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Latin
(1,423 words)

[German version]

A. History

Latin is an Indo-European language: like Greek or the Germanic languages, it derived from Proto-Indo-European (PIE; 4th/3rd millennia BC), which can be accessed by means of linguistic reconstruction, via specific changes. In the 3rd millennium BC, the mostly reconstructable proto-Italic separated from the west-PIE dialect continuum (in the Danube region?). The specific traits of Latin formed at that time include the syncretism of ablative and instrumentals, the stem grou…

Cite this page
Rix, Helmut (Freiburg), “Latin”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e632010>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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