🏛AP Latin
Verified for the 2025 AP Latin exam•8 min read•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Use this study guide as a refresher after instruction from your professional Latin instructor/teacher. As it is AP Latin, you will be expected to learn the grammar in class except for questions which we will go over again. The main purpose of this study guide is to provide 80% literal, 20% interpretative translations and to break down the text, context, and grammar. What interpretative means is that it is not the literal Latin translation but that it has been restructured in some way to better fit the modern English vernacular.
[27] 1 Mittitur ad eos colloquendi causa Gaius Arpineius, eques Romanus, familiaris Quinti Tituri, et Quintus Iunius ex Hispania quidam, qui iam ante missu Caesaris ad Ambiorigem ventitare consuerat; apud quos Ambiorix ad hunc modum locutus est: 2 Sese pro Caesaris in se beneficiis plurimum ei confiteri debere, quod eius opera stipendio liberatus esset, quod Aduatucis, finitimis suis, pendere consuesset, quodque ei et filius et fratris filius ab Caesare remissi essent, quos Aduatuci obsidum numero missos apud se in servitute et catenis tenuissent; 3 neque id, quod fecerit de oppugnatione castrorum, aut iudicio aut voluntate sua fecisse, sed coactu civitatis, suaque esse eiusmodi imperia, ut non minus haberet iuris in se multitudo quam ipse in multitudinem. 4 Civitati porro hanc fuisse belli causam, quod repentinae Gallorum coniurationi resistere non potuerit. Id se facile ex humilitate sua probare posse, quod non adeo sit imperitus rerum ut suis copiis populum Romanum superari posse confidat. 5 Sed esse Galliae commune consilium: omnibus hibernis Caesaris oppugnandis hunc esse dictum diem, ne qua legio alterae legioni subsidio venire posset. 6 Non facile Gallos Gallis negare potuisse, praesertim cum de recuperanda communi libertate consilium initum videretur. 7 Quibus quoniam pro pietate satisfecerit, habere nunc se rationem offici pro beneficiis Caesaris: monere, orare Titurium pro hospitio, ut suae ac militum saluti consulat. 8 Magnam manum Germanorum conductam Rhenum transisse; hanc adfore biduo. 9 Ipsorum esse consilium, velintne priusquam finitimi sentiant eductos ex hibernis milites aut ad Ciceronem aut ad Labienum deducere, quorum alter milia passuum circiter quinquaginta, alter paulo amplius ab eis absit. 10 Illud se polliceri et iureiurando confirmare tutum iter per fines daturum. 11 Quod cum faciat, et civitati sese consulere, quod hibernis levetur, et Caesari pro eius meritis gratiam referre. Hac oratione habita discedit Ambiorix.
[28] 1 Arpineius et Iunius, quae audierunt, ad legatos deferunt. Illi repentina re perturbati, etsi ab hoste ea dicebantur, tamen non neglegenda existimabant maximeque hac re permovebantur, quod civitatem ignobilem atque humilem Eburonum sua sponte populo Romano bellum facere ausam vix erat credendum. 2 Itaque ad consilium rem deferunt magnaque inter eos exsistit controversia. 3 Lucius Aurunculeius compluresque tribuni militum et primorum ordinum centuriones nihil temere agendum neque ex hibernis iniussu Caesaris discedendum existimabant: quantasvis [magnas] copias etiam Germanorum sustineri posse munitis hibernis docebant: rem esse testimonio, quod primum hostium impetum multis ultro vulneribus illatis fortissime sustinuerint: re frumentaria non premi; interea et ex proximis hibernis et a Caesare conventura subsidia: postremo quid esse levius aut turpius, quam auctore hoste de summis rebus capere consilium?
[29] 1 Contra ea Titurius sero facturos clamitabat, cum maiores manus hostium adiunctis Germanis convenissent aut cum aliquid calamitatis in proximis hibernis esset acceptum. Brevem consulendi esse occasionem. Caesarem arbitrari profectum in Italiam; 2 neque aliter Carnutes interficiendi Tasgeti consilium fuisse capturos, neque Eburones, si ille adesset, tanta contemptione nostri ad castra venturos esse. 3 Non hostem auctorem, sed rem spectare: subesse Rhenum; magno esse Germanis dolori Ariovisti mortem et superiores nostras victorias; 4 ardere Galliam tot contumeliis acceptis sub populi Romani imperium redactam superiore gloria rei militaris exstincta. 5 Postremo quis hoc sibi persuaderet, sine certa re Ambiorigem ad eiusmodi consilium descendisse? 6 Suam sententiam in utramque partem esse tutam: si nihil esset durius, nullo cum periculo ad proximam legionem perventuros; si Gallia omnis cum Germanis consentiret, unam esse in celeritate positam salutem. 7 Cottae quidem atque eorum, qui dissentirent, consilium quem habere exitum? In quo si non praesens periculum, at certe longinqua obsidione fames esset timenda.
What is the subject of the sentence in Chapter 27, "Sese pro Caesaris in se beneficiis plurimum ei confiteri debere"?
What is the verb of the sentence in Chapter 28, "Illi repentina re perturbati, etsi ab hoste ea dicebantur, tamen non neglegenda existimabant"?
What is the object of the sentence in Chapter 29, "Brevem consulendi esse occasionem"?
What is the adverb modifying in the sentence in Chapter 27, "Quod cum faciat, et civitati sese consulere, quod hibernis levetur, et Caesari pro eius meritis gratiam referre"?
What is the adjective modifying in the sentence in Chapter 28, "quod civitatem ignobilem atque humilem Eburonum sua sponte populo Romano bellum facere ausam vix erat credendum"?
Ambiorix
existimabant
occasionem
faciat
ignobilem, humilem
Arpineius, a Roman knight, the intimate friend of Q. Titurius, and with him, Q. Junius, a certain person from Spain, who already on previous occasions, had been accustomed to go to Ambiorix, at Caesar's mission, is sent to them for the purpose of a conference: before them Ambiorix spoke to this effect: "That he confessed, that for Caesar's kindness toward him, he was very much indebted to him, inasmuch as by his aid he had been freed from a tribute which he had been accustomed to pay to the Aduatuci, his neighbors; and because his own son and the son of his brother had been sent back to him, whom, when sent in the number of hostages, the Aduatuci had detained among them in slavery and in chains; and that he had not done that which he had done in regard to the attacking of the camp, either by his own judgment or desire, but by the compulsion of his state; and that his government was of that nature, that the people had as much authority over him as he over the people. To the state moreover the occasion of the war was this - that it could not withstand the sudden combination of the Gauls; that he could easily prove this from his own weakness, since he was not so little versed in affairs as to presume that with his forces he could conquer the Roman people; but that it was the common resolution of Gaul; that that day was appointed for the storming of all Caesar's winter-quarters, in order that no legion should be able to come to the relief of another legion, that Gauls could not easily deny Gauls, especially when a measure seemed entered into for recovering their common freedom. Since he had performed his duty to them on the score of patriotism [he said], he has now regard to gratitude for the kindness of Caesar; that he warned, that he prayed Titurius by the claims of hospitality, to consult for his and his soldiers' safely; that a large force of the Germans had been hired and had passed the Rhine; that it would arrive in two days: that it was for them to consider whether they thought fit, before the nearest people perceived it, to lead off their soldiers when drawn out of winter-quarters, either to Cicero or to Labienus; one of whom was about fifty miles distant from them, the other rather more; that this he promised and confirmed by oath, that he would give them a safe passage through his territories; and when he did that, he was both consulting for his own state, because it would be relieved from the winter-quarters, and also making a requital to Caesar for his obligations."
Arpineius and Junius relate to the lieutenants what they had heard. They, greatly alarmed by the unexpected affair, though those things were spoken by an enemy, still thought they were not to be disregarded; and they were especially influenced by this consideration, that it was scarcely credible that the obscure and humble state of the Eburones had dared to make war upon the Roman people of their own accord. Accordingly, they refer the matter to a council, and a great controversy arises among them. L. Aurunculeius, and several tribunes of the soldiers and the centurions of the first rank, were of opinion "that nothing should be done hastily, and that they should not depart from the camp without Caesar's orders;" they declared, "that any forces of the Germans, however great, might be encountered by fortified winter-quarters; that this fact was a proof [of it]; that they had sustained the first assault of the Germans most valiantly, inflicting many wounds upon them; that they were not distressed for corn; that in the mean time relief would come both from the nearest winter-quarters and from Caesar; lastly, they put the query, "what could be more undetermined, more undignified, than to adopt measures respecting the most important affairs on the authority of an enemy?"
In opposition to those things, Titurius exclaimed, "That they would do this too late, when greater forces of the enemy, after a junction with the Germans, should have assembled; or when some disaster had been received in the neighboring winter-quarters; that the opportunity for deliberating was short; that he believed that Caesar had set forth into Italy, as the Carnutes would not otherwise have taken the measure of slaying Tasgetius, nor would the Eburones, if he had been present, have come to the camp with so great defiance of us; that he did not regard the enemy, but the fact, as the authority; that the Rhine was near; that the death of Ariovistus and our previous victories were subjects of great indignation to the Germans; that Gaul was inflamed, that after having received so many defeats she was reduced under the sway of the Roman people, her pristine glory in military matters being extinguished." Lastly, "who would persuade himself of this, that Ambiorix had resorted to a design of that nature without sure grounds? That his own opinion was safe on either side; if there be nothing very formidable, they would go without danger to the nearest legion; if all Gaul conspired with the Germans, their only safety lay in dispatch. What issue would the advice of Cotta and of those who differed from him, have? from which, if immediate danger was not to be dreaded, yet certainly famine, by a protracted siege, was."
Translation Sourced From http://classics.mit.edu/Caesar/gallic.5.5.htmlRemember that despite these lines being a dry read, they describe the thought processes' of one of the greatest men in terms of power and influence in Roman history. Keep that in mind as you are moving forward.
The Aduatucis were a Belgic tribe located in what is now modern Belgium, known for their fierce resistance against Roman expansion during the Gallic Wars. They played a significant role in the conflict as they opposed Julius Caesar's campaigns, demonstrating the tensions between Roman authority and local tribes. Their actions are highlighted in Caesar's accounts, emphasizing their strategic importance in the region.
Term 1 of 14
The Aduatucis were a Belgic tribe located in what is now modern Belgium, known for their fierce resistance against Roman expansion during the Gallic Wars. They played a significant role in the conflict as they opposed Julius Caesar's campaigns, demonstrating the tensions between Roman authority and local tribes. Their actions are highlighted in Caesar's accounts, emphasizing their strategic importance in the region.
Term 1 of 14
Quinti Tituri refers to a Roman military officer mentioned in Caesar's accounts of the Gallic Wars, specifically known for his leadership during significant battles. This term encapsulates the importance of military structure and the role of individual commanders in the Roman army, highlighting their influence on the outcomes of conflicts within the broader context of Gallic resistance against Roman expansion.
Legion: A legion was a large military unit of the Roman army, typically composed of around 5,000 soldiers, which formed the backbone of Roman military power.
Centurion: A centurion was a professional officer in the Roman army who commanded a centuria, usually consisting of 80-100 soldiers, responsible for training and discipline.
Gallic Wars: The Gallic Wars were a series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar from 58 to 50 BCE against several Gallic tribes, ultimately resulting in the Roman conquest of Gaul.
Quintus Iunius was a Roman general and military leader during the Gallic Wars, specifically noted for his role in the conflicts with the Belgae. His actions and decisions are highlighted in Caesar's writings, providing insight into Roman military strategies and leadership during the campaign against the Gallic tribes.
Caesar: Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman whose military conquests and political maneuvers significantly expanded the Roman Republic's territory, particularly during the Gallic Wars.
Belgae: The Belgae were a group of tribes in Northern Gaul who resisted Roman invasion, known for their fierce warrior culture and significant role in the Gallic Wars.
Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns waged by Julius Caesar against various Gallic tribes from 58 to 50 BC, leading to the Roman conquest of Gaul.
Ambiorigem refers to a notable Gallic leader and chieftain of the Aedui tribe during the time of Julius Caesar's campaigns in Gaul. He played a significant role in the political landscape, often acting as an ally to Caesar and representing the interests of his tribe amidst the conflicts with other Gallic tribes and Roman forces.
Aedui: A prominent Gallic tribe that was allied with Rome, known for their political influence and cultural significance during the Gallic Wars.
Caesar's Gallic War: A series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar between 58 and 50 BCE aimed at conquering and subjugating various Gallic tribes.
Vercingetorix: A leading Gallic chieftain who united several tribes against Caesar, known for his tactical acumen and significant resistance to Roman conquest.
The Aduatucis were a Belgic tribe located in what is now modern Belgium, known for their fierce resistance against Roman expansion during the Gallic Wars. They played a significant role in the conflict as they opposed Julius Caesar's campaigns, demonstrating the tensions between Roman authority and local tribes. Their actions are highlighted in Caesar's accounts, emphasizing their strategic importance in the region.
Belgae: The Belgae were a group of tribes living in northern Gaul, characterized by their warrior culture and resistance to Roman rule.
Caesar's Gallic War: This was a series of military campaigns waged by Julius Caesar from 58 BC to 50 BC, aimed at subjugating the various tribes of Gaul, including the Aduatucis.
Battle of the Sabis: A significant confrontation between Caesar’s forces and a coalition of Belgic tribes, including the Aduatucis, showcasing the fierce resistance against Roman domination.
Germanorum is the genitive plural form of 'Germani', referring to the Germanic tribes encountered by Julius Caesar during his campaigns in Gaul. This term is significant as it highlights the complex interactions and conflicts between Caesar's forces and various Germanic groups, emphasizing the broader military and cultural dynamics of the time.
Germani: The term used by the Romans to describe the various tribes inhabiting the regions east of the Rhine River, often characterized by their fierce warrior culture.
Celtic Tribes: Groups of tribal societies living in Western Europe during Caesar's time, whose interactions with both the Romans and Germanic tribes shaped the political landscape of Gaul.
Caesar's Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar between 58 BC and 50 BC, aimed at expanding Roman control over Gaul and engaging with neighboring tribes.
Rhenum refers to the Rhine River, a significant waterway in Europe that served as a crucial geographical and strategic landmark in ancient times. In the context of military campaigns and territorial disputes, the Rhine functioned as a natural barrier and a route for trade and troop movements, particularly during Julius Caesar's conquests in Gaul.
Gallia: Gallia is the Latin term for Gaul, the region inhabited by Celtic tribes that Caesar sought to conquer during his military campaigns.
Limes: The Limes refers to the fortified boundaries or borders of the Roman Empire, often including rivers like the Rhine as natural defensive barriers.
Legion: A legion is a large unit of the Roman army, typically consisting of about 5,000 soldiers, crucial for military campaigns and conquests.
Ciceronem refers to the prominent Roman statesman, orator, and writer Marcus Tullius Cicero, known for his influential contributions to Roman rhetoric and philosophy. He is often viewed as a significant figure in the late Roman Republic, whose works provide insight into the political climate and social issues of his time.
Rhetoric: The art of persuasive speaking or writing, which Cicero mastered and used effectively in his speeches and writings.
Stoicism: A philosophical school that Cicero engaged with in his writings, emphasizing reason, self-control, and virtue as the path to true happiness.
Pro Milone: One of Cicero's famous speeches defending Titus Annius Milo, showcasing his rhetorical skills and political maneuvering.
Labienum refers to the significant figure of Titus Labienus, a key commander in Julius Caesar's army during the Gallic Wars. His role was critical as he led troops in various campaigns and demonstrated loyalty and military skill, especially during the confrontations against the Gallic tribes. Labienus’s actions and decisions had a profound impact on the outcomes of battles and the overall strategy employed by Caesar in his conquest of Gaul.
Julius Caesar: A Roman general and statesman whose leadership in the Gallic Wars expanded Rome's territory and influence significantly.
Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar from 58 to 50 BC to conquer the Gallic tribes and expand Roman control in Gaul.
Alesia: The site of a decisive siege led by Julius Caesar against the Gallic leader Vercingetorix, marking a turning point in the Gallic Wars.
Lucius Aurunculeius was a Roman general and politician known for his involvement in the Gallic Wars, specifically during the campaigns led by Julius Caesar. His actions and decisions during this time reflect the complexities of Roman military leadership and the dynamics of power in ancient Rome, particularly in the context of Caesar's strategies and interactions with various tribes.
Julius Caesar: A prominent Roman general and statesman whose military campaigns expanded Roman territory and whose political maneuvers ultimately led to the end of the Roman Republic.
Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar between 58 BC and 50 BC against several Gallic tribes, which resulted in the Roman conquest of Gaul.
Legion: The basic military unit of the Roman army, typically consisting of around 5,000 soldiers, which played a crucial role in Rome's military successes.
Tribuni Militum were military tribunes in ancient Rome, typically holding the rank of officer within the army. They played crucial roles in commanding troops, organizing military campaigns, and serving as intermediaries between the soldiers and higher-ranking officers. This term is particularly relevant when discussing Caesar's military strategies and leadership during the Gallic Wars.
Legion: A unit of the Roman army consisting of around 5,000 soldiers, forming the backbone of Roman military might.
Centurion: A professional officer in the Roman army who commanded a century, which was a unit of about 80 men, responsible for maintaining discipline and training.
Aulus Hirtius: A Roman general and writer who served under Caesar and contributed to the commentaries on the Gallic Wars, providing insights into military operations.
Tasgeti refers to a Gallic tribe mentioned by Julius Caesar in his work, the 'Gallic War.' This tribe inhabited the region of modern-day France and played a significant role in the conflicts between the Roman forces and various Gallic tribes during Caesar's campaigns. Understanding Tasgeti is crucial for grasping the dynamics of tribal relationships and resistance against Roman expansion.
Caesar: Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman whose military campaigns, particularly in Gaul, expanded Roman territory and influence, shaping the future of the Roman Empire.
Gallic Wars: The Gallic Wars were a series of military campaigns waged by Caesar between 58 BC and 50 BC to conquer Gaul, leading to significant political and cultural changes in the region.
Helvetii: The Helvetii were another prominent Gallic tribe that attempted to migrate from their homeland in modern Switzerland, directly clashing with Caesar's forces during his campaign.
The Eburones were a Gallic tribe located in what is now modern-day Belgium, known for their significant role in the resistance against Julius Caesar during his military campaigns. They became particularly infamous for their revolt against Roman authority in 54 BC, which culminated in the destruction of a Roman legion, highlighting their fierce opposition and the complex dynamics between the Gallic tribes and Roman forces.
Caesar's Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns led by Julius Caesar from 58 BC to 50 BC aimed at conquering Gaul, which included various tribes, including the Eburones.
Ambiorix: The chief of the Eburones who played a pivotal role in leading the rebellion against the Romans and is known for his cunning strategies.
Roman Legions: The primary military units of the Roman army, consisting of heavily armed foot soldiers that were crucial to Roman expansion and control over conquered territories.
Ariovisti was a Germanic king and a leader of the Suebi tribe who played a significant role in the events described in the Gallic War. He is known for his conflict with Julius Caesar, particularly during the Roman campaigns in Gaul where he sought to expand his influence and territory into Roman-controlled areas, which ultimately led to confrontations with Caesar's forces.
Suebi: A large group of Germanic tribes known for their warrior culture and significant role in the migrations and conflicts in Europe during the late Iron Age.
Caesar: Julius Caesar, a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the Gallic Wars and the expansion of Roman territory.
Gallic Wars: A series of military campaigns waged by Julius Caesar against various Gallic tribes from 58 BC to 50 BC, which resulted in the annexation of Gaul into the Roman Republic.