Rowan X. Adler
Introduction 4
Incolae Insulae et Discordiae 6
Cursus Post Aureliam 12
Discordia Domestica 20
Severus et Taberna 26
Amici et Ludi in Amphitheatro 32
Amici in Thermis 40
Dolus Severi 46
Severus et Latrones 52
Aurelia et Tullia in Foro Carthaginis 58
Marcus in Fullonica Carthaginis 64
Marcus et Amici: Fabula de Lotio 68
Aurelia et Lucius: Novus Amicus 74
Confusio et Reditus Lucii 80
Verus Vultus Ostenditur 86
Pugna in Villa Lucii 92
Divitiae Inopinatae 98
Fuga Periculosissima 104
Amici in Melita 112
Vita Nova et Severi Negotium 118
Fortuna 122
Severus Rex Mercatorum 128
Thesaurus Repertus 132
Felicitas et Concordia 138
Vita Cotidiana in Carthagine Romana 144
Introduction
Welcome to Friends in Carthage! This book is designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of Roman Carthage while helping you build your Latin skills. Whether you are progressing from a beginner level or returning to Latin after some time, this book is an engaging resource that will support your journey.
The book is written in simplified Latin tailored to intermediate learners. Each chapter introduces common vocabulary and grammatical structures to deepen your understanding of the language. Through lively conversations and entertaining scenarios, you will explore friendships, challenges, and adventures set in a Roman context.
To get the most out of this book, we recommend the following strategies:
Read actively: Don’t rush through the text. Pause to look up unfamiliar words and review the grammar points covered in the chapter.
Reread often: The repetitive nature of rereading helps reinforce vocabulary and sentence structures. Each reading will feel easier than the last.
Practice speaking aloud: Latin comes alive when spoken. Try reading the dialogues aloud to improve your pronunciation and internalize the language.
Use the notes and vocabulary: At the end of each chapter, you’ll find helpful glossaries and explanations. These tools will guide you and clarify any difficult passages.
Embrace the cultural context: The book doesn’t just teach Latin—it also provides insights into Roman culture. Take a moment to appreciate the historical details woven into the story.
Remember, learning a language is a gradual process. Celebrate small victories along the way, like recognizing a new word or understanding a full sentence without translation. Over time, your confidence will grow, and Latin will feel less like a puzzle and more like a familiar friend.
Enjoy your journey with Friends in Carthage, and may you find both learning and joy in its pages!
Incolae Insulae et Discordiae
In angusta insula Carthaginiensi, anno Domini centesimo, quinque amici vitam modestam agebant. Severus, Rufus, Marcus, Aurelia, et Tullia in duobus cubiculi angustiis plenis habitabant. Puellae unum conclave habebant, iuvenes alterum. Parietes tenues omnem sonum transmittunt, ita ut clamores et rixae nullo modo celari possent. Paupertas eos coniungebat, sed saepe etiam discordiam alebat.
Erat vespera. Amici in cubiculo conglobati erant post diurnas occupationes. Marcus ad mensam sedebat et, scyphum vini tenens, ridebat. Rufus iuxta eum iacebat, dentes frendens. Severus in angulo libros suos inspiciebat, vultu serio. Aurelia crines suos ante speculum pectebat, dum Tullia, paene invisibilis et tacita, in obscuro angulo sedebat.
Subito Rufus, vultu suffuso, clamavit: “Quousque, Aurelia, Severum ita spectabis, quasi alius nemo hic adsit?”
Aurelia, vultu simul fastidioso et laeto, speculum deponens respondit: “Quid ad rem pertinet, Rufe? Severus saltem sapiens est et tacitus. Tu autem semper loqueris, sed nihil dicis.”
Marcus, iam paululum ebrius, subridebat et dixit: “Audisne, Rufe? Tu stultior es cane tuo! Aurelia Severum amat, et nos reliquos contemnit.”
Rufus ad Marcum versus, vultu iracundo, exclamavit: “Non loquere de canibus, Marce, cum tu ipse multo peior cane sis! Et Aurelia numquam te spectavit—illam ego certe amovebo!”
Aurelia interpellavit, oculis fulgentibus: “Vos ambo deliratis! Num ego umquam dixi me vobis favere?”
Severus, qui per totum tumultum librum tenebat, nunc lente surrexit et dixit: “Rufe, Marce, quiescite! Nonne sufficit quod in angusto conclavi habitamus? Cur vocibus vestris turbatis vitam nostram etiam peius redditis?”
Marcus, ridens, librum Severi manu rapuit. “O sapientissime Severe, num te paenitet quod Aurelia te amat?”
The Residents of the Apartment Building and Their Quarrels
In a cramped apartment building in Carthage, in the year 100 AD, five friends lived a modest life. Severus, Rufus, Marcus, Aurelia, and Tullia lived in two overcrowded rooms. The girls had one room, and the young men had another. The thin walls transmitted every sound, so that shouting and quarrels could by no means be hidden. Poverty united them, but often also fostered discord.
It was evening. The friends were gathered in their room after their daily tasks. Marcus sat at the table, holding a cup of wine and laughing. Rufus lay nearby, grinding his teeth. Severus was in a corner, examining his books with a serious expression. Aurelia was combing her hair in front of a mirror, while Tullia, almost invisible and silent, sat in a dark corner.
Suddenly, Rufus, his face flushed, shouted, “How long, Aurelia, will you look at Severus as if no one else is here?”
Aurelia, her face both disdainful and cheerful, put down the mirror and replied, “What does it matter, Rufus? At least Severus is wise and quiet. You, however, are always talking but say nothing.”
Marcus, already a little drunk, smirked and said, “Do you hear that, Rufus? You are stupider than your dog! Aurelia loves Severus and despises the rest of us.”
Rufus, turning to Marcus with an angry expression, exclaimed, “Don’t speak of dogs, Marcus, when you yourself are far worse than one! And Aurelia has never looked at you—I will certainly take her away!”
Aurelia interrupted, her eyes flashing: “You are both insane! Did I ever say I favor either of you?”
Severus, who had been holding his book throughout the commotion, now slowly stood up and said, “Rufus, Marcus, be quiet! Isn’t it bad enough that we live in this cramped room? Why do you make our lives even worse with your loud disputes?”
Marcus, laughing, snatched Severus’ book from his hand. “Oh, most wise Severus, are you perhaps regretting that Aurelia loves you?”