Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group A
(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)
Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes
Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.
Ave atque vale. (AH-weh AHT-kweh WAH-lay) (Latin statement)
Translation: "Hail and farewell."
The Roman's used Ave, "Hail" as the equivalent of "Hello" and vale as the equivalent of "goodbye" and, in addition, as the Roman farewell to the dead.
It is stated that Catullus used this expression in closing a poem on the death of his brother: Atque in perpetuum, frater, ave atque vale. or "And forever, brother, hail and farewell!"
Ave, Imperator, morituri te salutant. (Latin statement)
Translation: "Hail, Caesar, they who are about to die salute you."
"Spoken to Claudius by gladiators prior to entering the arena to fight. This may have been a sarcastic salutation."
"Suetonius tells us in his Lives of the Caesars that Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-A.D. 54) so enjoyed these spectacles, he ordered that even those who fell accidentally be put to death. He wanted to watch their faces as they died."
Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.
