Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Geography
Hi Latin learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore Latin vocabulary related to geography. Understanding geography terms is important for reading Latin texts and for understanding the ancient world. We will explain each term with cultural information and interesting facts.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Feelings and Emotions & Null.
Geographia - Geography[edit | edit source]
Geography was a subject that the ancient Romans were passionate about. It was taught to children as well as to adults. From the study of the geography of the Mediterranean area, the Roman Republic was able to develop trade routes and locate natural resources that they needed.
Terra - Land[edit | edit source]
Latin word Terra means the Earth. Here are some Latin vocabulary terms that relate to land and terrain:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Terra | /ˈtɛr.ra/ | Land, Earth |
| Mons | /mɔns/ | Mountain |
| Collis | /ˈkɔl.lis/ | Hill |
| Vallis | /ˈval.lis/ | Valley |
| Campi | /ˈkam.pi/ | Fields, Plain |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Quis mons est ille? (What mountain is that?)
- Person 2: Mons Everest est. (It is Mount Everest.)
Aqua - Water[edit | edit source]
Water was a crucial element for the ancient Romans. The Roman Empire had impressive water supply systems leading to aqueducts, cisterns, fountains, and public baths. Here are some common Latin vocabulary terms related to water:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua | /ˈa.kʷa/ | Water |
| Flumen | /ˈflu.men/ | River |
| Oceanus | /oˈke.a.nus/ | Ocean |
| Mare | /ˈma.re/ | Sea |
| Lacus | /ˈla.kus/ | Lake |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Cur est mare rubrum? (Why is the sea red?)
- Person 2: Siccum os deserti pulverem mare rubrum efficit. (The dry mouth of the desert makes the sea red.)
Coelum - Sky and Heaven[edit | edit source]
Latin from the word caelum means the heaven or sky. The Latin language is rich when it comes to astronomy and related subjects. Here are some Latin vocabulary terms related to the sky and the idea of heaven:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Caelum | /ˈkae̯.lum/ | Sky, Heaven |
| Sol | /sɔl/ | Sun |
| Luna | /ˈlu.na/ | Moon |
| Aster | /ˈas.ter/ | Star |
| Cometa | /kɔˈme.ta/ | Comet |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Quis est hic stella? (What star is this?)
- Person 2: Hoc est Sirius. (This is Sirius.)
Summary[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we learned common Latin vocabulary terms related to Geography. It is important to have a good foundation in the vocabulary so that you can read Latin texts properly. To improve your Latin vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! You can also find more vocabulary in the Vocabulary section.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- How to say Good Bye?
- Colors
- Asking Directions
- Null
- Seasons
- Animals
- Count from 1 to 10
- Months Days Planets
- Animal
- Parts of the Body
Sources[edit | edit source]
- World Geography Latin America Vocab Flashcards | Quizlet
- Verba Incognita: A Guide to Deciphering Latin on Maps | Worlds ...