Topic outline

  • Introduction

    Welcome to School of Latin's Introduction to Latin course!  This is the only course on the Internet teaching independent homeschoolers to read, write, and speak Latin (this not just a Latin translation course!).  This first section is an introduction to the materials needed for the course and to the pronunciation of the Latin language.  You may complete these first conversations in a single day, or spread them out over a few days.  Find a pace that is comfortable for you.

  • Chapter 1: Lesson 1

    Week 1

    Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata: Chapter 1 contains three reading lessons (marked in the book with a Roman Numeral in the right-hand margin) and one grammar lesson. Each lesson is organized into five sessions. This week, we'll be working on Lesson 1.

    • Session One

      Open your workbook (or print out the workbook pages) to Chapter 1: Lesson 1: Session 1. Each week has 5 sessions. If you plan to complete Intro to Latin in one year, you will want to complete these sessions in one week. If you are working at your own pace, you can decide how many you would like to complete each day.

    • Sing! First Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to memorize the first declension.

    • Reading Tutorial: Lesson 1 Page

      Watch this tutorial before translating the lines assigned to this Session in your workbook.

    • Read!

      Listen to this recording and recite the lines assigned to this Session (for example, the Workbook says that for Session 1 you need to recite lines 1-4). To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud, even if you're alone in your room and your parents think that you're going crazy!

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 1 - Session 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation and learn to use the new vocabulary and grammar for Chapter 1 Session 1. Take notes on this conversation in your workbook, but remember that the emphasis is on oral fluency. 

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use the audio translation of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Create margin notes for any mistakes that you made.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Two

    • Sing! First Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to memorize the first declension.

    • Read! Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free Translate!

      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 1 - Session 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation and learn to use the new vocabulary and grammar for Chapter 1 Lesson 1 Session 2.   Take notes on this conversation in your workbook, but remember that the emphasis is on oral fluency. 

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Three

    • Sing! First Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to memorize the first declension.

    • Read! Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud

    • Free translate!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 1 - Session 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation and learn to use the new vocabulary and grammar for Chapter 1 Lesson 1.   Take notes on this conversation in your workbook, but remember that the emphasis is on oral fluency. 

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Four

    • Sing! First Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to memorize the first declension.

    • Read! Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free Translate!

      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. You will use the right hand column on Day 4 (you can leave it blank for now).


    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 1: Part 3 Page

      Participate in this conversation and learn to use the new vocabulary and grammar for Chapter 1 - Lesson 1 - Session 4.   Take notes on this conversation in your workbook, but remember that the emphasis is on oral fluency. 

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Five

    • Read!

      Read the entire lesson aloud in Latin. 


    • Flash!

      Study these Chapter 1 - Lesson 1 flash cards until you can do them perfectly (Latin to English, English to Latin, and Latin to Latin).

    • Exercitia Tutorial: Lesson 1 Page

      This tutorial will explain the following exercises (called exercitia in Latin.)

    • I completed this quiz without using any resources. Choice

      Indicate that you completed the quiz without any resources by checking the "Yes" box.

  • Chapter 1: Lesson 2

    • Session One

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to prepare for this week's grammar quiz.

    • Reading Tutorial: Lesson 2 Page

      Watch this tutorial before beginning to translate Lesson 2.

    • Read! Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 1 Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. .

    • Guided Conversation: Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Two

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to prepare for this week's grammar quiz.

    • Read! Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 2 Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! 1.2.2 Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. 

    • Session Three

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to prepare for this week's grammar quiz.

    • Read! Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 3 Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Chapter 2 - Lesson 2 - Session 3 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Four

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      Sing along with this song and take the practice quiz on this page to prepare for this week's grammar quiz.

    • Read! Chapter 2 - Lesson 1 - Session 4 Page

      Listen to and recite the lines assigned to this Session. To build your Latin fluency, remember that you need to read every word out loud.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 - Session 4 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Five

    • Read!

      Read every word of the lesson aloud in Latin. 

    • Flash!

      Study these Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 flash cards until you can do them perfectly (Latin to English, English to Latin, and Latin to Latin).

    • Exercitia Tutorial: Lesson 2 Page

      This tutorial explains the following exercises.

    • I completed this quiz without using any resources. Choice

      Indicate that you completed the quiz without any resources by checking the "Yes" box.

  • Chapter 1: Lesson 3

    • Session One

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song again.

    • Reading Tutorial: Lesson 3 Page

      Watch this tutorial before you begin translating Lesson 3.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Puppet Show: Lesson 3 Page

      Watch this puppet show to see what you'll be learning in the following conversation.

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3 : Part 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 0:00 to  6:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Two

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song again.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3 : Part 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 7:00 to  13:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Sesssion Three

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song again.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3 : Part 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 14:00 to the end. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Four

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song again.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3: Part 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 0:00 to 6:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct your translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Five

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song (again!) as many times as needed.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3: Part 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 7:00 to 13:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct Your Translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Six

    • Sing! Second Declension Song URL

      To prepare for this week's grammar quiz, sing this song (again!) as many times as needed.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook (just like you did on Day 1) without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Lesson 3: Part 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 0:00 to 6:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct Your Translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Seven

    • Read!

      Read every word of the lesson aloud in Latin.


    • Flash!

      Study these Chapter 1 - Lesson 3 flash cards until you can do them perfectly (Latin to English, English to Latin, and Latin to Latin).

    • Exercitia Tutorial: Lesson 3 Page

      This tutorial will explain the following exercises.

    • I completed this quiz without using any resources. Choice

      Indicate that you completed the quiz without any resources by checking the "Yes" box.

  • Chapter 1: Grammatica

    • Session One

    • Reading Tutorial: Grammatica Page

      Watch this tutorial before you reread the Grammatica.

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.

    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Puppets: Latin Grammar Page

      Watch this puppet show to see what you'll be learning in the following conversation. 

    • Guided Conversation: Grammatica: Part 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 0:00 to 9:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Correct Your Translation! Page

      Use this recording of Chapter 1 to correct your English translation. Use any errors you made to create notes in the 'margin note' section of your workbook page.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Two

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Grammatica: Part 1 Page

      Participate in this conversation from 0:00 to 9:59. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Chapter 1 - Correct Your Translation! Page

      Listen to this translation of Chapter 1, and as you are listening highlight any mistakes or gaps in your translation.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Three


    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Grammatica: Part 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Chapter 1 - Correct Your Translation! Page

      Listen to this translation of Chapter 1, and as you are listening highlight any mistakes or gaps in your translation.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Four

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Guided Conversation: Grammatica: Part 2 Page

      Participate in this conversation. You may choose to take notes during this conversation, but the emphasis is on oral fluency.

    • Chapter 1 - Correct Your Translation! Page

      Listen to this translation of Chapter 1, and as you are listening highlight any mistakes or gaps in your translation.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Five

    • Read!

      Read the lines assigned at the top of your workbook page aloud in Latin. To build your Latin fluency, you must read every word out loud. Don't worry about mispronouncing some of the words at this point. Just do your best.


    • Free translate!
      Translate the lines indicated by your workbook without using any resources (no dictionaries, no online resources). Use the margin notes and context to guess the meanings of words which you do not know. 

    • Chapter 1 - Correct Your Translation! Page

      Listen to this translation of Chapter 1, and as you are listening highlight any mistakes or gaps in your translation.

    • Reverse translation!
      After correcting your translation, translate it back into Latin. When you get stuck, you can look back at the book, but try to do it from memory. The words, phrases, and endings that you get wrong should be written in the note section of your worksheet. Remember, word order doesn't matter - only fix incorrect words and endings.

    • Session Six

    • Flash!

      Study these Chapter 1 - Grammatica flash cards until you can do them perfectly (Latin to English, then English to Latin).

    • Exercitia Tutorial: Grammatica Page

      This tutorial will explain the following exercises.

    • Chapter 1 Flashcards URL

      Practice these flashcards in preparation for the Pensa and Chapter Test.

    • Pensa Tutorial: 1.G Page

      This tutorial will explain the following exercises, called Pensa.

    • Pensum 1.D Tutorial Page

      This video will explain the important grammar concepts in Chapter 1. You can take notes on the worksheet in your workbook and then take the quiz for Pensum D or you can open moodle in a new window and take the fill-in-the-blank quiz for Pensum D below as you watch the video.

    • Session Seven

    • Nota Bene:  You have only one attempt for the Chapter 1 Test!  Don't click on the link to the Chapter 1 Test until you have met the following requirements:

      1.  You have completed all of the exercitia and pensa for the chapter.
      2.  You have scored 60% or better on all of the pensa (you may score less on the exercitia and still take the test.)

      If you click on the link to the Chapter 1 test before completing these requirements, the test will not be visible and you will be locked out of future attempts to take the test.

    • I completed the Chapter Test without using any resources. Choice

      Indicate that you completed the quiz without any resources by checking the "Yes" box.

  • National Latin Exam Project - Geography

    Have you heard the saying "All roads lead to Rome"? At its peak, the Roman Empire stretched from London to Jerusalem, from Cairo to Athens, and beyond, and the roads connecting the empire did, indeed, lead back to Rome. To be specific, they all led back to one point in the city of Rome, called the Golden Milestone, a point established by Augustus from which all roads were measured. Your study of Roman geography begins with the city of Rome, its hills, its walls, its buildings, and its roads. I hope that you enjoy studying the city where it all began.


  • Chapter 2: Lesson 1

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 2: Lesson 2

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 2: Lesson 3

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 2: Grammatica

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • National Latin Exam Project - History

    Modern Europe and the United States of America exist because of wars the Romans fought and laws the Romans passed more than 2000 years ago. To understand our Western heritage, we must go back to Rome. Studying the history of Europe's largest and most powerful empire is both practical and fun. I know that you'll benefit from the time you spend.


    • Session One

    • Sing! Nero Started the Fire Page

      Sing "Nero Started the Fire". Focus on the first part of the song (from "The Trojans lost a tragic war" to "Brutus showed he was no fool"). The first part of the song deals with the Roman monarchy, the first of the three forms of Roman government (which are, in order, Monarchy, Republic, and Empire).


    • Read! The Story of the Romans Page

      Read Chapters 1-5 of "The Story of the Romans" 

      1. The First Settlers 
      2. The Escape from the Burning City 
      3. The Clever Trick 
      4. The Boards Are Eaten
      5. The Wolf and the Twins


    • Session Two

    • Sing! Nero Started the Fire Page

      Sing "Nero Started the Fire". Focus on the first part of the song (from "The Trojans lost a tragic war" to "Brutus showed he was no fool"). The first part of the song deals with the Roman monarchy, the first of the three forms of Roman government (which are, in order, Monarchy, Republic, and Empire).


    • Read! The Story of the Romans Page

      Read Chapters 6-10 of "The Story of the Romans" 

      6. Romulus Builds Rome 
      7. The Maidens Carried Off 
      8. Union of Sabines and Romans 
      9. Death of Romulus 
      10. The Strange Signs of the Romans). 

    • Session Three

    • Sing! Nero Started the Fire Page

      Sing "Nero Started the Fire". Focus on the first part of the song (from "The Trojans lost a tragic war" to "Brutus showed he was no fool"). The first part of the song deals with the Roman monarchy, the first of the three forms of Roman government (which are, in order, Monarchy, Republic, and Empire).


    • Read! The Story of the Romans Page

      Read Chapters 11-15 of "The Story of the Romans" 

      11. The Quarrel with Alba
      12. The Fight between the Horatii and the Curiatii
      13. Tarquin and the Eagle
      14. The Roman Youths
      15. The King Outwitted

    • Session Four

    • Sing! Nero Started the Fire Page

      Sing "Nero Started the Fire". Focus on the first part of the song (from "The Trojans lost a tragic war" to "Brutus showed he was no fool"). The first part of the song deals with the Roman monarchy, the first of the three forms of Roman government (which are, in order, Monarchy, Republic, and Empire).


    • Read! The Story of the Romans Page

      Read Chapters 16-21 of "The Story of the Romans" 

      16. The Murder of Tarquin
      17. The Ungrateful Children
      18. The Mysterious Books
      19. Tarquin's Poppies
      20. The Oracle of Delphi
      21. The Death of Lucretia

    • Session Five

    • Try singing "Nero Started the Fire" up to "Brutus showed he was no fool, in 509 the Consuls ruled" from memory. 

    • Study the history Page

      The History 

      Read and study the events and dates linked to the lyrics of the song (once again, you are studying the period of the monarchy). Use this information to help you label the Roman Timeline.


    • Unlabled Timeline File

      Print this document, then draw a picture representing each of the dates listed on the timeline. Use the "Dates" and "History" tab at nerostartedthefire.blogspot.com to help you.

    • Timeline Key File

      Use this key to check the drawings on your timeline.

  • Chapter 3: Lesson 1

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  • Chapter 3: Lesson 2

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  • Chapter 3: Lesson 3

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  • Chapter 3: Grammatica

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  • National Latin Exam Project - Mythology

    Even a rudimentary understanding of the art and literature of Europe and the United States would be impossible without an understanding of the mythologies of Greece and Rome; Western tradition owes that much to the ancient religions of Rome and Greece. Astronomy presents a fun and practical way to access those classical mythological traditions. You probably already know that the modern English names of our solar system's major planets, moons (except for Saturn's moons), large asteroids, and large dwarf planets, are mythological in origin. Perhaps you did not know, however, that the names of all 88 recognized constellations are Latin, and that the 48 constellations recognized by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy all have associated mythological stories. In this one-week unit, you'll learn to name, draw, and describe 12 of those constellations.


    • Session One

    • Sing! American Sky Page

      Sing "American Sky" everyday for five days. Focus on the first part of the song (from "A long, long time ago" to "And did he kick Hera's crab from his toe?") The link to the song is found above.


    • Read! Bullfinch's Mythology Page

      Read two chapters of "Bullfinch's Mythology" every day for five days. The text and the list of chapters is found by clicking on the tab labeled "The Stories" at the link above.

      Today's Reading:


      Chapter 1: Introduction
      Chapter 2: Prometheus and Pandora


    • American Sky Constellation Drawings Packet File

      Print this packet and the key. You will copy the twelve constellation drawings from the key on to note paper, several each day, and then try to draw them from memory in your printed packet. 

    • Constellation Drawings Key File

      Print this key to help you draw the first twelve constellations.

    • Draw! Today draw Eridanus, Orion and Canis Major, then click here and scroll down to read a brief story about each.

    • Session Two

    • Sing! American Sky Page

      Sing "American Sky" everyday for five days. Focus on the first part of the song (from "A long, long time ago" to "And did he kick Hera's crab from his toe?") The link to the song is found above.


    • Read! Bullfinch's Mythology Page

      Read two chapters of "Bullfinch's Mythology" every day for five days. The text and the list of chapters is found by clicking on the tab labeled "The Stories" at the link above.

      Today's Reading:


      Chapter 3: Apollo and Daphne - Pyramus and Thisbe - Cephalus and Procris
      Chapter 4: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto - Diana and Actaeon - Latona and The Rustics


    • Draw! Today draw Lepus, Carina, and Canis Minor, then click here and scroll down to read a brief story about each.

    • Session Three

    • Sing! American Sky Page

      Sing "American Sky" everyday for five days. Focus on the first part of the song (from "A long, long time ago" to "And did he kick Hera's crab from his toe?") The link to the song is found above.


    • Read! Bullfinch's Mythology Page

      Read two chapters of "Bullfinch's Mythology" every day for five days. The text and the list of chapters is found by clicking on the tab labeled "The Stories" at the link above.

      Today's Reading:


      Chapter 5: Phaeton
      Chapter 6: Midas - Baucis and Philemon


    • Draw! Today draw Auriga, Gemini, and Taurus, then click here and scroll down to read a brief story about each.

    • Session Four

    • Sing! American Sky Page

      Sing "American Sky" everyday for five days. Focus on the first part of the song (from "A long, long time ago" to "And did he kick Hera's crab from his toe?") The link to the song is found above.


    • Read! Bullfinch's Mythology Page

      Read two chapters of "Bullfinch's Mythology" every day for five days. The text and the list of chapters is found by clicking on the tab labeled "The Stories" at the link above.

      Today's Reading:


      Chapter 7: Proserpine - Glaucus and Scylla
      Chapter 8: Pygmalion - Dryope - Venus and Adonis - Apollo and Hyacinthus


    • Draw! Today draw Lion, Hercules and Hydra, then click here and scroll down to read a brief story about each.

    • Session Five

    • Sing! American Sky Page

      Sing "American Sky" everyday for five days. Focus on the first part of the song (from "A long, long time ago" to "And did he kick Hera's crab from his toe?") The link to the song is found above.


    • Read! Bullfinch's Mythology Page

      Read two chapters of "Bullfinch's Mythology" every day for five days. The text and the list of chapters is found by clicking on the tab labeled "The Stories" at the link above.

      Today's Reading:


      Chapter 9: Ceyx and Halcyone: Or, The Halcyon Birds
      Chapter 10: Vertumnus And Pomona


    • Memorize! Try singing the song on your own (just until "And did he kick Hera's Crab from his toe?").


    • Try finding the first 12 constellations in the night sky. Depending upon the time of year, only some of the constellations may be visible, and you may need to look in the darkness of evening or of early morning. A free astronomy app will make finding your constellations much easier.

  • Chapter 4: Lesson 1

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 4: Lesson 2

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  • Chapter 4: Grammatica

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  • National Latin Exam Project - Derivatives

    The Latin language is ubiquitous in Western Civilization. 50% of the English language is derived from Latin. 90% of the big words in English (3+ syllables) come from Latin, which means that most difficult vocabulary terms (the "big words") in literature, law, math, and science are best mastered through an acquaintance with Latin. Moreover, half of our national and state mottoes (like e pluribus unum and novus ordo saeclorum), most of our abbreviations (like e.g. and i.e.), and all of the names of living plants and animals (like Canis lupus) are Latin. Because of this abundance of common cultural Latin, I designed the Mottoes Project to help students memorize 25+ interesting derivatives, mottoes, quotations, abbreviations, legal terms, and scientific names for each year of Latin study.

  • Chapter 5: Lesson 1

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  • Chapter 5: Lesson 2

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 5: Grammatica

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • National Latin Exam Project - Grammar, Roman Life

    • National Latin Exam Project URL

      Click on the link to download the National Latin Exam Project. To prepare for the National Latin Exam, open the document and  follow the instructions.

    • Practice Tests URL

      You will be taking 5 practice tests. Open this document and follow the instructions.


  • Chapter 6: Lesson 1

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  • Chapter 6: Lesson 2

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 6: Grammatica

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  • Chapter 7: Lesson 1

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  • Chapter 7: Lesson 2

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  • Chapter 7: Lesson 3

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  • Chapter 7: Grammatica

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 8: Lesson 1

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  • Chapter 8: Lesson 2

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 8: Lesson 3

    Not available unless: You belong to any group

  • Chapter 8: Grammatica

    Not available unless: You belong to any group