Do We Really Use Latin?

One of the questions we hear quite often at an event is:

“Are you speaking Latin?”

The answer is definitely yes……….sort of.

In Legio XIIII GMV Cohort II, we use Latin commands during our marching and drill demonstrations. It’s one of the way we help bring the Roman experience to life for both our members and the public.

Now, before anyone starts imaging that our members spend the entire weekend having deep philosophical conversations in Latin let’s clear something up.

We don’t.

Most of our conversations around camp are in English. If you stop by our camp and ask a questions, we’re going to answer in English. We don’t expect many people to understand an ancient language. The Latin we use is primarily just for drill commands.

For example:

Ad Signa! -Means to the standard

Mandate Catapte! -Give me your attention, just like modern military uses “Attention!”

Ad Scutum Clina! -Turn to the shield side

Ad Contum Clina! -Turn to the spear side

Movete! -Move out/forward march

State!- Halt

These commands help create a more immersive experience and give visitors a glimpse into how Roman soldiers may have received orders nearly two thousand years ago. That said, none of our members are required to know Latin before joining. In fact, most people don’t.

Like many aspects of living history, it’s something you gradually pick up over time. New members often learn a few commands during their very first event and add to their vocabulary as they gain experience. The truth is Latin can seem intimidating until you realize you’re already using it every day.

Words and phrases derived from Latin appear throughout English, medicine, law, science and even many military traditions. Once you start learning a few basic terms, you begin noticing Latin’s influence everywhere.

For us, Latin is another tool for connecting with the past. It isn’t about showing off or pretending to be scholars. It's about adding another layer of authenticity and helping visitors experience a small piece of the Roman world.

If you’re worried about having to memorize a bunch of Latin before joining us, don’t be. Most of use started with exactly two words:

“Salve!”-Hello

and “what does that command mean?”

Legio XIIII, Protinus!