One of the reasons I do much of my weekend stuff is to provide an opportunity for folks to find something to distract them from the tedium of mowing the lawn. By an interesting coincidence (seeing that lawn mowing season is pretty much over up here in the Great White North; only one more should be enough) the Trentonian ponders who first came up with the idea of lawns; inter alia:

OK, here we go: Lawns were pretty much created in the first century by some Pliny the Younger. He was a lawyer, an author, a scientist, and, based on his letters, the guy who came up with the idea of a putting a bunch of grass in an enclosed space. He actually used acanthus instead of grass, but same difference. I wonder who mowed his lawn. Probably neighborhood kids.

I suspect the attribution comes from the description of Pliny's Laurentine Villa (Ep. 2.17). Obviously he wasn't the first ...

The Journal reports that  lost section of Hadrian's Wall has been found:

A lost stretch of Hadrian's Wall has been discovered under a grandmother's garden.

Eileen Maas was delighted to learn she had the oldest garden wall in Britain - when archeologists identified masonry from the ancient barricade beneath her house.

The hidden stonework was uncovered when builders were digging a trench.

The 1,880-year-old wall ran directly under the front garden of Mrs Maas' home in Tunstall Avenue, near the Fossway in Byker, Newcastle.

She said: "I found out about the wall just two weeks ago when they first dug it up. It's really special and it's such a big part of our heritage so it's definitely something to be proud of.

"I even took a photo of it to give to my grandson because he is really interested in history."

For more than a century the wall, a World Heritage Site, lay undiscovered as building work went on around it.

Archaeologists found the original foundations of the 12ft high and 8ft wide wall, running parallel with the Fossway.

The wall, which runs from Wallsend to Bowness in Cumbria, was uncovered when developers Thornfield Properties wanted to build shops.

Tyne and Wear Museums archaeologist Jonathan McKelvey has been working on the site since the discovery two weeks ago. He said: "It's an important discovery because there are only a few uncovered bits of the wall in the North-East, but this is another part of the jigsaw. [more]

The Department of History of the University of California, Berkeley, pending budgetary approval, seeks applications at all ranks for a full-time tenure-track position in ancient history, beginning 1 July 2005.  Applicants should send a detailed letter of application, curriculum vitae, and placement file (or its equivalent) to Martin Jay, Chair, Department of History, 3229 Dwinelle, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-2550.  Please refer your referees to the University's statement on confidentiality, found at

http://www.chance.berkeley.edu/apo/evalltr.html

Letters of application must be postmarked no later than 1 November 2004.  The University of California is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

... seen on various lists

To fill the John MacNaughton Chair in Classics, effective 1 August 2005, the Department of History and Classics Program announces a search for an accomplished historian of Ancient Greece. The field is open. It is expected that the successful candidate, in addition to duties in Classical history, will contribute to the offerings of the Classics Programme by the offering of one course per year in the reading of historical texts and sources in Ancient Greek or Latin. The ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses is required. A letter of application, curriculum vitae, one-page statement of approach to teaching the subject, and three confidential letters of reference should be sent to Professor Brian Lewis, Chair, Department of History, McGill University, 855 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2T7. The review of files will begin on 15 November 2004. We encourage all qualified people to apply, but Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. McGill University is committed to equity in employment. English is the language of instruction at McGill, but knowledge of French is an asset.

... seen in the Canadian Classical Bulletin

The Department of Classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a tenure-track position in Hellenistic and Roman art and archaeology at the level of Assistant Professor. Candidates are expected to have an active publication record and a long-term research plan, as well as a broad background in both Greek and Roman art. They should be prepared to teach undergraduate courses in Greek and Roman art and archaeology, and graduate courses in Hellenistic and Roman art and area of specialty. Research interests in the Hellenistic and Roman East and intercultural contacts in the Mediterranean are especially welcome. Women and minority scholars are encouraged to apply. UNC Chapel Hill is an EOE employer. Applicants should have Ph.D. in hand or be able to present assurances that the dissertation will be defended before July 1, 2005; teaching experience is preferred. Finalists will be interviewed at the APA/AIA Annual Meeting in Boston. Please send all application materials, including a CV, four letters of recommendation, and a writing sample, by November 8, 2004, to Professor G. Kenneth Sams, Chair of Search Committee, Department of Classics, CB# 3145, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3145. E-mail inquiries should be addressed to: gksams@imap.unc.edu. The Department's website is at www.classics.unc.edu.

... seen on the Classicists list

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF COMPARATIVE WORLD LITERATURE & CLASSICS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPENING
RECRUITMENT #: 2012

POSITION:  Tenure-track position, Assistant Professor in Classics with
a specialization in classical archaeology.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 22, 2005

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Evidence of:
!                    Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology or Classics
!                    Specialization in archaeology of ancient Greece or of the Greek or Roman East
!                    Ability to teach undergraduate courses in classical archaeology, Greek and Roman civilization and at least one classical language at introductory level
!                    Potential scholarship leading to publication
!                    Ability to provide students with field archaeology experience
!                    Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community

DESIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Evidence of:
!                    Sub-specialization in one or more of the following areas: archaeology of ancient Rome, Etruria, ancient Egypt, and the Near East
!                    Excellent teaching and communication skills
!                    Ability to teach general education courses
!                    Ability to contribute in departmental and college committees
!                    Ability to develop new courses and revise existing ones consistent with department objectives
!                    Ability to teach writing and oral communication at all levels throughout the curriculum
!                    Ability to integrate computer technology into classroom instruction
!                    Ability to perform student mentoring and advising

DUTIES:
!                    Teach courses in Classics in the area of specialization
!                    Engage in scholarly activity leading to publication
!                    Participate in department, university, and community service
!                    Mentor and advise students
!                    Develop student field work opportunities in classical archaeology
!                    Assist department, college and campus in developing curriculum, and programs to meet the needs of a diverse student body

 SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with training and experience; probable range:  $47,000 - $55,000.

 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
Letter of application addressing qualifications and stating research and teaching interests, SC-1 Form, current curriculum vitae, teaching evaluation summaries, three current letters of recommendation, official graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and evidence of research and publication.  Employment is contingent upon proof of the legal right to work in the United States.  The proof must be provided prior to employment at the university.  An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED (OR RECRUITMENT CANCELED).  

Review of applications to begin on December 6, 2004.  Applications, required documentation, and/or requests for information should be addressed to:

Dr. Charles Jernigan, Chair
Department of Comparative World Literature & Classics
California State University
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840-2404
jernigan@csulb.edu

(http://www.upd.csulb.edu), In addition to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state law, CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.  An EEO Employer.

... seen on Anahita-l

New Jersey Classical Association
Fall Meeting
October 16, 2004
 
Seton Hall University Walsh Library, Beck rooms A, B, and C, South Orange, NJ 07079
8:30 - 2:15
         
Program

Art and Architecture of Naples and its Classical Heritage
Presenter: Dr. Charlotte Nichols, Chair, Art & Music  Department, Seton Hall University
                  
The D¹Argenio Ancient Coin Collection at Seton Hall University
Presenter: Ron D'Argenio, Esq.

Luncheon speaker: Founding a Charter School with Latin for All Students
Presenter: Vincent De Rosa, Head, Classical Academy Charter School of Clifton

The Roman Army in Britain  Presenter: Raymond Pietrucha, NJCA Vice
President, South Brunswick High School Slide CD of Roman Britain included

               Credit for 4 professional development hours is available.

Registration $ 15
Lunch $15

For more info contact: vmblasi@bytheshore.com

... seen on the Latin List

The Department of Classics at Memorial University of Newfoundland invites applications for an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The department is particularly interested in the fields of Roman History and Society or in Ancient Philosophy, but will consider well-qualified candidates from other areas. We seek candidates who exhibit enthusiasm for teaching Greek and Latin language courses, as well as courses in translation. Applicants must provide evidence of excellence in both teaching and research. For information about the department, please visit our website at www.mun.ca/classics. Applications should be directed to: Dr. T.J. Allen, Interim Head, Department of Classics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s NL AIC 5S7. Phone: (709) 737-8593; fax: (709) 737-2135; email: ckieley@mun.ca.

The position will commence July 1, 2005, subject to budgetary approval. A completed earned doctorate is required for the appointee to receive the rank of Assistant Professor and to be in a tenure-tack position. (If a successful candidate has not completed an earned doctorate, he/she shall be appointed to a regular term, non-renewable three-year appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. If the candidate completes all the requirements for the doctorate during the first 24 months of the term, appointment, he/she shall begin a tenure-track appointment following completion of the requirements of the degree). Letters of application should be sent to the department, accompanied by a current curriculum vitae, a teaching dossier, and the names and addresses of three persons who can supply a letter of reference. Consideration of applications will begin October 18, 2004, and all applications should reach the Head no later than November 19, 2004.
Memorial University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified women and men, visible minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

... seen in the Canadian Classical Bulletin

The Department of Classics & Ancient History at the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton Campus) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Classical Archaeology at the Assistant Professor level effective July 1, 2005. The successful candidate:

shall have completed the PhD (or be near completion) with a strong background and continuing research interest in the archaeology of the Graeco-Roman World;
shall be prepared to teach undergraduate courses in Greek and/or Latin;
shall demonstrate an ability to lecture to large classes in Greek and Roman civilization;
shall be responsible for developing a selection of undergraduate courses in Greek and Roman archaeology;
will be asked to co-operate with archaeologists in other departments with a view to establishing a Minor programme in Archaeology;
shall be participating actively in ongoing excavation work in classical lands.

The University of New Brunswick is located in Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, situated on the beautiful St. John River. UNB has a rich history and a legacy of excellence and makes a significant difference to the economic, social and cultural development in New Brunswick and around the world. www.unb.ca
Curriculum vitae, including three references, a teaching dossier (if available), should be sent by 1 December 2004 to:

Michael J. Mills, Chair
Department of Classics & Ancient History
University of New Brunswick
Box 4400
Fredericton, N.B. Canada E3B 5A3
Fax: (506) 447-3072 E-mail: milo@unb.ca
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and permanent residents will be given priority. Applicants should indicate current citizenship status.

... seen in the Canadian Classical Bulletin

Applications are invited for a probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2005. The successful applicant will participate in a programme with a full range of courses in classical civilization and languages, and be expected to have a strong commitment to research and teaching, as well as a solid background in Greek and Latin philology. Although no particular area of expertise is being sought, preference will be given to candidates with a research-interest in Greek history. Applicants should have the Ph.D. or be in the final stages of its completion. The closing date for applications is November 30, 2004. A curriculum vitae, letters from three referees (or a dossier from a university placement office), university transcripts, and a sample of scholarly writing should be sent to Professor C. G. Brown, Chair, Department of Classical Studies, The University of Western Ontario, Talbot College, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7. Positions are subject to budgetary approval. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University of Western Ontario is committed to employment equity and welcomes applications from all qualified women and men, including visible minorities, aboriginal people, and persons with disabilities.

... seen in the Canadian Classical Bulletin

7.00 p.m. |DISCU| The Helike: Real Atlantis
In 373 BC, the Greek city of Helike was destroyed by an earthquake and tsunami and disappeared into the sea. Modern archaeologists have spent decades searching for the lost underwater city until crucial clues finally came from geology.

DISCU = Discovery Channel (US)