The Importance of Latin in Ancient Rome

Despite the fact that the majority of the people in the Western Roman Empire did not speak Latin as their native tongue, the language still held significant importance. This importance is best understood by examining its role in government and administration, and its influence on the development of modern Romance languages.

Why was Latin Important?

The simple answer lies in the advantages that knowledge of Latin brought to the conquered populations of the Roman Empire. Latin was primarily the language of elite Romans, including leaders of Roman armies and provincial governors and their staff. Consequently, Latin became the language of government, regardless of the native languages spoken, such as Gaulish, Greek, or Aramaic. As a result, Latin or a localized version of 'vulgar' Latin became the common language of the more educated locals in the western half of the Empire. This linguistic standardization contributed to the eventual development of the Romance languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, and Romanian.

Latin and the Western Empire

In the western half of the Empire, which was generally the oldest part, Latin, or at least a localized version of it, became the language of government and the more educated populace. This linguistic shift had lasting effects evident in the development of Romance languages and in the English language, where a substantial proportion derives from Latin. Even languages like Welsh, often considered a fairly pure Celtic language, adopted several Latin terms due to the influence of Latin education and the spread of Roman culture.

Latin and the Eastern Empire

In the eastern half of the Empire, the influence of Greek remained strong due to its earlier conquests by Alexander the Great and the successors of the diadochoi. Greek had an equal status with Latin, and government inscriptions were often bilingual, which left speakers of other languages, such as Aramaic, Coptic, or Egyptian, dependent on interpreters. However, by the eastern Byzantine Empire, Greek had become the official language of government. Despite this, the local population continued to refer to themselves as Romaioi well into the 2nd millennium, illustrating the lasting cultural influence of Rome.

Latin as a Colonial Language

The situation of Latin under the Roman Empire mirrors that of any colonial language under subsequent empires. Just as the British Empire used English and the French used French, other empires utilized their own languages for governing and administration. The Roman Empire established a formal educational system that prioritized the learning of Latin, fostering a legacy that persists to this day. This formal education played a crucial role in ensuring that the Roman language spread and was adopted by the educated classes, leaving a lasting impact on the languages spoken in former Roman territories.

Conclusion

Latin's importance in the Roman Empire was not merely a matter of linguistic dominance but a strategic tool for unification and administration. Its influence can be seen in the development of modern Romance languages, the legacy it left behind in the languages and cultures of former Roman territories, and the lasting impact it had on education and government.