Classics is defined as the study of classical Greek and Roman literature and their original languages. It is the opinion of many that classics is not useful in this modern world. Why would it be in this age of technological advances? 

Although not often seen, there are applications of classics within modern life. For example, steam engines have been around since the 17th century (the steam engine to be applied industrially by Thomas Savery in 1698) however the aeolipile, also known as hero’s engine, was a simple steam turbine first described by Vitruvius, an architect and engineer. 

When asked about whether they thought classics was still relevant in modern day society, some GCSE classics students from Surbiton high school suggested interesting ideas:

‘Lots of literature was influenced by classics, for example Homer.and a lot of out systems are taken from classics’ – anonymous student.

‘Languages have originated from the older languages in these civilisations. I would also say we have learnt lessons and developed as humans from the past, so classics is still relevant’ – anonymous student.

To expand upon these ideas, a lot of our modern-day politics and laws of society are taken from classical civilisations, we, as the human race have also developed lots over the years. It is important to learn our own lessons from these civilisations. In addition to this, it is important for us to learn from history otherwise we will repeat it and the only way we can do this is by studying these ancient civilisations. 

The study of classics as well as being useful to using the ways of technology, is also important for introspection and understanding how civilisations work and why all this history has happened.