iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

I'm currently reading The Persian Boy by Mary Renault. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #BookSky 📚💙

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

I have been teaching Suburani for 3 years now and I didn't know until reading this introduction to Seneca's Letters to Lucilius in Book 3 that Seneca's Lucilius is the father of our Suburani Lucilius from Books 1&2! Mind blown. 🤯 #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

020

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

One of my Y11 form leavers has just given me this lovely card. Honestly, I am completely overwhelmed. I'm so pleased I have played a positive role in their school life (I genuinely had no idea!). It is moments like this that make being a teacher so worthwhile. #Edusky

The text of a card given to me by a student which reads, 'Thank you for always helping us be our best, always ensuring we are happy and focused. I'll miss seeing you every day.'

050

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

My current reading. I'm looking forward to making good progress with it this weekend. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #BookSky 📚💙

2232

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Currently enjoying wandering around Naples Archaeological Museum. These are definitely my favourite pieces of the entire collection. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

1283

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

I'm currently reading this very interesting biography of Robert Graves by Martin Seymour-Smith. It complements very well the three-volume biography by his nephew Richard Perceval Graves I have previously read. #BookSky 💙📚

Roberts Graves: His Life and Work by Martin Seymour-Smith.

072

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

I treated myself to this fab looking book. I am very much looking forward to diving into it. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #BookSky 📚💙

Aeschylus' Agamemnon edited by Edith Hall.

0130

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

The latest Argo came through the post today. Always a very enjoyable read. @hellenicsociety.bsky.social #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

1112

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Very nice. This is my company for the evening.

120

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Some amazing wisteria spotted in Camden today.

1150

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

I'm currently reading this book on Pliny the Younger. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

Photo of the cover of Rex Winsbury: Pliny the Younger, A Life in Roman Letters.

2270

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

As the father of two girls under the age of 10, I was told that this was important reading. A few pages in, I can see why.

061

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Nothing says 'back to school' like sitting down to do the pile of marking put off until the weekend before we return. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Edusky

2150

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

I went to @romancircusuk.bsky.social and played my first ever game of Aquila. A very enjoyable time! I will definitely be investing in a couple of these for my department. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

2160

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

I'm about to start reading Tom Holland's Pax. I have previously read his Rubicon, which I enjoyed very much, so I am hoping for similar with this. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

A photo of the front cover of Tom Holland's book Pax.

1160

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Just started reading A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov. #BookSky 📚💙

130

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

A very enjoyable afternoon spent at the Drawing the Italian Renaissance at the King's Gallery. Some really wonderful drawings of classical subject matter. I particularly love this depiction of Anchises. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

2232

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

A very nice way to start the weekend in one of Medway's finest micropubs, the 12 degrees.

020

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

I am about to start reading this interesting looking book, Alexandria: the city that changed the world. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #BookSky 💙📚

A photo of the book entitled Alexandria: the city that changed the world by Islam Issa.

1191

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

The latest JHS has arrived through the post. I'm particularly looking forward to reading the article on women, gender and the ancient economy. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

Front cover of the Journal of Hellenic Studies.

1181

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

A very enjoyable visit to the Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum today. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

0311

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Just some parakeets out of my classroom window today.

050

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

I'm delighted by the fact files my Latin students produced on Agrippina. A really fantastic effort from these 3 in particular. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Edusky

Latin homework: a fact file on Agrippina.

0161

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

I'm currently reading the third book of the Avignon Quintet, Constance, by the fantastic Lawrence Durrell. #Durrell #Booksky 📚💙

A photo of Lawrence Durrell's Constance.

060

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

I am walking the Camino Ingles route of the Camino de Santiago in August, nearly 15 years after walking the 800km Frances route. My Pilgrim Passport arrived today, which is making it feel real. I know the Ingles route is only 120km, but I am still massively looking forward to the adventure. #Camino

Image shows a Camino Pilgrim Passport for the Camino Santiago.

4151

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Just starting this fantastic looking book. I have already learned that I have been pronouncing Romulus and Remus incorrectly. Turns out the e in Remus is *short*; the o in Romulus is *long*. I feel dumb for not knowing this before. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

5212

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

Further to my previous post and the food for thought provided by @armanddangour.bsky.social, I am going to sit down and read this article on Catullus' Journey (Carm.4) by Michael C.J. Putnam. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

Image showing the initial page of an article on Catullus' Journey (Carm.4) by Michael C.J. Putnam.

192

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

I forgot to post this earlier. But I am very happy with my haul of books this Christmas! #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Booksky 📚💙

2311

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

I'm currently reading The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg. #CurrentlyReading #BookSky 📚💙

A photo of The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg.

180

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Happy festival of Sol Invictus to all those who celebrate! #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

Roman disc depicting Sol Invictus. Silver, 3rd century AD.

25314

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

I'm just about to sit down and read this little article, 'Catullus c.4: The World of the Poem'. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

1111

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

"You will be visited by three spirits." The three spirits: #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

2241

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

I'm going to start reading this book this evening: Greek Oracles by H.W. Parke. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

0141

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

I think I have been letting my subconscious come to the fore a little too much with some of my Latin classes, because this pupil clearly knows how to get on my good side! Vinum really is the most important Latin word! 😅 ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #EduSky

Latin vocab test on which the pupil has written for vinum: wine (the most important word).

180

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

The 3 Graces are getting in the Christmas spirit. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Christmas

Tinsel is hanging over the frame of an image of the 3 Graces.

1164

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Today's reading: The Commentator's Task by Kenneth Quinn. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

130

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

Good morning from a beautifully clear and crisp Sidcup.

190

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

I'm currently teaching my Year8s a little about Roman London and the position of ancient city around the hills of Ludgate and Cornhill. This map is very helpful in showing the ancient in relation to the modern city. I really need to organise a trip for them to the Museum of London and the Mithraeum!

041

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 12/11/2024

Tucked up this evening with this. I have dipped into this at various points during the last ten years of teaching without ever reading it cover to cover, which is now my intention. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

Photo of Education in Ancient Rome by Bonner.

1262

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

It's always a good day when Argo comes through the post. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

New edition of Argo Hellenic Review 'Byron: the Bicentenary'.

0111

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 10/11/2024

This evening's reading is this fantastic edition. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺

0151

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

Purchased these three books yesterday from the Hellenic Bookservice in Kentish Town, all for £20. Bargain. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Booksky

1120

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 30/10/2024

There is nothing quite like having a quiet moment to sit and relax. A pint and GG are perfect companions for this Autumn afternoon.

030

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 29/10/2024

I led my first school trip since COVID last week. A group of 40 to Sicily. It was a really good trip, but I forgot how unbelievably tiring the whole experience is. It was lovely to see these amazing sites again. #ClassicsBluesky 🏺 #Edusky

2361

Dr Simon Trafford @simontrafford.bsky.social · 16/10/2024

One of my students brought me back some rock from their Geography field trip. I'm so touched I might cry. I really love rock! 😊😭 #EduSky #Teacher

030