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!
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
