Classical latin

Classical Latin is the form of the Latin language used by the ancient Romans in what is known as the classical period. From the 1st century BC until the 6th century AD, Classical Latin was the dominant language of education, governance, and communication in the Roman Empire. It is distinguished from Vulgar Latin, which was the colloquial form of the language spoken by the common people.

History

Classical Latin evolved from Old Latin, which was spoken from the 9th to the 3rd century BC. The earliest known form of Latin is Old Latin, which was spoken from the Roman Kingdom to the later part of the Roman Republic period. It is attested both in inscriptions and in some of the earliest extant Latin literary works, such as the comedies of Plautus and Terence.

The Latin language was divided into two types: Classical Latin, the literary language from the 1st century BC - 3rd century AD, and Vulgar Latin, the colloquial form spoken during the same time and later becoming the ancestor of the Romance languages.

Characteristics

Classical Latin is characterized by its clarity, precision, and elegance. It has a complex system of grammar and syntax, with a rich vocabulary drawn from a variety of sources. The language also has a highly developed system of rhetoric, which was used to great effect by Roman orators such as Cicero.

Legacy

The influence of Classical Latin can be seen in many modern languages, including English, where a significant proportion of the vocabulary is of Latin origin. It is also the language in which many of the foundational texts of Western philosophy, science, and law are written.

Classical Latin is still taught in many schools around the world, and is used in the Catholic Church for some liturgical purposes. It is also used in scientific nomenclature and legal terminology.

See also

• Latin literature
• Roman Empire
• Romance languages
• Vulgar Latin