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!
