Latin For Dummies

Master the basics of a lyrical and useful language

Even though most people don’t use Latin anymore, it used to be spoken by millions of people from across the ancient world. It later morphed into new languages we still use today!

In Latin For Dummies, you’ll take a tour through the language of ancient Rome. Beginning with Latin you may already know, like “carpe diem” and “quid pro quo,” the book walks you through essential Latin grammar and everyday Latin phrases. It also explores how Latin shaped and molded modern languages, including English.

In this book, you’ll find:

• Lessons to learn Latin grammar and vocabulary
• Practices for reading, translating, and composing Latin
• Tips to recognize commonly confused Latin words

Latin For Dummies proves that learning Latin, while challenging, can be fun and exciting too! It’s perfect for first timers interested in the ancient language and anyone who wants to learn more about ancient Roman history and culture.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Latin 7

Chapter 1: You Already Know a Little Latin 9

Chapter 2: The Nitty Gritty: Basic Latin Grammar 23

Chapter 3: Salve! (Hello!): Greetings and Introductions 47

Part 2: Latin in Action 67

Chapter 4: The Roman Family and Social Structure 69

Chapter 5: Food and Housing in Roman Life 87

Chapter 6: The Roman Calendar 105

Chapter 7: The Roman Army 129

Chapter 8: Roman Entertainment and Sports 145

Chapter 9: Roman Government 161

Chapter 10: More Lasting Than Bronze: Latin Literature 185

Part 3: Latin in the Modern World 201

Chapter 11: Keeping It Simple, Silly 203

Chapter 12: The Decline and Fall of Roman Declensions 223

Chapter 13: We All Live In a Yellow Subordinate Clause 243

Chapter 14: Latin in Zoology and Botany 265

Chapter 15: Translating and Reading Latin 275

Chapter 16: Mottoes, Sayings, and Quotes: Cocktail Party Latin 299

Part 4: The Part of Tens 313

Chapter 17: More than Ten Loanwords from Latin 315

Chapter 18: Ten (or So) False Friends: Common Mistakes in Latin 321

Part 5: Appendices 327

Appendix A: Noun, Adjective, and Verb Tables 329

Appendix B: Latin-English Mini-Dictionary 353

Appendix C: Answer Key 381

Index 395

Clifford A. Hull MA in Classical Studies, MA in Classical Architecture, and MLS, teaches Latin, history, and social science at The Harker School in California.

Steven R. Perkins MA in Classics, is an award-winning teacher who has taught Latin and Classics for more than 30 years at secondary and undergraduate levels.

Carpe diem and learn Latin, the easy way

Latin For Dummies is the most practical Latin book around, showing you how Latin was used in the ancient world. Learn the basics, then have fun with action-packed lessons on what to say when you get invited to dinner in ancient Rome and how to understand what’s going on at your next gladiator match. Okay, you might never use that stuff—but we also show you how much Latin is still used in the modern world (believe it or not), in science, literature, law, and beyond. No need for caveat emptor here—you’re safe with Dummies.

Inside…

• Basic grammar and vocab
• Roman history and society
• Fun quotes and expressions
• Translating Latin literature
• Declensions and clauses
• Latin in the modern sciences
• Resources for learning more
• Examples and exercises