Dear readers,
It is my humble pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural volume of Aeternitas, the Loomis Chaffee Classics Journal!
The Latin word aeternitas means eternity, durability, and immortality. In this materialistic, fast-paced world where things come and go in an instant, it is perhaps worth asking what things are truly considered eternal— able to endure the passage of time and inspire people many generations after. In Ode 3.30, the Roman poet Horace claims the immortality of his poetry and himself. He is confident, or at least optimistic, that the intellectual wisdom and raw human emotions expressed by his poetry will outlive himself and that through the art of writing, a part of his identity will also
sustain the ruthless passage of time. It is compelling to consider classical antiquity as eternally relevant to our lives. We see shadows of Catullus in our romantic relationships, of Lucilius and Cicero in our dissatisfaction with the status quo, and of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle when we wonder about virtues and the meaning of life. However, it is perhaps equally compelling to consider writing itself as a choice to forge our own immorality. When we jot down our thoughts and share them with a broader community, we leave behind legacies that may last longer than we have expected.
It is thus my privilege and great honor to work with a group of writers— students and faculty members— passionate about classical antiquity and eager to be a part of this eternal legacy. Their submissions span from solid academic research to creative nonfiction and poetry, including topics like Platonic philosophy, Roman emperorship and politics, Lucan’s literature, and much more. The poems and rap battles witness not only their creative talents but also their interests in the intersectionality of past and present, of change and continuity. Therefore, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to those who submitted for this inaugural issue— the journal would not exist
without them. Equally, the three faculty advisors, Dr. Michael Anderson, Mr. Khang Le, and Dr. Alexander Peña Bethencourt, poured heart and soul into this project. It is because of their dedication that each article presented to you is accurate, rigorous, and accessible. Their selflessness, scholarly expertise, and love of classical antiquity have constantly inspired me.
So, dear readers, as you are flipping through these pages, I hope you will be intrigued, inspired, and encouraged. Studying the past requires tremendous resilience and determination, for it does not quickly produce utilitarian benefits or material, concrete results. Instead, it is an act of empathy, of trying to understand multiple narratives at once, and of participating in a conversation where your thoughts and questions may not always be answered, but please know that you are never alone. This journal is created by a community of thinkers, and I hope you can join us to explore the multifaceted nature of our past and consider how this knowledge helps to construct a more equitable, just, and meaningful present. Classical study is an eternal endeavor, and we can all be a part of it.
Happy reading!
Lisa Pang ’27
Editor-in-Chief
