Lakers celebrate the past with ancient games

September 28, 2021 (Volume 45, Number 3)
Article by Peg West

students stand around a table outside and play a game

three students stand outside and hold wooden spears

a board game is pictured with pieces made to resemble Egyptian artifacts

Students repair broken 'artifacts' during the Paleo-Olympics September 10 on the Allendale Campus.

Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills

Students and faculty members celebrated the past with games and other activities earlier in September during the Paleo-Olympics.

The group gathered near the Mary Idema Pew Library to play actual games from the past as well as modern games inspired by the ancient world, said Melissa Morison, chair of the Classics Department. Activities also included crafts and puzzles, along with educational demonstrations.

Highlights included an ancient Etruscan oracle and activities such as artifact reconstruction and a Roman ball game.

The event started 11 years ago by students and faculty members in the archaeology program and has grown to an interdisciplinary gathering of people of different majors and student organizations, Morison said.

"The past belongs to everyone," Morison said.