Learn Latin from scratch through real Latin texts, explored line by line with clear translations and explanations. No previous experience is required—just listen, follow along, and discover the language one text at a time.
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The three principal inscriptions on the facade of the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Rome. Rows preserve the monumental transcription; reading lines reconstruct each inscription’s sentence across its rows.
Reading line one
Clemens duodecimus pontifex maximus aquam Virginem copia et salubritate commendatam cultu magnifico ornavit anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo tricesimo quinto pontificatus sexto
Clement the Twelfth, Pontifex Maximus, adorned the Aqua Virgo — a water renowned for its abundance and wholesomeness — with magnificent splendor, in the year of the Lord 1735, the sixth year of his pontificate
Segment one
Clemens duodecimus pontifex maximusClement the Twelfth, Supreme Pontiff
Segment two
aquam Virginem copia et salubritate commendatamthe Aqua Virgo, praised for its abundance and healthfulness
Segment three
cultu magnifico ornavitadorned it with magnificent splendor
Segment four
anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo tricesimo quintoin the year of our Lord 1735
Segment five
pontificatus sextoin the sixth year of his pontificate
Reading line two
perfecit Benedictus quartus decimus pontifex maximus
Benedict the Fourteenth, Pontifex Maximus, completed it
Reading line three
positis signis et anaglyphis tabulis iussu Clementis tertii decimi pontificis maximi opus cum omni cultu absolutum anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo sexagesimo secundo
The statues and bas-relief panels having been set in place, by order of Clement the Thirteenth, Pontifex Maximus, the work was completed in all its splendor, A.D. 1762
Segment one
positis signis et anaglyphis tabuliswith the statues and bas-relief panels placed
Segment two
iussu Clementis tertii decimi pontificis maximiby the order of Clement the Thirteenth, Supreme Pontiff
Segment three
opus cum omni cultu absolutumthe work was finished with all splendor
Segment four
anno Domini millesimo septingentesimo sexagesimo secundoin the year of our Lord 1762
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Psalm 6
Saison 1 · Épisode 15
mardi 20 octobre 2026 • Durée 12:00
Latin
in finem in carminibus pro octava psalmus David
Domine ne in furore tuo arguas me neque in ira tua corripias me
miserere mei Domine quoniam infirmus sum sana me Domine quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea
et anima mea turbata est valde et tu Domine usquequo
convertere Domine eripe animam meam salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam
quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi
laboravi in gemitu meo lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum in lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabo
turbatus est a furore oculus meus inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meos
discedite a me omnes qui operamini iniquitatem quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus mei
erubescant et conturbentur vehementer omnes inimici mei convertantur et erubescant valde velociter
Line one
in finem in carminibus pro octava psalmus David
For the end, in the songs, for the eighth, a psalm of David.
in finemTo the end
in carminibusin songs
pro octavafor the eighth
psalmus DavidA psalm of David
Line two
Domine ne in furore tuo arguas me neque in ira tua corripias me
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Hail Mary (Improved Version)
Saison 1 · Épisode 14
jeudi 15 octobre 2026 • Durée 03:24
Latin
Ave Maria, gratia plena
Dominus tecum
benedicta tu in mulieribus
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei
ora pro nobis peccatoribus
nunc et in hora mortis nostrae
Amen
Line one
Ave Maria, gratia plena
Hail Mary, full of grace
Ave MariaHail Mary
gratia plenafull of grace
Line two
Dominus tecum
The Lord is with you.
Line three
benedicta tu in mulieribus
Blessed are you among women
Line four
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
Line five
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Line six
ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Pray for us sinners
Line seven
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Psalm 5 part 2
Saison 1 · Épisode 13
mardi 13 octobre 2026 • Durée 09:24
Latin
ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuae introibo in domum tuam adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum in timore tuo
Domine deduc me in iustitia tua propter inimicos meos dirige in conspectu meo viam tuam
quoniam non est in ore eorum veritas cor eorum vanum est
sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum linguis suis dolose agebant iudica illos Deus decidant a cogitationibus suis secundum multitudinem impietatum eorum expelle eos quoniam inritaverunt te Domine
et laetentur omnes qui sperant in te in aeternum exultabunt et habitabis in eis et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuum
quoniam tu benedices iusto Domine ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos
Line one
ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuae introibo in domum tuam adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum in timore tuo
I, however, in the multitude of your mercy, will enter into your house; I will worship toward your holy temple in your fear.
ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuaeBut I, in the abundance of your mercy,
introibo in domum tuamwill enter your house.
adorabo ad templum sanctum tuumI will worship at your holy temple.
in timore tuoIn reverence for you.
Line two
Domine deduc me in iustitia tua propter inimicos meos dirige in conspectu meo viam tuam
Lord, lead me in your justice; because of my enemies, direct your way before me.
Domine deduc me in iustitia tuaLord, lead me in your righteousness.
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Psalm 5 part 1
Saison 1 · Épisode 12
vendredi 9 octobre 2026 • Durée 07:44
Latin
in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequitur psalmus David
verba mea auribus percipe Domine intellege clamorem meum
intende voci orationis meae rex meus et Deus meus
quoniam ad te orabo Domine mane exaudies vocem meam
mane adstabo tibi et videbo quoniam non deus volens iniquitatem tu es
neque habitabit iuxta te malignus neque permanebunt iniusti ante oculos tuos
odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem perdes omnes; qui loquuntur mendacium virum sanguinum et dolosum abominabitur Dominus
Line one
in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequitur psalmus David
For the end, on behalf of her who inherits, a psalm of David.
in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequiturFor the end, for her who inherits.
psalmus DavidA psalm of David.
Line two
verba mea auribus percipe Domine intellege clamorem meum
Hear my words with your ears, Lord, understand my cry.
verba mea auribus percipe DomineHear my words with your ears, O Lord.
intellege clamorem meumUnderstand my cry.
Line three
intende voci orationis meae rex meus et Deus meus
Attend to the voice of my prayer, my king and my God.
intende voci orationis meae
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Our Father (improved version)
Saison 1 · Épisode 11
mercredi 7 octobre 2026 • Durée 04:31
Latin
Pater noster, qui es in caelis
sanctificetur nomen tuum
Adveniat regnum tuum
Fiat voluntas tua
sicut in caelo et in terra
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie
Et dimitte nobis debita nostra
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem
sed libera nos a malo
Amen
Line one
Pater noster, qui es in caelis
Our Father, who are in the heavens
Pater nosterOur Father
qui es in caeliswho art in heaven
Line two
sanctificetur nomen tuum
Hallowed be your name.
Line three
Adveniat regnum tuum
May your kingdom come.
Line four
Fiat voluntas tua
Let your will be done
Line five
sicut in caelo et in terra
As in heaven and on earth
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Latin from Zero Samuel Johnson Statute
Saison 1 · Épisode 10
jeudi 1 octobre 2026 • Durée 08:59
Inscription
A . ☧ . Ω .
SAMUELI . JOHNSON
GRAMMATICO . ET . CRITICO
SCRIPTORUM . ANGLICORUM
LITTERATE . PERITO
POETAE
LUMINIBUS . SENTENTIARUM
ET . PONDERIBUS . VERBORUM
ADMIRABILI
MAGISTRO . VIRTUTIS . GRAVISSIMO
HOMINI . OPTIMO . ET
SINGULARIS . EXEMPLI
QUI . VIXIT . ANN . LXXV
MENS . III . DIEB . XIII
DECESSIT . IDIB . DECEMBR
ANN . CHRIST . CIƆ . IƆCC . LXXXIIII
SEPULT . IN . AED .
SANCT . PETR .
WESTMONASTERIENS .
XIII . KAL . IANVAR
ANN . CHRIST . CIƆ . IƆCC . LXXXV
AMICI . ET . SODALES
LITTERARII
PECUNIA . CONLATA
H . M . FACIUND . CURAVAR .
Header
A . ☧ . Ω .
The Greek letter Alpha, the Greek letters Chi and Rho, a Christogram for Christ, the Greek letter Omega.
A. is the Greek symbol Alpha. The first letter of the Greek alphabet, used here as a symbol of the beginning.
☧ is the Christogram . A Christogram formed from the first two Greek letters of the word Christos; often used as a symbol for Jesus Christ.
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Psalm 4
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
vendredi 25 septembre 2026 • Durée 11:14
Latin
in finem in carminibus psalmus David
cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae in tribulatione dilatasti mihi miserere mei et exaudi orationem meam
filii hominum usquequo gravi corde ut quid diligitis vanitatem et quaeritis mendacium diapsalma
et scitote quoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum Dominus exaudiet me cum clamavero ad eum
irascimini et nolite peccare quae dicitis in cordibus vestris in cubilibus vestris conpungimini diapsalma
sacrificate sacrificium iustitiae et sperate in Domino
multi dicunt quis ostendet nobis bona signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine
dedisti laetitiam in corde meo a fructu frumenti et vini et olei sui multiplicati sunt
in pace in id ipsum dormiam et requiescam
quoniam tu Domine singulariter in spe constituisti me
Line one
in finem in carminibus psalmus David
into the end in the songs A psalm of David
in finemFor the end.
in carminibusAmong the songs.
psalmus DavidA psalm of David.
Line two
cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae in tribulatione dilatasti mihi miserere mei et exaudi orationem meam
When I called, the God of my righteousness heard me. In tribulation, you have made room for me. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae
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(Improved Version) Podcast: Trajan's Column
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
vendredi 25 septembre 2026 • Durée 04:10
Inscription
SENATVS·POPVLVSQVE·ROMANVS
IMP·CAESARI·DIVI·NERVAE·F·NERVAE
TRAIANO·AVG·GERM·DACICO·PONTIF
MAXIMO·TRIB·POT·XVII·IMP·VI·COS·VI·P·P
AD·DECLARANDVM·QVANTAE·ALTITVDINIS
MONS·ET·LOCVS·TAN[TIS·OPER]IBVS·SIT·EGESTVS
Physical rows follow the surviving inscription; brackets mark restored lost text in the final row.
Reading line one
Senatus populusque Romanus
The Senate and People of Rome
Senatus. means “Senate”. It is a masculine noun in the nominative singular, serving as the subject of the sentence. This term refers to the governing body of Rome, emphasizing its authority and prominence.
populusque. means “and the people”. It combines the masculine nominative singular noun populus with the enclitic -que, and functions with Senatus as the subject.
Romanus. means “Roman”. It is a masculine adjective in the nominative singular, modifying populus and identifying the people as Roman.
Reading line two
Imperatori Caesari divi Nervae filio Nervae Traiano Augusto Germanico Dacico Pontifici Maximo
To the emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Augustus, son of the deified Nerva, conqueror of Germany and Dacia, chief priest
Imperatori Caesari
to Emperor Caesar
IMP. is an abbreviation of Imperatori. means “emperor”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, indicating the recipient of the dedication. This term highlights the supreme authority of the individual being addressed.
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Podcast: Latin from Zero Psalm 3
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
mercredi 23 septembre 2026 • Durée 09:07
Latin
psalmus David cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii sui
Domine quid multiplicati sunt qui tribulant me
multi insurgunt adversum me
multi dicunt animae meae
non est salus ipsi in Deo eius
diapsalma
tu autem Domine susceptor meus es
gloria mea et exaltans caput meum
voce mea ad Dominum clamavi
et exaudivit me de monte sancto suo
diapsalma
ego dormivi et soporatus sum
exsurrexi quia Dominus suscipiet me
non timebo milia populi circumdantis me
exsurge Domine salvum me fac Deus meus
quoniam tu percussisti omnes adversantes mihi sine causa
dentes peccatorum contrivisti
Domini est salus
et super populum tuum benedictio tua
Line one
psalmus David cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii sui
A psalm of David when he fled from the face of Absalom, his son.
psalmus DavidA psalm of David
cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii suiwhen he fled from the face of Absalom, his son
Line two
Domine quid multiplicati sunt qui tribulant me
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Domine ne in furore tuo arguas meO Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger
neque in ira tua corripias menor discipline me in Your wrath
Line three
miserere mei Domine quoniam infirmus sum sana me Domine quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are troubled.
miserere mei DomineHave mercy on me, O Lord
quoniam infirmus sumfor I am weak
sana me DomineHeal me, O Lord
quoniam conturbata sunt ossa meafor my bones are troubled
Line four
et anima mea turbata est valde et tu Domine usquequo
And my soul is greatly troubled, and you, Lord, how long?
et anima mea turbata est valdeand my soul is greatly disturbed
et tu Domine usquequoBut You, O Lord, how long?
Line five
convertere Domine eripe animam meam salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam
Turn, Lord, deliver my soul, save me for the sake of your mercy.
convertere DomineTurn back, O Lord
eripe animam meamDeliver my soul
salvum me facSave me
propter misericordiam tuambecause of Your mercy
Line six
quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi
Since there is not in death anyone who may remember you; in hell, however, who will confess to you?
quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tuiFor in death, no one remembers You
in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibiIn the grave, who will give You praise?
Line seven
laboravi in gemitu meo lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum in lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabo
I labored in my groaning; I will wash my bed through each night; in my tears, I will soak my couch.
laboravi in gemitu meoI am weary with my groaning
lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meumI drench my bed every night
in lacrimis meis stratum meum rigaboI soak my couch with my tears
Line eight
turbatus est a furore oculus meus inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meos
My eye has been disturbed by rage; I have grown old among all my enemies.
turbatus est a furore oculus meusMy eye is troubled by grief
inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meosI have grown old among all my enemies
Line nine
discedite a me omnes qui operamini iniquitatem quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus mei
Depart from me, all you who work iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.
discedite a me omnes qui operamini iniquitatemDepart from me, all you who work iniquity
quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus meiFor the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping
dirige in conspectu meo viam tuamMake your way straight before me.
Line three
quoniam non est in ore eorum veritas cor eorum vanum est
Since there is no truth in their mouth, their heart is vain.
quoniam non est in ore eorum veritasFor there is no truth in their mouth.
cor eorum vanum estTheir heart is deceitful.
Line four
sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum linguis suis dolose agebant iudica illos Deus decidant a cogitationibus suis secundum multitudinem impietatum eorum expelle eos quoniam inritaverunt te Domine
A grave is an open throat; with their tongues they acted deceitfully. Judge them, O God. Let them fall by their own thoughts. According to the multitude of their iniquities, drive them out, for they have provoked you, O Lord.
sepulchrum patens est guttur eorumTheir throat is an open grave.
linguis suis dolose agebantThey acted deceitfully with their tongues.
iudica illos DeusJudge them, O God.
decidant a cogitationibus suisLet them fall by their own schemes.
secundum multitudinem impietatum eorumAccording to the multitude of their transgressions.
expelle eosDrive them out.
quoniam inritaverunt te DomineFor they have rebelled against you, Lord.
Line five
et laetentur omnes qui sperant in te in aeternum exultabunt et habitabis in eis et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuum
And let all who hope in you rejoice; they will exult forever, and you will dwell in them, and all who love your name will glory in you.
et laetentur omnes qui sperant in teLet all who hope in you rejoice.
in aeternum exultabuntThey will exult forever.
et habitabis in eisAnd you will dwell among them.
et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuumAnd all who love your name will glory in you.
Line six
quoniam tu benedices iusto Domine ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos
Since you bless the just one, Lord, as with a shield of good will, you have crowned us.
quoniam tu benedices iusto DomineFor you bless the righteous, Lord.
ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nosYou have crowned us with the shield of your favor.
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Ω. is the Greek symbol Omega. The last letter of the Greek alphabet, used here as a symbol of the end.
Reading line one
Samueli Johnson
To Samuel Johnson
Samueli. means “Samuel”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “Samuelus,” indicating the indirect object or recipient of the action. It functions here as the object of an implied preposition, likely “to,” addressing Samuel directly.
Johnson. means “Johnson”. This is a proper noun in the nominative singular case, masculine in gender. It functions as an apposition to “Samueli,” clarifying or specifying the identity of Samuel. As a foreign name, “Johnson” retains its original form without Latin inflection.
Reading line two
Grammatico et critico
To the grammarian and critic
Grammatico. means “grammarian”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “grammaticus,” indicating the indirect object or recipient of the action. It refers to a person skilled in grammar or language studies.
et. means “and”. This is a conjunction used to coordinate or link two nouns, showing that both “grammatico” and “critico” are recipients of the implied action.
critico. means “critic”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “criticus,” also indicating the indirect object or recipient. It refers to a person who evaluates or analyzes works critically.
Reading line three
Scriptorum Anglicorum
Of English writers
Scriptorum. means “writer”. This is the genitive plural form of the masculine noun “scriptor,” indicating possession or association. It refers to multiple writers or authors, emphasizing their collective identity.
Anglicorum. means “English”. This is the genitive plural form of the masculine adjective “Anglicus,” agreeing with “Scriptorum” in case, number, and gender. It specifies the nationality or characteristic of the writers, marking them as English.
Reading line four
Litterate perito
To the man skilled in literature
Litterate. means “learned”. This is the vocative singular form of the masculine adjective “litteratus,” used for direct address. It highlights the quality of being educated or scholarly, addressing the person directly.
perito. means “expert”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine adjective “peritus,” indicating the recipient or indirect object. It emphasizes skill or experience, functioning substantively as a noun.
Reading line five
Poetae
To the poet
Poetae. means “poet”. This is the nominative plural form of the masculine noun “poeta,” indicating multiple poets as the subject of the sentence. Despite its first declension ending in “-a,” “poeta” is masculine, which is atypical for Latin nouns.
Reading line six
Luminibus sententiarum
In the brilliance of thoughts
Luminibus. means “light”. It is a noun in the dative case, plural number, and neuter gender. Here, it functions as the indirect object, receiving the metaphorical association of enlightenment or guidance.
Sententiarum. means “opinion”. It is a noun in the genitive case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, indicating that the lights belong to or are associated with the opinions.
Reading line seven
Et ponderibus verborum
And in the weight of words
Et. means “and”. It is a conjunction that links this phrase to a preceding context, introducing an additional idea or element to the discussion.
Ponderibus. means “weight”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and neuter gender. Here, it functions as an ablative of means, indicating the instrument or method by which something is achieved—metaphorically, the significance or impact of the weights.
Verborum. means “word”. It is a noun in the genitive case, plural number, and neuter gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, showing that the weights belong to or pertain to the words.
Reading line eight
Admirabili
To the admirable man
Admirabili. means “admirable”. It is an adjective in the dative case, singular number, and neuter gender. Depending on context, it could also be ablative, indicating either the recipient or the means of an action. The adjective agrees with an implied noun, which could refer to a person, thing, or concept, depending on the surrounding text.
Reading line nine
Magistro virtutis gravissimo
To the most serious teacher of virtue
Magistro. means “teacher”. It is a noun in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. Here, it functions as the indirect object, indicating the recipient of the action or dedication.
Virtutis. means “virtue”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and feminine gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, defining the domain or quality associated with the teacher.
Gravissimo. means “most serious”. It is the superlative form of the adjective “gravis,” in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It modifies “magistro,” emphasizing the teacher’s exceptional gravity or seriousness.
Reading line ten
Homini optimo et
To the best and most honorable man, and
Homini. means “man”. It is a noun in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as the indirect object of the phrase, indicating the recipient of something.
Optimo. means “best”. This is a superlative adjective in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender, agreeing with “homini” in case, number, and gender. It modifies “homini,” emphasizing the exceptional quality of the man.
Et. means “and”. It is a conjunction serving as a coordinator, linking this phrase to another element that follows.
Reading line eleven
Singularis exempli
Of singular example
Singularis. means “singular”. This is an adjective in the genitive case, singular number, and neuter gender, functioning as a modifier of “exempli.” It conveys a sense of uniqueness or rarity.
Exempli. means “example”. This is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and neuter gender. It serves as the head of the phrase, indicating possession or association, as in “of example.”
Reading line twelve
Qui vixit annos septuaginta quinque
Who lived seventy-five years
Qui. means “who”. It is a relative pronoun in the nominative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It introduces a relative clause and serves as the subject of the verb “vixit,” referring back to an implied antecedent.
Vixit. means “lived”. This is a verb in the indicative mood, perfect tense, active voice, and third person singular. It functions as the predicate of the relative clause, describing a completed action in the past.
ANN. is an abbreviation of annos. annos means “years”. This is a noun in the accusative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It serves as the direct object of “vixit,” indicating the duration of time lived. Annus in the accusative plural, counting the years of life.
LXXV. is the Roman numeral for 75. Here it has cardinal force and is read septuaginta quinque.
Reading line thirteen
Menses tres dies tredecim
Three months, thirteen days
MENS. is an abbreviation of menses. menses means “months”. This is a noun in the nominative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It functions as the subject or focus of the phrase, indicating a time span. Mensis in the accusative plural, counting the months.
III. is the Roman numeral for 3. Here it has cardinal force and is read tres.
DIEB. is an abbreviation of dies. dies means “days”. This is a noun in the nominative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It serves as a parallel subject to “menses,” introducing a second time span. Dies in the accusative plural, counting the days.
XIII. is the Roman numeral for 13. Here it has cardinal force and is read tredecim.
Reading line fourteen
Decessit idibus Decembris
He died on the Ides of December
Decessit. means “depart, die”. It is a verb in the indicative mood, perfect tense, active voice, and third person. As the predicate of the sentence, it conveys a completed action, with the subject implied rather than explicitly stated.
IDIB. is an abbreviation of idibus. idibus means “Ides”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as the object of an implied preposition, indicating the time when the action occurred. Idibus, the ablative plural of Idus, the middle day of a Roman month.
DECEMBR. is an abbreviation of Decembris. Decembris means “December”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as a genitive modifier, specifying the month in which the Ides occur. Genitive of December, agreeing with idibus to mean ‘of December.’
Reading line fifteen
Anno Christi mille septingenti octoginta quattuor
In the year of Christ 1784
ANN. is an abbreviation of Anno. Anno means “year”. It is a noun in the ablative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It serves as the object of an implied preposition, indicating the time when the action or event occurred. Ablative singular of annus, ‘in the year.’
CHRIST. is an abbreviation of Christi. Christi means “Christ”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as a possessor, specifying that the year is associated with Christ. Genitive of Christus, ‘of Christ.’
CIƆ. is the Roman numeral for 1000. Here it has apostrophus force and is read mille.
IƆCC. is the Roman numeral for 700. Here it has apostrophus force and is read septingenti.
LXXXIIII. is the Roman numeral for 84. Here it has additive force and is read octoginta quattuor.
Reading line sixteen
Sepultus in aedibus
Buried in the building
SEPULT. is an abbreviation of Sepultus. Sepultus means “buried”. It is a participle in the nominative case, singular number, masculine gender, and perfect passive form. It functions as the subject, describing the state of the individual as having been buried. Perfect passive participle of sepelio, ‘to bury.’
In. means “in”. It is a preposition governing the ablative case. It introduces the location where the burial occurred.
AED. is an abbreviation of aedibus. aedibus means “house”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as the object of the preposition “in,” indicating the place where the burial took place. Ablative plural of aedes, ‘building’ or ‘church,’ used with ‘in.’
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Sancti Petri
Of Saint Peter
SANCT. is an abbreviation of Sancti. Sancti means “holy”. It is an adjective in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It serves as a modifier, agreeing with “Petri” and indicating possession or association. Genitive singular of sanctus, ‘of the saint.’
PETR. is an abbreviation of Petri. Petri means “Peter”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as the head of the phrase, referring specifically to Saint Peter in a religious context. Genitive of Petrus, the name Peter.
Reading line eighteen
Westmonasteriensis
Of Westminster
Westmonasteriensis. means “of Westminster”. This is a third-declension adjective in the nominative singular masculine form, functioning as the subject of the line. It is derived from the proper noun “Westmonasterium” and indicates a geographic or institutional association with Westminster.
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Ante diem tertium decimum Kalendas Ianuarias
On the thirteenth day before the Kalends of January
Ante. means “before”. It is a preposition governing the accusative case, introducing the temporal relationship central to this Roman calendar date.
Diem. means “day”. This is a second-declension noun in the accusative singular masculine form, serving as the object of the preposition “ante.”
XIII. is the Roman numeral for 13. Here it has ordinal force and is read tertium decimum.
KAL. is an abbreviation of Kalendas. Kalendas means “Kalends”. This is a first-declension noun in the accusative plural feminine form, referring to the first day of a month in the Roman calendar. It is governed by “ante.” Kalendae, ‘the Kalends,’ the first day of a Roman month.
IANVAR. is an abbreviation of Ianuarias. Ianuarias means “January”. This is a first/second-declension adjective in the accusative plural feminine form, modifying “Kalendas” to specify the month being referenced. Accusative plural of Ianuarius, agreeing with Kalendas.
Reading line twenty
Anno Christi mille septingenti octoginta quinque
In the year of Christ 1785
ANN. is an abbreviation of Anno. Anno means “year”. This is a second-declension noun in the ablative singular masculine form, used to indicate time when. The preposition “in” is implied, as is common in Latin temporal expressions. Ablative singular of annus, ‘in the year.’
CHRIST. is an abbreviation of Christi. Christi means “Christ”. This is a second-declension noun in the genitive singular masculine form, showing possession or association. It specifies the calendar system being referenced, namely the Anno Domini system. Genitive of Christus, ‘of Christ.’
CIƆ. is the Roman numeral for 1000. Here it has apostrophus force and is read mille.
IƆCC. is the Roman numeral for 700. Here it has apostrophus force and is read septingenti.
LXXXV. is the Roman numeral for 85. Here it has additive force and is read octoginta quinque.
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Amici et sodales
Friends and companions
Amici. means “friend”. This is a noun in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It introduces the idea of friendship or camaraderie.
et. means “and”. This is a coordinating conjunction, linking the two nouns “amici” and “sodales” to form a compound subject.
sodales. means “companion”. This is a noun in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning parallel to “amici” as part of the subject. It emphasizes a bond of fellowship or shared purpose.
Reading line twenty-two
Litterarii
Literary
Litterarii. means “literary”. This is an adjective in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It agrees with an implied plural masculine noun, which is not explicitly stated but can be inferred from the context.
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Pecunia conlata
Money having been contributed
Pecunia. means “money”. This is a noun in the nominative singular form, feminine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It refers to wealth or currency, which is the central focus of the statement.
conlata. means “collected”. This is a perfect passive participle in the nominative singular form, feminine gender, agreeing with “pecunia” in case, number, and gender. It functions as the predicate, describing an action completed in the past.
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Hoc monumentum faciendum curaverunt
Caused this monument to be made
H. is an abbreviation of hoc. hoc means “this”. This is a demonstrative pronoun in the nominative singular form, neuter gender, functioning as the subject. It agrees with “monumentum” in gender, number, and case, emphasizing specificity. Hoc, ‘this,’ neuter accusative modifying monumentum.
M. is an abbreviation of monumentum. monumentum means “monument”. This is a noun in the accusative singular form, neuter gender, functioning as the direct object of the sentence. It refers to a physical structure or commemorative object. Monumentum, ‘monument,’ neuter accusative.
FACIUND. is an abbreviation of faciendum. faciendum means “to be made”. This is a gerundive (future passive participle) in the accusative singular form, neuter gender, agreeing with “monumentum.” It expresses necessity or obligation, indicating that the monument must be created. Gerundive of facio, ‘to be made.’
CURAVAR. is an abbreviation of curaverunt. curaverunt means “to take care”. This is a verb in the perfect active indicative mood, third person plural. It serves as the predicate, describing the action of ensuring or arranging the creation of the monument. Perfect tense of curo, ‘they took care that’ or ‘they caused.’
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Caesari. means “Caesar”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional title to Imperatori. Caesar was a title of high rank, originally derived from Julius Caesar, and later used by Roman emperors.
divi Nervae filio
son of the divine Nerva
divi. means “divine”. It is a masculine adjective in the genitive singular, modifying Nervae. This term signifies the deification of Nerva, a posthumous honor granted to emperors.
Nervae. means “Nerva”. It is a masculine noun in the genitive singular, indicating possession or lineage. Here, it specifies the divine status of Nerva and his relationship to the Emperor.
F. is an abbreviation of filio. filio means “son”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional clarification to Imperatori Caesari. This term reinforces the familial connection to Nerva.
Nervae Traiano Augusto
Nerva Trajan Augustus
Nervae. means “Nerva”. It is repeated as a masculine noun in the genitive singular, again indicating possession or lineage. This repetition emphasizes the Emperor’s heritage.
Traiano. means “Trajan”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. Trajan is the Emperor’s personal name, further specifying his identity.
AVG. is an abbreviation of Augusto. Augusto means “Augustus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. Augustus was an honorific title denoting supreme authority and reverence.
Germanico Dacico
conqueror of the Germans and Dacians
GERM. is an abbreviation of Germanico. Germanico means “Germanicus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. This title commemorates military victories in Germania, underscoring the Emperor’s achievements.
Dacico. means “Dacicus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. This title celebrates military successes in Dacia, further glorifying the Emperor’s conquests.
Pontifici Maximo
Chief Priest
PONTIF. is an abbreviation of Pontifici. Pontifici means “pontiff”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional title to Imperatori. Pontifex Maximus was the highest religious office in Rome, combining spiritual and political power. The title continues with Maximo at the beginning of physical row four.
Maximo. means “greatest”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Pontifici. This superlative emphasizes the unparalleled status of the Pontifex Maximus.
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tribunicia potestate septimum decimum imperatori sextum consuli sextum patri patriae
Holding tribunician power for the seventeenth time, acclaimed imperator six times, consul six times, father of the fatherland
tribunicia potestate septimum decimum
holding tribunician power for the seventeenth time
TRIB. is an abbreviation of tribunicia. tribunicia means “tribunician”. It is an adjective in the ablative singular feminine, modifying “potestate.” Here, it describes the type of power being exercised, specifically the tribunician authority, which was a key aspect of Roman governance.
POT. is an abbreviation of potestate. potestate means “power”. It is a noun in the ablative singular feminine, functioning as the object of the implied preposition “with” or “by.” The ablative indicates the means or capacity in which the subject acts, emphasizing the authority held.
XVII. is the Roman numeral for 17. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force and is read septimum decimum.
imperatori sextum
hailed as emperor for the sixth time
IMP. is an abbreviation of imperatori. imperatori means “commander”. It is a noun in the dative singular masculine, functioning as an indirect object. The dative case expresses the role or title held, indicating that the subject is acting in the capacity of imperator.
VI. is the Roman numeral for 6. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force in the context of imperatorial acclamation and is read sextum.
consuli sextum
consul for the sixth time
COS. is an abbreviation of consuli. consuli means “consul”. It is a noun in the dative singular masculine, functioning as an indirect object. Like “imperatori,” the dative case indicates the role or title held, showing the subject acting in the capacity of consul.
VI. is the Roman numeral for 6. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force in the context of consulship and is read sextum.
patri patriae
Father of the Fatherland
P·P. is an abbreviation of patri patriae, “father of the fatherland.” The expanded words complete the emperor’s honorific titles.
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ad declarandum quantae altitudinis mons et locus tantis operibus sit egestus
To demonstrate how lofty a hill and how much ground were carried away for such great works
ad declarandum
to declare
ad. means “to”. It is a preposition governing the accusative case, indicating purpose or direction in this line, specifically the aim of declaring something.
declarandum. means “declaring”. It is a gerund in the accusative case, functioning as the object of the preposition “ad” to express purpose.
quantae altitudinis mons et locus
the height of the mountain and the place
quantae. means “how great”. It is an adjective in the genitive case, singular, feminine, modifying “altitudinis” and introducing an indirect question about the magnitude of the height.
altitudinis. means “height”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular, feminine, used to express a quality or measurement, specifically the height of the mountain and place.
mons. means “mountain”. It is a noun in the nominative case, singular, masculine, serving as one of the subjects of the clause.
et. means “and”. It is a conjunction functioning as a coordinator, linking “mons” and “locus” as joint subjects.
locus. means “place”. It is a noun in the nominative case, singular, masculine, serving as the second subject of the clause, joined to “mons” by “et.”
tantis operibus sit egestus
that has been removed by such great works
tantis. means “so great”. It is an adjective in the ablative case, plural, masculine, modifying “operibus” to emphasize the magnitude of the works.
operibus. means “work”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural, neuter, functioning as the object of the ablative of means, indicating the instrument by which the excavation was accomplished.
sit. means “be”. It is a verb in the present subjunctive, active voice, third person singular, functioning as the predicate of the indirect question introduced by “quantae.”
egestus. means “excavated”. It is a perfect passive participle in the nominative case, singular, masculine, agreeing with “mons et locus” and describing their state as the result of the works.
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