IRIS
March 2026 ISSUE 8
The WGGS Classics Newsle er
Welcome to Iris! Welcome to Iris, the WGGS Classics newsle er. Our aim is to shed a li le light on the ancient world, and on the wide and diverse range of topics we encounter in our study of La n and Classical Civilisa on. In this issue we focus on theatre, as Anjali discusses the controversial ancient comedy Lysistrata, and Rachel reviews a trip to the Na onal Theatre to see Bacchae, an ancient tragedy revamped for a modern audience. Also in this issue, Ariela in looks into the Antonine plague, and two Year 7 students share their crea ve wri ng inspired by the myth of Medusa.
Inside this issue A Catalyst for Catastrophe: The Neglected Plague that Outwit the Great Roman Empire—Ariela, Year 12
We would also like to wish everyone involved in the school produc on of Hadestown a successful opening night! This fantas c musical adapts the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and takes place in a dystopian reimagining of Hades, the Greek underworld. Make sure to get your ckets, and look out for our review in the next issue!
The Funniest Revolu on in Classical Literature: Why Lysistrata S ll Ma ers— Anjali, Year 12
If you would like to contribute to the next edion of Iris, please email your idea to: h.long@wa ordgirls.herts.sch.uk . We would love for you to be involved and for your voices to be heard!
Review: Bacchae at the Naonal Theatre—Rachel, Year 12
Ms Long
A Catalyst for Catastrophe: The Neglected Plague that Outwit the Great Roman Empire—Ariela, Year 12 The rise of the Roman Empire The great Roman empire earnt its legacy, clumsily clawing its way up to the golden age from its unstable republic counterpart. The republic of Rome was established in 509BC which scholars mark as the beginning of the classical Roman civilisa on the world has loved to explore. This ancient society blended the cultures and social structures of the Etruscans, Sabines, Oscans, and even some of the Greeks, who were around the same me pursuing a new interest in democracy (δημοκρατία -> rule of the people). Tumult and trouble nurtured this foetal Rome, suffering from perpetual conflict between not just them and their geographic opposi on (the Gauls and Carthaginians) but also themselves, the aristocra c, conserva st Op mates against reformist Populares. Civil violence heightened as slaves revolted in three Servile wars, as the semi-autonomous general Sulla and
Crea ve Wri ng: Inspired by Medusa– Ariana and Mugdha, Year 7