Below are several options for activities that will reinforce students’ knowledge and understanding of ancient recipes and herbs that they explored at the Getty Villa.

I. Ancient Roman Herbs

Ask students to research ancient Roman recipes and find examples that use some of the herbs that are grown in the Herb Garden at the Getty Villa, such as mint, thyme, marjoram, tarragon, oregano, chamomile, and rosemary. If possible, work as a class to prepare foods in the classroom using easy ancient recipes. You may also opt to have students prepare dishes at home and bring them in for a potluck.

Find ancient Roman recipes in a cookbook by Apicius, De re coquinaria, available on the University of Chicago's Web site: http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Apicius/home.html

II. Herbs as Medicine

Ancient Greeks and Romans recognized the healing powers of herbs, and used them for medicine. Roman chamomile, grown in the Getty’s Herb Garden, was used to calm frayed nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections. Have students research the use of herbs in medicine and healing in ancient Greece and Rome. Students might also research the use of herbs in other world cultures, and investigate if herbs were used for the same purposes.

III. Herbs in Our World 

Herbs were used in antiquity in various ways—for food, medicine, in perfume and makeup, and even to ward off evil spirits. What are herbs used for today? As a group project, have students choose four or five herbs and ask them to research the benefits and uses of herbs in today’s world. Can they find examples of herbs being used outside of the culinary sphere? For example, students may be surprised to learn that herbs can be found in personal products, such as cosmetics and hair color. Have each group report on their findings to the class in an illustrated presentation.