Online Introduction to Classical Latin Course

Step into the world of Ancient Rome and begin learning the language behind some of history’s most influential texts, ideas and traditions. This 10-weekIntroduction to Classical Latin course offers a rich and engaging introduction to Classical Latin, designed for beginners and anyone curious about language, history and culture.

Latin remains a cornerstone of Western intellectual history, serving as the language of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil. Long after the fall of the Roman Empire, it continued as the shared language of diplomacy, science and scholarship across Europe for centuries. Its influence can still be seen today in modern Romance languages such as French and Italian, as well as in English vocabulary, particularly in fields such as law, medicine and academia.

In this course, you’ll learn the foundations of Latin through the stories of Lucius Caecilius Iucundus and his household in Pompeii, shortly before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Through these narratives, you’ll gradually build your understanding of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure while gaining insight into everyday life in Ancient Rome.

Whether you’re interested in literature, philosophy, history or the origins of language itself, this course offers a thoughtful and rewarding introduction to Classical Latin.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Introduction to Classical Latin course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Reading and understanding basic passages in Classical Latin

• Translating simple sentences between Latin and English

• Recognising common verbs, nouns and adjectives

• Understanding basic Latin sentence structure

• Exploring key aspects of Ancient Roman culture and society