Classical latin

Classical Latin

Classical Latin (Classicus Latinus) is the form of the Latin language recognized as standard by writers of the late Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. In some later periods, it was regarded as good Latin, with later versions being viewed as debased or corrupt. The word Latin is now taken by default as meaning "Classical Latin", so that, for example, modern Latin textbooks describe classical Latin.

Pronunciation

Classical Latin is pronounced as Klas-ik-al La-tin.

Etymology

The term "Classical Latin" comes from the word "classicus", which means "belonging to the highest class of Roman citizens", implying superiority and authority. The Latin language itself has its roots in the Italic languages group of the Indo-European languages family.

Related Terms

• Latin literature: The body of written works in the Latin language, primarily produced during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
• Roman Republic: The era of classical Roman civilization beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom, traditionally dated to 509 BC, and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Empire: The post-Republican period of ancient Rome. It began with the overthrow of the Roman Republic and ended with the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
• Italic languages: A subfamily of the Indo-European language family, originally spoken by Italic peoples.
• Indo-European languages: A large language family native to western and southern Eurasia.

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