Lazio
/ˈlat.t͡sjo/noun
A region of central Italy that includes Rome and corresponds broadly to the ancient Roman territory of Latium.
Did you know?Ancient Latium was associated with Saturn’s mythical Golden Age, making the region’s name part of Rome’s sacred foundation legends.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Roman period
Pre-Latin
*Lat- / *Latiom
“A probable inherited or regional place-name; the precise origin remains disputed.”
1st Millennium BCE
Latin
Latium
“The territory inhabited by the Latins in central Italy.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Latium
“The homeland of the Latins and the wider region surrounding Rome.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Latium vetus / Latium adiectum
““Old Latium” and “extended Latium,” Roman administrative divisions described by ancient authors.”
Middle Ages
Medieval Latin
Latium
“The ecclesiastical and geographic territory around Rome.”
Modern Italian
Italian
Lazio
“The modern Italian regional name inherited through sound changes from Latin Latium.”