Stage 1-Caecilius
Concept Overview
- "Stage 1-Caecilius" is the opening unit of the Cambridge Latin Course Book 1.
- It introduces readers to the daily life and surroundings of a wealthy Pompeian, Caecilius, before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
- The section focuses on familiarising you with basic Latin vocabulary and grammar.
Key Vocabulary
- Caecilius - The main character of the story
- Metella - Caecilius's wife
- Clemens - A slave belonging to Caecilius
- Hortus - A garden
- Canis - Dog, referring to Cerberus, the household pet
- Villa - House or villa, representing Caecilius's residence
Key Characters
- Caecilius - A wealthy banker living in Pompeii
- Metella - The wife of Caecilius who manages the household affairs
- Grumio - The cook in Caecilius's household
- Clemens - A clever and trusted slave of Caecilius
Main Themes
- Introduction to Roman Family: The unit introduces a Roman family and its household, providing insights on Roman social hierarchy
- Daily Life: The depiction of daily activities in a Roman household and the use of objects commonly found in a house like papyrus, stylus, food, etc.
Grammar
- In this stage, you will encounter the nominative singular form of first and second declension nouns.
- You will also be introduced to the present tense of the verb 'to be' and 'to have'.
Cultural Context
- The stage aims to take you back to Pompeii's society and way of life before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
- Specific insight into how a rich Roman household operates and the roles of different members of the family and their slaves.
Question Styles
- Be prepared for translation exercises using new vocabulary and basic grammatical structures.
- Additionally, comprehension questions about the cultural, historical, and social information introduced in Stage 1 can also be expected. Be ready to discuss the specifics of Caecilius's house, the family members, and servants.