Palaestra Michiganensis
July 6-11, 2026
Sponsored and hosted by Hillsdale College
Our 3rd annual event at Hillsdale College
Encounter Classical & Neo-Latin texts
in a welcoming, immersive atmosphere
This year’s theme: De Arte Rhetorica
We will discuss rhetorical training, and practice it, too! Everyone (including Tirones) will read at least at some of the Rhetorica ad Herennium, in order to discuss praecepta of rhetoric. We will do exercises in variatio, as well as imitate ancient progymnasmata, looking at excerpts from Renaissance textbooks such as a Latin translation of Aphthonius. There will also be games and short readings from a wider variety of authors (such as Augustine and Vergil!). In addition, Peritiores and Veterani will read and analyze excerpts from Cicero's 2nd Philippic, and learn about the history of rhetoric, including the three genera dicendi, the development of tropes and figures, and the practice of enarratio. All will have the opportunity to perform a speech they have composed or a set piece.
Act out short Latin scenes; Picnic at Lake Baw Beese; Build your Latin vocabulary; Learn idiomatic phrases
—2+ college semesters in Latin grammar required, or the equivalent —
College and graduate students, Latin teachers, professors, and other Latinists welcome!
This event will be held on the Hillsdale College campus, beginning with lunch on July 6 and ending with lunch on July 11.
Registration fee: $250 (includes lunch & dinner)
Stay in the dorms for an additional fee: $100 (double occupancy); $175 (single occupancy)
For more information, contact Dr. Patricia Aeschliman (paeschliman@hillsdale.edu)
Leaders this year:
Dr. Patricia Aeschliman
Mr. Aloysius Aeschliman
Dr. Joshua Benjamins
Dr. Charles Carman
Greek sessions with: Mr. Nathaniel Birzer