What People Are Saying

Your monologue breathed life into “ancient history” and presented so many elements of a Roman soldier’s life in one short period.  From understanding the dress, to the discipline, politics, and lifestyle of the Roman soldier, our time with you was, quite simply, a history lesson which unfolded itself right in front of us. -- Cindy Brumbarger, Headmistress, The Master's Study, Indianapolis, Indiana  (full review here)

Ok.  As far as comments from students...the rest of the day, the kids just talked about how awesome it was.  Seriously, I heard "awesome" about 25 times. -- Marcene Farley, Latin Teacher, Pekin Community High School, Pekin, Illinois

Their favorite part was when he had the volunteers up there...they really enjoyed that. I showed the video I took of that part and they were laughing a lot...he did a good job interacting with them!  Krisanna Kusman, University Laboratory High School, Urbana, Illinois

Mr. Perkins's presentation on Julius Caesar's army was something my students will remember forever.  Not only was it interactive, it was engaging, and students were mesmerized by the role playing that took place.  They got to try on armor, participate in "fights," and it was different from a "sit and get" presentation.  I highly recommend inviting Mr. Perkins into your school for a presentation that your students will love.  Carla Crouse, Northview Middle School, Indianapolis, Indiana

Fun Stuff!

With two parents who are Latin teachers, our children always have fun with the Classics!  Our daughter loves penguins, and when we found this picture, she thought it was great.  What could be cooler than a Roman soldier penguin?

Our son thought it would be neat to cast Roman-soldier-Daddy as a Lego figure!

About Roman Personas

I have taught Latin for more than twenty years across middle school, high school, community college, and university levels.  For those who are interested in the full, academic version, my CV is available here.  If you want the more personal stuff, I am married to my wife, Melissa, who is also a Latin teacher.  We have two children, a son and daughter who are both elementary aged.  In addition to lots of "Daddy things," I, along with my wife, am active in our church.  I am an author (please visit me at www.stevenrperkins.weebly.com) and amateur wood worker, and while long walks along the beach are fine, I am more avid about fountain pens, Ford Mustangs, classic rock 'n' roll, philosophy, theology, and eating red meat.

I owe thanks to the Lilly Endowment for its Teacher Creativity Fellowship, which I received in 2011.  This fellowship allowed me to research Republican-era Roman military and visit with re-enactors, such as the dedicated men of Legion XXIV and Legion XXX at the Muster on the Maumee in Ohio.

Thanks also go to Dr. Andrew Riggsby and Dr. Karl Galinsky of The University of Texas for their help with Ciceronian and Vergilian research.

Special thanks to Dr. Bernie Barcio, founder of Pompeiiana.  For many years Dr. Barcio taught Latin at the high school and university levels, furthered the cause of Classics through Pompeiiana, and introduced countless audiences to "the grandeur that was Rome" through such characters as tribune Marcus Loreius Tiburtinus.  I owe Dr. Barcio quite a debt of gratitude for his gracious help as I began the process of re-enactment.

In this same vein I must thank David Smith, optio of Legio XXIV, and Latin teacher in Michigan.  David provided much useful advice as I began the process of establishing the character of Gaius Crastinus.

Finally, I must thank my good friend, Dr. Timothy Long, professor emeritus of Classical Studies at Indiana University.  For more than twenty years Tim has been a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend.  He is my first contact whenever a question related to Classics arises. 

Please feel free to email me at: steve@romanpersonas.com