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, 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."


Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.