Casale proved a particular highlight, where Hamptonians viewed the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics and examined their artistic, social and historical significance.
At the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, pupils walked among a monumental ensemble of Hellenic architecture, including some of the best‑preserved Greek temples anywhere in the world. The sheer scale and craftsmanship of the structures left a lasting impression, prompting thoughtful discussion about ancient religion, politics and architectural legacy.
In Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world, pupils explored the archaeological park, including the famous Ear of Dionysius, as well as the Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre. The visit to Ortygia’s Duomo offered a striking example of how ancient structures were reused and reimagined over time, with the remains of the temples of Apollo and Minerva still visible within the building.
Other highlights included the beautiful Graeco‑Roman theatre in Taormina, perched high above the coastline, and a cable car journey up Mount Etna. Pupils were surprised to find the upper slopes blanketed in snow, an unforgettable and unexpected experience that brought both ancient myth and modern geography dramatically to life.
Alongside the many excursions, pupils enjoyed daily opportunities to explore Sicily’s towns and embrace the island’s cuisine. Hamptonians enthusiastically sampled local specialities such as arancini, pasta alla Norma, cannoli and brioche con gelato — research that was undertaken with admirable dedication!
The Sicily trip was a memorable and enriching experience, deepening pupils’ understanding of the ancient world while strengthening the vibrant Classics community at Hampton School.
