Do you want to learn to read Latin well—without looking for the verb or checking the dictionary every other sentence? It is possible to read Latin well and understand it without translating, although you will need commentaries for some literature. Like most people who...
Posts by
Daniel Pettersson
Dimensions in Latin: The Accusative and Genitive of Measure
Latin uses several ways to express dimensions or measurements. I often get students asking about this, so today, we’ll examine how the accusative and genitive is used in Latin to express dimensions of things, answering the questions ‘how long, wide, deep, thick?’...
How to Read and Study Classical Latin Texts: 10 Suggestions from a Latin Teacher
For most students of Latin, learning Latin means sooner or later reading classical Latin literature. However, understanding this literature, written by and for a highly educated elite in a foreign cultural and historical context, can be quite challenging, even more so...
Can Latin be Spoken? Common questions answered by a Latin speaker
The Pantheon and Colosseum, both monuments of Ancient Rome, are still standing. But an even more enduring Roman monument is the Latin language spoken and written far beyond the fall of Rome, into the middle ages, and on through the renaissance and early modern period....
What are the best Latin-English dictionaries for Learning Latin?
What is the best Latin dictionary? There is no “best” dictionary because it depends on your needs. In this article we’ll examine six popular dictionaries, so that you can make an informed decision when getting a dictionary. The focus here is on dictionaries for...
Is there a translation of Familia Romana?
I have been teaching Latin using a combination of spoken Latin and traditional methods for over twelve years, both in private lessons and at university. The textbook I use and always recommend is Familia Romana by Hans Ørberg. The book is written entirely in Latin,...
Teaching yourself Latin vs having a Latin teacher: pros and cons
One of the first things you have to decide once you've made the great decision to learn Latin is whether you should do it on your own or with the help of a teacher or a tutor. Choosing between teaching yourself and having a teacher is a matter of preference. There is...
First day of learning Latin: what to do
You've decided to learn Latin? Fantastic! That is one of the best decisions you'll ever make, believe me! Reading and understanding the writings of people from ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Early Modern period is almost time-traveling. I've been teaching...
Reading Plan for learning Latin: Beginners
When you’ve decided to learn Latin, you’re motivated and full of goals and ambitions, then it is time to sit down and plan your studies. Having learnt Latin myself and taught others how to learn it. I’ve put together a reading plan in eight (and a half) step for you...





















