This text makes use of contemporary work in linguistics to provide up-to-date commentary on the development of Latin, from its prehistoric origins in the Indo-European language family, through the earliest texts, to the creation of the Classical Language of Cicero and Vergil, and examines the impact of the spread of spoken Latin through the Roman Empire. * The first book in English in more than 50 years to provide comprehensive coverage of the history of the Latin language * Gives a full account of the transformation of the language in the context of the rise and fall of Ancient Rome * Presents up-to-date commentary on the key linguistic issues * Makes use of carefully selected texts, many of which have only recently come to light * Includes maps and glossary as well as fully translated and annotated sample texts that illustrate the different stages of the language * Accessible to readers without a formal knowledge of Latin or linguistics