This document provides information about Latin grammar, vocabulary, and Roman culture. It discusses the pluperfect and imperfect subjunctive moods in Latin, noting their conjugation endings and uses. It then details aspects of Roman road construction and travel, including how roads were built and maintained, the types of rest areas available, and official postal carriers. Finally, it mentions additional modes of travel like rivers and canals, as well as some dangers associated with long-distance travel in ancient Rome.
5. Grammar
The Pluperfect Subjunctive
has a “isse” sign and it
indicates “had verbed” in hope
of something and is used with
the cum meaning when.
The Imperfect Subjunctive has
a “rent or ret” sign and it
indicates “was verbing” in
hope of something and is used
with the cum meaning when.
6. Culture
Culture Appia was the 1st road
Via
built in 312 BC by Appius
Travel was made easier through the use of roads. Roman
surveyors used groma to get a straight line and smoke. An
agger was an embankment of earth to add drainage and to
give marching troops a good view of the territory. Roman
roads would last from 80 to 100 years. cursus publicus:
Imperial Post. diploma: government warrant. mutationes:
posting stations. mansiones: resthouses. An official courier
could ride 50 miles in one day. Private letters were delivered by
a person’s slave or they were sent with travelers. Wealthy
people would stay at family houses or with friends while poor
travelers traveled with poor, unsanitary inns.
7. Culture
They could also travel by river with canal
barges, but upstream travel was an issue.
Dangers: pirates, storms, shipwrecks, thieves,
murderers, unlucky days of travel and sleep on
deck (out in the open)