Latium (now Lazio in Italian) is a region of central Italy, bordered by Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Rome serves as the regional capital.
Although English-speakers generally refer to 'Latium' (from the Latin, obviously), the name 'Lazio' has achieved international renown as the name of Rome's successful football team. For the football club, see S.S. Lazio.
Etymology
The name of the region also survives in the tribal designation of the ancient population of Latins, from whom the Romans originated.
In Roman mythology, the shadowy king Latinus (or Latium) allegedly gave his name to the region.
Modern linguists postulate origins in a Proto-Indo-European language (PIE) root *stela- (to spread, extend), expressing the idea of "flat land" (in contrast to the local Sabine high country). But the name may originate from an earlier, non Indo-European one. See the Online Etymological Dictionary.
History
The Latins founded a group of small settlements that united against the Etruscans and Samnites, and which came under Roman dominance in 338 BC. Rome granted all Latins Roman citizenship after the Social War in 90 BC.
Latium has great importance for history, art, architecture, archaeology, religion, and culture in general. The immense patrimony of the city of Rome forms only a part of the treasures spread over the hundreds of towns, villages, abbeys, churches, monuments, and other sites of the region.
Notable cities
Last updated: 10-12-2005 15:44:55
