The student group from Lycoming College started their journey on May 19th in the “Eternal City” of Rome as part of their “Math and the Ancient World” travel course. To establish a solid foundation for comparing Italy and Greece in terms of mathematics and culture, the group visited many significant sites in Rome, such as the Colosseum, an architectural masterpiece of Classical Rome, and the Vatican Museums, which not only reflect Rome’s Classical and Renaissance heritage but also highlight Greek influences on Rome’s cultural and mathematical achievements. With their local coordinator, Francesca Torri, the group also delved into Roman gastronomy with meals at typical restaurants and a visit to a 16th-century winery.

The faculty-directed program continued in Athens on May 23, the group was welcomed by their local coordinator, Eleni Sismanidou. Eleni led guided tours of the Archaeological Site of Delphi and the Acropolis, aiming to enrich the students’ understanding of ancient Greek culture. The Lycoming College group’s journey continued to the island of Samos, where Pythagoras lived and inspired others with his mathematical and philosophical teachings. In a cave where previously the mathematician hid and gave lectures, Professor Reed did the same (but without hidding) for a bigger number of students and on the same topics.

During their time in Samos, they visited the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the center of Pythagoreio, all accompanied by Samos expert coordinator, Eva Kapadoukaki and on a special note, the bus driver while in Samos, Mr. Dimitris who helped the group when in difficulty giving excelent tips and tricks about the island.

On May 29, after returning to Athens, the students bid farewell to their faculty-directed European adventure, leaving with a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities between the golden ages of Rome and Greece.