Explore Greek & Roman Gods: Ares vs Mars - Mythology, Love, and War Insights

Dive into the fascinating world of Greek and Roman mythology with a detailed comparison between Ares and Mars. Discover their myths, lovers, and roles in ancient tales.

Hey, y’all. I’m in the Louvre Museum. Here stands Mars (or Ares to the Greeks), the deity of war, embodying cries, battles, bloodshed, and military conquest. It feels like the Romans admired him significantly, and although the Greeks certainly gave him a place of honor on Olympus, he wasn’t as much worshipped in temples as he was respected and feared. His lover was famously Aphrodite — the goddess of love. Also, in the spirit of exploring the less discussed side of history, we get to see his representation from behind. Additionally, if you’ve ever seen Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ — the prequel to the Alien movies — does the god’s face remind you of the giant humanoids from the film? And, if you’re a Percy Jackson fan, Ares plays a supporting role in the plot of the first book.

Citation:

Louvre Museum. "Arès Borghèse." Louvre Collections, https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010279164. 

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Unveiling Mythology to Teens: Insights from the Humanities Classroom

In this post, I talk about simple ways teachers in a middle or high school humanities classroom can explore the vast richness of a diverse set of myths.

Storm-Tossed and Star Crossed: Paris and Helen's Epic Journey to Troy

In this captivating illustration, Paris and Helen, the ill-fated lovers, braved a tempestuous sea to reach the legendary city of Troy. The turbulent waves and dark skies mirror the tumultuous fate that awaited them. Meanwhile, Cassandra, the prophetess cursed with foresight, stands witness to their arrival, her eyes carrying the weight of the tragedies to come. This vivid scene captures the essence of their epic tale, where love and destiny collide amidst the fury of nature.

Along with the stories from the Trojan War, embrace a rich trove of mythology resources that comprise a range of digital resources, ideal for middle and high school students. I understand the breadth of mythology can be overwhelming, with countless tales and myriad versions.

Engaging ELA Lessons: Exploring the Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with Middle and High School Students

Dive into the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a comprehensive, interactive, and distance-learning-optimized ELA resource.

Stones of Erasmus offers an Educational Download designed to teach the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice

In the realm of English Language Arts (ELA), the ancient, tragic tale of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice offers a rich tapestry of themes and lessons for middle and high school students. Stones of Erasmus has created a comprehensive educational resource that provides an engaging, interactive, and distance-learning optimized approach to this timeless tale.

Orpheus enters the underworld.
Image Credit: NYPL Digital Collections

Orpheus stands at the precipice of the underworld, known as Orcus in Roman mythology — and, as Hades in Greek mythology. This signifies the moment in the enduring myth of Orpheus when the gifted musician, driven by desperate love and profound grief, dares to venture into the realm of the dead. His aim, to retrieve his beloved Eurydice, would become one of the most poignant tales of love, loss, and the power of art in ancient myth.

The story of Orpheus, the divine musician who loses his wife Eurydice twice, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the creative power of music and art. Our resource brings this myth to life in the classroom, whether virtual or physical, through a variety of activities and discussion prompts.

Over a three-day lesson plan, students will delve into the myth, analyze its characters and themes, and engage in critical thinking. The resource includes:

• 1. Art + Literature Connections: Students compare the myth with artwork by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, fostering a deeper understanding of the story.

• 2. Reading Cards: This lesson is most effective when supplemented with diverse texts from Edith Hamilton's Mythology, Bulfinch's Mythology, and Ovid's Metamorphoses. However, the resource also includes an introductory dictionary entry on classic Greek and Roman mythology for a comprehensive start.

• 3. Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking Questions: These questions encourage students to delve deeper into the text, promoting comprehension and critical thinking.

• 4. Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards: This visual approach to vocabulary helps students understand terms, geography, and challenging words in the context of the story.

• 5. Exit Tickets: These provide immediate feedback on students' understanding of the lesson, helping teachers adjust future instruction as needed.

• 6. Essay Writing Activity: This activity caps off the lesson, allowing students to express their understanding of the myth in a creative way.

Our resource aligns well with the Common Core Standards, particularly the reading literature standard that encourages the analysis of a subject or key scene in two different artistic mediums.

Whether used as a stand-alone lesson or paired with a larger unit on Myth, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves’s Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, or Parallel Myths by J.F. Bierlein, this resource offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

For more resources like this, visit the Stones of Erasmus TpT store, and join us on our journey to make ELA education more engaging and interactive.

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Clip Art: Three Grecian Heads

Explore 'Three Grecian Heads', a historic 1814 illustration showcasing ancient costumes, featuring the swift-footed warrior, Achilles.

"Three Grecian Heads"

Three Grecian heads. The figure in the middle is "Swift-footed Achilles," the famed Achaean warrior told about in the stories of Homer.

Source note: — An illustration of the Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman costume: in forty outlines with descriptions. London. 1814. Baxter, Thomas, 1782-1821 (Engraver). This image is in the public domain. Retrieved from The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection, The New York Public Library. New York Public Library Digital Collections. Uploaded by Stones of Erasmus.

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A Glimpse of Mythology Above Grand Central Station: The Watchful Hermes

I’m standing here at the entrance to Grand Central Station on 42nd Street and Park Avenue, admiring the statue of the god Hermes, also known as Mercury, that stands on top of the pediment.

I met a friend at Grand Central station today and decided to do a quick, impromptu art history lesson.

As I navigate the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, I find myself standing amidst a cacophony of the city's rhythm. There, at the intersection of 42nd Street and Park Avenue, in front of the iconic Grand Central Station, I pause and raise my eyes to the architectural marvel that is the terminus building. Perched atop this historic landmark is an impressive, grand sculpture that seizes my attention — the radiant figure of the Greek god Hermes, or as the Romans would say, Mercury.

Rediscovering Ancient Myths with "Narcissus and Echo" Teaching Resource and Educational Digital Download

In Greek mythology's vast and enthralling realm, two tragic characters stand out, captivating the hearts of students and teachers alike: Narcissus and Echo. These emblematic figures, embodying love, beauty, and vanity, have permeated our culture and language, leaving indelible imprints. To immerse ourselves and our students in their dramatic tale, I have created an educational resource, a comprehensive teaching kit that explores their narrative in engaging and thought-provoking ways.

This resource is not just a static, lifeless document. It is an interactive, vibrant educational tool designed to spark interest and facilitate discussion. With a target audience of middle and high school students, the kit is available as a PDF, Google Slides, and as an Easel Activity and Assessment (exclusive to TpT), offering multiple avenues for engagement.

Educational Digital Downloads Like This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus. 

Feature-Rich Learning Experience

The resource features a meticulously curated three-day lesson calendar with helpful teacher's notes. An intuitive anchor chart detailing key characters and places provides learners with context and geographical understanding of where these tragic Greek youths lived. A map activity brings this historical context to life, setting the stage for the narratives of Narcissus and Echo.

For the heart of the lesson, there are two-story versions of the Narcissus and Echo myth, each provided with a student-friendly reading protocol. The narratives, followed by a 9-count question bank, aid comprehension and promote discussion. A custom note-taking template ensures students actively engage with the material.

To further enrich the lesson, Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards are included. This innovative technique encourages students to explore vocabulary visually, diving deeper into the terms and contextual entries that fit the story.

Active Understanding and Summative Assessment

The learning process doesn't stop there. Half-sheet exit tickets offer a quick way to gauge student understanding at the end of the lesson. Simultaneously, a writing activity serving as a summative assessment challenges students to write a detailed five-paragraph essay exploring the characters of Echo and Narcissus.

A further reading list, often mistaken as merely a bibliography, provides a wealth of additional resources for those wanting to delve deeper into the myth. Whether for additional assignments or individual exploration, these resources facilitate a more profound understanding and engagement with the tragic tale of Echo and Narcissus.

Teachers will appreciate the included answer keys for all student-facing documents. These keys guide students on what to expect in their written and oral responses.

Integrating the Old with the New

This resource, created with high school students in mind, is an excellent addition to any English Language Arts Mythology unit. It encourages students to discuss beauty, vanity, unrequited love, anthropomorphic personification, and more.

Moreover, this resource can easily be paired with a larger unit on Ovid's Metamorphoses, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology. It supplements a unit on Graeco-Roman Mythology, offering links to full-text primary resources online.

To explore more myths and legends, check out similar resources on the stories of Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Apollo and Daphne, and many more lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series.

A Gift of Knowledge

Lastly, I'd like to thank the New York Public Library Digital Collections. They have made a wealth of public domain material available to the public, a generous gift to educators and learners alike.

Discover a new world of ancient tales with this resource, and join me on a journey through the enthralling stories that have shaped human culture and thought. Embark on the path of knowledge at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Discovering the Divine Huntress: A Journey into the Realm of Artemis, Or, Diana

In the bustling city of Ephesus, amid the bustling marketplaces and thriving harbors, stood the magnificent Temple of Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this sacred edifice was a testament to the divine Artemis (or Diana), the revered Olympian goddess of the moon and the hunt. A deity of nature and wildlife, her influence, much like her arrows, stretched far and wide. Today, let us rekindle the flickering flames of ancient fires and bring to life the enigmatic goddess and her magnificent temple.

As an educator who designs digital downloads, I've found that the allure of Artemis provides a rich, captivating context for teaching and learning. With this in mind, I've created an engaging, resource-packed digital download that uncovers the mysteries surrounding Artemis and her legendary temple.

Take a Sneak Peak at the Artemis (Or, Diana) Educational Digital Download

The Quintessence of Artemis

With this comprehensive resource, navigate the mythic landscape of Artemis, or, as the Romans called her, Diana, tracing her origins from a probable river or vegetation goddess to the celestial twin of Apollo. The fascinating intricacies of her cultic status offer fertile ground for intriguing discussions and insights.

An Array of Learning Tools

The resource comes with a plethora of pedagogical tools designed to foster a deep understanding of Artemis and her world. It includes a three-day lesson calendar complete with teacher’s notes, an anchor chart of key characters and places, and student-friendly reading cards exploring Artemis at Ephesus and her representations in literature and art.

The 18-count question bank ensures comprehensive topic coverage and encourages critical thinking. A custom note-taking template fosters active engagement, while the Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards help students visually explore and grasp complex terms and ideas.

Evaluating Understanding and Deepening Knowledge

Exit tickets, collected at the end of each lesson, provide immediate feedback on students’ understanding. As a summative assessment, a writing activity encourages students to delve deeper into the characteristics and symbolism of Artemis, particularly focusing on her as a representation of female power, nature, and fertility.

The included further reading list isn't just a bibliography—it's a portal for deeper exploration and individual or group projects. By assigning different sources to students, you can create an engaging space where learning expands beyond the confines of the classroom.

Fitting Mythology into the Middle and High School English Language Arts Curriculum

Designed with high school students in mind, this Artemis resource fits seamlessly into an English Language Arts Mythology unit. It provides an opportunity to discuss female goddesses, the role of women in society, and fertility symbolism in art and literature.

The resource stands strong as an independent lesson but can also be paired with a broader unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, or Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.

So, take your students on a mesmerizing journey into the realm of Artemis—a world where gods, goddesses, and the intricacies of the ancient Mediterranean world come to life. Explore more mythology-related resources at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Keeping the Hearth Fire Burning: The Tale of Hestia and the Vestal Virgins

A flame flickered persistently in ancient Rome at the heart of the city. This was no ordinary fire but the sacred flame of the goddess Vesta, the Roman equivalent of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth. Handpicked from Rome's noble families, six Vestal Virgins were tasked with a sacred duty — keeping the flame from going out. It was believed that the stability of Rome, its people, and its vast empire depended on this flame. So important was this duty that should a Vestal Virgin fail and the flame extinguished, she would be buried alive. Such was the reverence to Vesta, the humble goddess of the hearth.

Just as the Vestal Virgins were responsible for maintaining the sacred flame of Vesta, I believe it is our role as educators to keep the love of knowledge alive and burning brightly in our students' minds. With this ethos, I have created an educational resource that delves into the story of Hestia (or Vesta), offering a fascinating three-day lesson plan designed to fully engage students in exploring this remarkable goddess.

Hestia, or as the Romans know her, Vesta, is the Goddess of the Hearth Fire.

A Pathway to Ancient Mythology

This resource, available as a digital download in PDF, Google Slides, and Easel Activity and Assessment formats begins with an overview of Hestia and her place within ancient mythology. The daughter of Titans Kronus and Rhea, and one of Zeus's siblings, Hestia was an original Olympian. Although not as well-known as some of her Olympian siblings, her significance, particularly to the Romans in the form of Vesta, is fascinating and illuminating.

With an extensive teacher three-day lesson calendar, complete with notes, this resource guides educators through an immersive exploration of Hestia and her role in ancient society. Reading cards focus on aspects of Hestia's life and influence, including her depiction in art and culture, her symbolization as the goddess of the hearth fire, and an intriguing look at the Vestal Virgins and their crucial role in Roman society.

A Bronze Sculpture of Hestia Now
Housed in the Louvre Museum

To ensure your students are making the most out of this resource, it includes a 22-count question bank for quick comprehension checks and a custom note-taking template to encourage accountability. To further help students fully engage with the subject matter, the resource offers Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards, helping students to think about vocabulary visually in a four-section square, encouraging a deep understanding of terms and concepts related to the story.

Extend the Learning Journey

I've included a further reading list, not just as a simple bibliography but as a way to encourage students to delve deeper into the subject. Assign different sources to students and organize presentations where learning can go deeper into the story. Answer keys are provided for all student-facing documents, giving teachers plenty of guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

Educational Digital Downloads from Stones of Erasmus are
Chock Full of Resources for the Middle and High School Classroom

Designed for high school students and suitable for an English Language Arts Mythology unit, this resource can be used as a standalone lesson or paired with a larger unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, or well-known literature such as Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Fasti, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

Explore other Middle and High School Mythology Series lessons for more comprehensive mythology resources, such as Artemis (Or, Diana), Hades the God of the Underworld, Niobe and Her Children, and the highly popular Plato's Cave lesson.

Join me in bringing ancient mythology to life in the classroom. Keep the flame of knowledge burning, just like the Vestal Virgins kept the flame of Vesta. Head over to my website, Stones of Erasmus, and explore the world of mythology through these captivating educational resources. © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Unveiling Ancient Stories with the "Leda and the Swan": Educational Resource for Middle and High School Students

One of the greatest charms of teaching is the opportunity to transport students back in time and space to explore the grand narratives that have shaped our civilization. With my latest educational resource - "Leda and the Swan," - we journey to ancient Greece, where gods, mortals, and mythical creatures intertwine in tales of love, power, and transformation.

Leda, the Swan, Zeus, and even the infamous Helen of Troy play critical roles in this captivating narrative. If these names spark your curiosity, this resource is your roadmap into their world.

Educational Digital Downloads Like This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus.

Multifaceted Learning Experience

This comprehensive digital download is designed to provide a robust, enriching learning experience. It includes a well-structured three-day lesson calendar with teacher's notes to help you smoothly navigate through the materials. A detailed anchor chart of key characters and locations sets the backdrop of the narrative, inviting students to visualize the surroundings of Sparta and the broader Mediterranean region through a map activity.

Engaging Content, Packed with Features

Dive deeper into the myth with our reading cards, focusing on different variations of the "Leda and the Swan" myth and its connections to art and literature. The student-friendly reading protocol simplifies the process, making the narrative more accessible to learners.

The resource includes a 15-count question bank and a custom note-taking template to enhance understanding and encourage active participation. This method encourages accountability and reinforces the lesson content.

Vocabulary Learning Made Fun

Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards are another highlight. Students can enrich their understanding of terms, geography, and challenging words that fit into the story context by visualizing vocabulary in a four-section square- for meaning, examples, non-examples, and a sketch.

Comprehension and Critical Analysis

A half-sheet exit ticket system allows you to measure student understanding towards the end of the lesson, providing valuable feedback. The resource also includes a writing activity and a summative assessment that involves students tracing the myth's variations and delivering a literary analysis, complete with a grading rubric and sample answer set.

In-Depth Exploration

The further reading list offers a wealth of additional resources for students who wish to explore the myth more comprehensively. Use these resources for additional assignments, independent studies, or group projects, encouraging a deeper dive into the narrative.

The resource provides answer keys for all student-facing documents for teacher convenience, offering guidance on expected student responses.

Integrating into the Curriculum

Designed with high school students in mind, the "Leda and the Swan" resource fits perfectly into an English Language Arts Mythology unit. It provides an opportunity to discuss animals in literature, metamorphoses, gender roles, relationships, and the syncretic nature of myths.

The resource can serve as a stand-alone lesson or pair nicely with a larger unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

Explore More Myths

For more mythology-related resources, explore the stories of The 12 Olympians, Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Europa and the Bull, and many more lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series.

In conclusion, I sincerely thank the New York Public Library Digital Collections for their immense contribution to public domain materials. Join me in this journey through the timeless narratives that have shaped human history and thought, only at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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