Ancient Teenagers

On Friday, the Classics PGCE students were assigned an important mission.

As prospective secondary school teachers, it was important that we understood how to introduce Classical Art to young people.

Our task was to explore the Museum of Classical Archaeology in Cambridge, and consider ways of approaching the many replicas of statues there.

We had expected semi-naked gods, goddesses and warriors, but what we actually discovered amazed us.

“The term teenager wasn’t coined until the 1950s was it?”

“I don’t think so.  Why?”

“Over there.  Look!”

“Well I never.”

What we had found was not merely a way for our pupils to relate to ancient marble sculpture – it was tangible proof that teenagers had existed far earlier than was previously thought.  The pictures confirm it:

Young discus-thrower texting

Satyr taking selfie