Familia Romana, the reader for level 1, is written entirely in Latin and follows the daily life of a Roman family set in the 2nd century A.D. It contains 35 chapters and a 1500-word basic Latin vocabulary. The last portion of the book features readings from classical poets and Donatus' Ars Grammatica, a popular Latin school text. Each chapter consists of two to three readings, followed by short sections on grammar highlighting grammatical points that have been used in the reading text, as well as grammar and vocabulary exercises to further solidify the student's grasp of words and usage. The new words introduced in the reader are used in context, are explained through the illustrations, and are often noted in the margin. Altogether, it is designed so that the student should be able to read and advance through the book without stopping frequently to look up words. The chapters advance gradually in complexity so that the student gains new vocabulary through the context of words he or she has already become comfortable with. Now in its 2nd edition, the reader features full-color pictures and maps.
Lingua Latina: Pars I: Familia Romana (Second Edition, with full-color illustrations)
Description
Lingua Latina is a highly regarded, full-immersion Latin program by Hans Ørberg. It teaches students to read and understand Latin directly in Latin without relying on English translations or heavy grammar drills at the beginning.
Instead of starting with verb conjugations and grammar
rules, the program introduces vocabulary and grammar in context through
engaging stories. Students gradually build reading fluency and intuition for
Latin as a living language. Many students who complete the course are able to
read original classical Latin texts with confidence.
There are two main Lingua Latina levels:
Level 1: Familia Romana: Follows the daily life of a Roman family in the 2nd century A.D. This volume builds foundational reading skills and introduces grammar naturally through context. The final section includes selections from classical poets and Donatus’ Ars Grammatica.
Level 2: Roma Aeterna: Continues with Roman history as told by Roman authors themselves. Students read portions of the Aeneid (Books I–IV), Livy’s History of Rome, and writings by Ovid while refining syntax and expanding vocabulary (over 3,000 additional words).
Core Components for Level 1
- Familia Romana: The main Latin reader (the heart of the program)
- Exercitia Latina I: Grammar and comprehension exercises
- Latine Disco I or Companion to Familia Romana: Grammar explanations and support (English-based)
- Glossarium: Latin-to-English glossary
- Grammatica Latina: Paradigms and reference grammar
Core Components for Level 2
- Roma Aeterna: The main Latin reader and heart of Level 2. It contains 21 chapters of progressively more challenging authentic Latin texts focused on Roman history and literature.
- Exercitia Latina II: The exercise book with grammar, comprehension, and translation exercises that reinforce the material in Roma Aeterna.
- Instructions for Part II: Serves the same function as Latine Disco I in Level 1. It provides English explanations of the grammar and syntax found in Roma Aeterna, along with helpful historical and cultural background information for each chapter.
- Glossarium: Latin-to-English glossary
- Grammatica Latina: Paradigms and reference grammar
Teacher Materials are also available with chapter-by-chapter exercises and answer keys for both levels.
Lingua Latina is an excellent choice for serious students who want to develop strong reading fluency and a deep understanding of Latin literature in its original form. It is widely respected for its immersive method and long-term results.
Browse all Lingua Latina components below, including Familia Romana, Roma Aeterna, exercise books, companions, and teacher materials!
| Product Format: | Softcover Book |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 8-AD |
| Brand: | Focus Publishing |
| ISBN: | 9781585104208 |
| Length in Inches: | 9 |
| Width in Inches: | 6 |
| Height in Inches: | 0.5 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.1438 |