Whether you celebrate Christmas, Saturnalia, or one of the many other holidays of the season, it is the time of year for our last minute present ideas.

Shopping for Christmas presents can be difficult – it is often difficult to find something that we know our loved one will enjoy. We at Arke have put together a short list of gift ideas for the Classicist in your life – and a brief recap of the content so you know what you’re getting them!

Gifts that make us laugh

Saturn eating pizza t-shirt

This t-shirt draws on the iconic painting Goya, of Saturn eating a child. Saturn, or Cronus in Greek mythology, consumed his children to prevent them from overthrowing him. His wife, Rhea, eventually tricked the Titan, substituting a rock for their son Zeus (Jupiter in Roman myth).

https://www.threadless.com/shop/@mefodesign/design/pizza/mens/t-shirt/regular?color=purple#m

The Floor is Lava Championship t-shirt

In 79 CE, the volcano, Vesuvius, erupted, destroying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. If your Classicist has a slightly darker sense of humour, this t-shirt is for them!

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Pompeii-Floor-is-Lava-Championship-by-GinetteLaine/119948703.UIIS2

Gifts that make us go “ooohhh”

Replica Roman Dodecahedron

This decorative piece is a replica of a common artifact found across the Western Europe. To date, there is no definitive understanding of their purpose. This decorative replica will undoubtedly impress your Classicist!

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1444248904/roman-dodecahedron-replica-metal-version

Roman Oil Lamp

Oil lamps were commonly used in the ancient world. This Greek replica features imagery from the great epic, The Odyssey.

Note: oil not included.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1409629005/roman-terra-sigillata-oil-lamp-odysseus

Gifts that you can make for us

Wax tablet

Wax tablets were used in education from antiquity until well into the Middle Ages. This replica is one that you can make yourself for your favourite Classicist.

https://www.instructables.com/Wax-Tablet/

Cuneiform Biscuits

Cuneiform is one of the oldest forms of writing in the world, from the Near East. It was used for a variety of places, including for the Epic of Gilgamesh. This site provides instructions for how to create biscuits with decorative cuneiform shapes. A biscuit recipe is included, but you can use any recipe that will allow for shaping.

https://www.getty.edu/education/kids_families/programs/cuneiform_cookies/

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If you have your own ideas, please share them with us in the comments!