← Latin for Soldiers, Sailors and Military Strategists
The word "que" is one of the most common conjunctions in Latin, meaning "and." Unlike most Latin words, "que" is an enclitic - it attaches to the end of the word it connects, rather than standing alone. This postpositive particle is essential for linking words, phrases, and clauses in Latin military texts and commands.
Q: What does "que" mean in Latin? A: "Que" means "and" in Latin. It is a postpositive enclitic conjunction that attaches to the end of the second element being connected, rather than standing between them like "et" (also meaning "and").
In this lesson, "que" will appear in various military contexts, showing how Roman commanders, historians, and strategists used this conjunction to link tactical elements, describe coordinated actions, and express complex military relationships. You'll see it connecting nouns (weapons and equipment), verbs (military actions), and entire phrases describing battlefield scenarios.
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Subject: Latin Language Learning -
Level: Beginner to Intermediate -
Focus: Military Latin Vocabulary and Grammar -
Lesson Type: Reading Comprehension with Grammar Instruction -
Target Audience: Autodidact English Speakers Learning Latin
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"Que" always attaches to the end of a word (enclitic position) -
It connects parallel elements in a sentence -
Unlike "et," it cannot begin a sentence or clause -
In military contexts, it often links tactical elements, units, or actions -
Understanding "que" is essential for reading Caesar, Livy, and other military historians
4.1 Gladiōs swords scūtaque and shields mīlitēs soldiers portant carry
4.2 Equitēs cavalry peditēsque and infantry castra camp dēfendunt defend
4.3 Dux commander lēgātōsque and lieutenants cōnsilium council convocāvit summoned
4.4 Terrā by land marīque and by sea hostēs enemies appropinquant approach
4.5 Nāvēs ships longās long onerāriāsque and cargo parāvimus we prepared
4.6 Diū for long ācriter fiercely que and pugnātum fought est it was
4.7 Centuriō centurion fortis brave prūdēnsque and wise legiōnem legion dūcit leads
4.8 Sagittāriī archers funditōrēsque and slingers prīmam first aciem line tenent hold
4.9 Vīnum wine frūmentumque and grain in in castrīs camp dēficit is lacking
4.10 Nocte by night diēque and by day mūrōs walls custōdiunt they guard vigilēs sentries
4.11 Caesar Caesar senātumque and senate populumque and people Rōmānum Roman laudat praises
4.12 Flūmen river lātum wide altumque and deep trānsīre to cross nōn not possumus we can
4.13 Arma weapons vīrumque and man canō I sing Trōiae of Troy quī who prīmus first
4.14 Explōrātōrēs scouts speculātōrēsque and spies hostilem enemy exercitum army observant watch
4.15 Legiō legion septima seventh decimaque and tenth fortiter bravely resistit resists
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4.1 Gladiōs scūtaque mīlitēs portant. The soldiers carry swords and shields.
4.2 Equitēs peditēsque castra dēfendunt. Cavalry and infantry defend the camp.
4.3 Dux lēgātōsque cōnsilium convocāvit. The commander summoned his lieutenants and council.
4.4 Terrā marīque hostēs appropinquant. The enemies approach by land and sea.
4.5 Nāvēs longās onerāriāsque parāvimus. We prepared warships and cargo vessels.
4.6 Diū ācriterque pugnātum est. The battle was fought long and fiercely.
4.7 Centuriō fortis prūdēnsque legiōnem dūcit. The brave and wise centurion leads the legion.
4.8 Sagittāriī funditōrēsque prīmam aciem tenent. Archers and slingers hold the first line.
4.9 Vīnum frūmentumque in castrīs dēficit. Wine and grain are lacking in the camp.
4.10 Nocte diēque mūrōs custōdiunt vigilēs. Sentries guard the walls night and day.
4.11 Caesar senātum populumque Rōmānum laudat. Caesar praises the senate and Roman people.
4.12 Flūmen lātum altumque trānsīre nōn possumus. We cannot cross the wide and deep river.
4.13 Arma vīrumque canō, Trōiae quī prīmus... I sing of arms and the man, who first from Troy...
4.14 Explōrātōrēs speculātōrēsque hostilem exercitum observant. Scouts and spies observe the enemy army.
4.15 Legiō septima decimaque fortiter resistit. The seventh and tenth legions resist bravely.
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4.1 Gladiōs scūtaque mīlitēs portant.
4.2 Equitēs peditēsque castra dēfendunt.
4.3 Dux lēgātōsque cōnsilium convocāvit.
4.4 Terrā marīque hostēs appropinquant.
4.5 Nāvēs longās onerāriāsque parāvimus.
4.6 Diū ācriterque pugnātum est.
4.7 Centuriō fortis prūdēnsque legiōnem dūcit.
4.8 Sagittāriī funditōrēsque prīmam aciem tenent.
4.9 Vīnum frūmentumque in castrīs dēficit.
4.10 Nocte diēque mūrōs custōdiunt vigilēs.
4.11 Caesar senātum populumque Rōmānum laudat.
4.12 Flūmen lātum altumque trānsīre nōn possumus.
4.13 Arma vīrumque canō, Trōiae quī prīmus...
4.14 Explōrātōrēs speculātōrēsque hostilem exercitum observant.
4.15 Legiō septima decimaque fortiter resistit.
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The enclitic conjunction "que" follows specific rules that differ significantly from English "and":
1. Position and Attachment -
"Que" ALWAYS attaches to the end of the second element being connected -
It never stands alone between words like English "and" -
Example: "puer puellaque" = "boy and girl" (NOT "puer que puella")
2. What "que" Can Connect -
Nouns: "gladiōs scūtaque" (swords and shields) -
Adjectives: "fortis prūdēnsque" (brave and wise) -
Adverbs: "diū ācriterque" (long and fiercely) -
Verbs: "vīdit audīvitque" (he saw and heard) -
Phrases: "in campō in silvāque" (in the field and in the forest)
3. Multiple Connections -
For three or more items: A Bque Cque (A and B and C) -
Alternative: A, B Cque (A, B and C) -
Example: "senātum populumque Rōmānum" (the senate and Roman people)
4. Special Cases with Enclitics -
With pronouns: "mēcum tēcumque" (with me and with you) -
With demonstratives: "hic illaque" (this man and that woman) -
After long vowels: the "e" in "que" remains short
1. Word Order Confusion -
WRONG: "que mīlitēs equitēs" -
RIGHT: "mīlitēs equitēsque" -
Remember: "que" goes on the SECOND item
2. Using "que" to Start a Sentence -
WRONG: "Que Caesar vēnit" -
RIGHT: "Et Caesar vēnit" or "Caesar autem vēnit" -
"Que" cannot begin a sentence or clause
3. Separating "que" from its Word -
WRONG: "mīlitēs que equitēs" -
RIGHT: "mīlitēs equitēsque" -
No space between the word and "que"
4. Confusing "que" with "et" -
"Et" = independent word, can be emphasized, can start sentences -
"Que" = attached particle, cannot be emphasized, never starts sentences -
Both mean "and" but usage differs
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Identify what you want to connect (must be parallel elements) -
Place the first element in its normal position -
Place the second element after it -
Attach "que" to the end of the second element -
Check that both elements are in the same case (if nouns/adjectives)
English speakers often struggle with "que" because: -
English "and" is independent; Latin "que" is attached -
English "and" position is fixed; Latin word order is flexible -
English uses one form; Latin has both "et" and "que"
Think of "que" like the English suffix "-ward" in "northward" - it must attach to something and cannot stand alone.
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For English speakers learning Latin, understanding "que" in military contexts reveals important aspects of Roman military culture and communication:
1. Efficiency in Commands Roman military language prized brevity and clarity. The enclitic "que" allowed commanders to issue compact orders linking multiple units or actions without unnecessary words. "Equitēs peditēsque" (cavalry and infantry) is more concise than "equitēs et peditēs."
2. Traditional Military Formulas Certain military phrases became fixed with "que": -
"Senātus populusque Rōmānus" (SPQR) - The Senate and Roman People -
"Terrā marīque" - By land and sea (expressing total dominance) -
"Armīs vīrīsque" - With weapons and men (complete military force)
3. Tactical Coordination The use of "que" in military texts often indicates coordinated action. When Caesar writes "explōrātōrēs speculātōrēsque," he emphasizes that scouts and spies work together as an intelligence unit, not separately.
4. Naval and Military Integration Romans distinguished between "nāvēs longae" (warships) and "nāvēs onerāriae" (cargo ships). The phrase "longās onerāriāsque" reflects the Roman understanding that military success required both combat vessels and supply ships working in concert.
5. Day and Night Operations The phrase "nocte diēque" (night and day) appears frequently in military contexts, emphasizing the continuous nature of Roman military vigilance. This reflects the Roman military virtue of never relaxing one's guard.
6. Modern Military Latin Many military mottos still use "que": -
"Virtūs honōsque" (Valor and honor) -
"Fīdēs virtūsque" (Faith and courage) Understanding "que" helps modern military personnel comprehend these traditional mottos.
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From Caesar's De Bello Gallico 1.1:
Gallia Gaul est is omnis all dīvīsa divided in into partēs parts trēs, three, quārum of which ūnam one incolunt inhabit Belgae, the Belgians, aliam another Aquītānī, the Aquitanians, tertiam the third quī those who ipsōrum in their own linguā language Celtae, Celts, nostrā in our Gallī Gauls appellantur. are called. Hī These omnēs all linguā, in language, īnstitūtīs, in customs, lēgibusque and in laws inter among sē themselves differunt. differ.
Gallia est omnis dīvīsa in partēs trēs, quārum ūnam incolunt Belgae, aliam Aquītānī, tertiam quī ipsōrum linguā Celtae, nostrā Gallī appellantur. Hī omnēs linguā, īnstitūtīs, lēgibusque inter sē differunt.
All Gaul is divided into three parts, one of which the Belgians inhabit, another the Aquitanians, and the third those who in their own language are called Celts, in ours Gauls. All these differ among themselves in language, customs, and laws.
Gallia est omnis dīvīsa in partēs trēs, quārum ūnam incolunt Belgae, aliam Aquītānī, tertiam quī ipsōrum linguā Celtae, nostrā Gallī appellantur. Hī omnēs linguā, īnstitūtīs, lēgibusque inter sē differunt.
This famous opening demonstrates the military and strategic use of "que":
1. The Key "que" Usage "Lēgibusque" (and in laws) - Note how "que" attaches to "lēgibus" (ablative plural of "lēx"), creating a triple coordination: "linguā, īnstitūtīs, lēgibusque" (in language, customs, and laws).
2. Strategic Importance Caesar begins his military commentary by analyzing the human terrain - different peoples with different languages, customs, and laws require different military approaches. The "que" links laws to customs, showing they form an integrated system.
3. Parallel Structure The three elements connected show ascending importance: -
linguā (language) - communication barrier -
īnstitūtīs (customs) - social practices -
lēgibusque (laws) - formal governance
4. Military Intelligence This passage exemplifies Roman military intelligence gathering. Understanding that Gaul contained three distinct peoples with different characteristics was crucial for Caesar's divide-and-conquer strategy.
5. Word Order for Emphasis Caesar places "differunt" (they differ) at the end, emphasizing the conclusion drawn from his analysis. The differences in language, customs, and laws justify treating each group differently in military campaigns.
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4.16 Imperātor commander Caesar Caesar cōnsulibus to consuls senātuīque and to senate salūtem greeting dīcit says
4.17 Hostium of enemies cōpiae forces maximae very large flūmen river Rhēnum Rhine trānsiērunt have crossed nostrōsque and our fīnēs territories populantur are ravaging
4.18 Legiōnēs legions duās two veterānās veteran auxiliaque and auxiliaries Gallōrum of Gauls contrā against eōs them mīsī I sent
4.19 Proeliō in battle magnō great commissō joined hostēs enemies victī conquered fugātīque and routed sunt were
4.20 Mīlia thousands passuum of paces vīgintī twenty quīnque five eōs them secūtī having followed multōs many interfēcimus we killed captīvōsque and captives cēpimus we took
4.21 Equitātus cavalry noster our levisque and light armātūra armed troops ēgregiē excellently rem affair gessit conducted
4.22 Ex from nostrīs our men cecidērunt have fallen centuriōnēs centurions duo two mīlitēsque and soldiers circiter about trecentī three hundred
4.23 Obsidēs hostages nōbilissimōs most noble armaque and weapons omnia all hostēs enemies dedidērunt have surrendered
4.24 Frūmentum grain pecūniamque and money prō for redemptione ransom captīvōrum of captives pollicitī having promised sunt they are
4.25 Explōrātōrēs scouts nostrī our nūntiant report aliās other gentēs tribes coniūrāre to conspire armaque and weapons parāre to prepare
4.26 Hiemis of winter initium beginning appropinquat approaches commeātusque and supplies dēficiunt are lacking
4.27 Castra camp mūnīta fortified fossāque and with ditch lātā wide circumdata surrounded posuī I have placed
4.28 Litterās letters tuās your fidēliter faithfully lēgātīs to lieutenants tribūnīsque and to tribunes recitāvī I read aloud
4.29 Virtūtem valor cōnstantiamque and steadfastness mīlitum of soldiers Rōmānōrum Roman laudāre to praise nōn not dēsinō I cease
4.30 Valete farewell patrēs fathers cōnscrīptī enrolled remque and thing pūblicam public cūrāte take care of
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4.16 Imperātor Caesar cōnsulibus senātuīque salūtem dīcit. Commander Caesar sends greetings to the consuls and senate.
4.17 Hostium cōpiae maximae flūmen Rhēnum trānsiērunt nostrōsque fīnēs populantur. Very large enemy forces have crossed the Rhine River and are ravaging our territories.
4.18 Legiōnēs duās veterānās auxiliaque Gallōrum contrā eōs mīsī. I sent two veteran legions and Gallic auxiliaries against them.
4.19 Proeliō magnō commissō hostēs victī fugātīque sunt. When a great battle was joined, the enemies were conquered and routed.
4.20 Mīlia passuum vīgintī quīnque eōs secūtī multōs interfēcimus captīvōsque cēpimus. Having followed them for twenty-five thousand paces, we killed many and took captives.
4.21 Equitātus noster levisque armātūra ēgregiē rem gessit. Our cavalry and light-armed troops conducted the affair excellently.
4.22 Ex nostrīs cecidērunt centuriōnēs duo mīlitēsque circiter trecentī. From our forces have fallen two centurions and about three hundred soldiers.
4.23 Obsidēs nōbilissimōs armaque omnia hostēs dedidērunt. The enemies have surrendered their most noble hostages and all weapons.
4.24 Frūmentum pecūniamque prō redemptione captīvōrum pollicitī sunt. They have promised grain and money for the ransom of captives.
4.25 Explōrātōrēs nostrī nūntiant aliās gentēs coniūrāre armaque parāre. Our scouts report that other tribes are conspiring and preparing weapons.
4.26 Hiemis initium appropinquat commeātusque dēficiunt. The beginning of winter approaches and supplies are lacking.
4.27 Castra mūnīta fossāque lātā circumdata posuī. I have placed a fortified camp surrounded by a wide ditch.
4.28 Litterās tuās fidēliter lēgātīs tribūnīsque recitāvī. I faithfully read your letters aloud to the lieutenants and tribunes.
4.29 Virtūtem cōnstantiamque mīlitum Rōmānōrum laudāre nōn dēsinō. I do not cease to praise the valor and steadfastness of Roman soldiers.
4.30 Valēte patrēs cōnscrīptī remque pūblicam cūrāte. Farewell, enrolled fathers, and take care of the republic.
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4.16 Imperātor Caesar cōnsulibus senātuīque salūtem dīcit.
4.17 Hostium cōpiae maximae flūmen Rhēnum trānsiērunt nostrōsque fīnēs populantur.
4.18 Legiōnēs duās veterānās auxiliaque Gallōrum contrā eōs mīsī.
4.19 Proeliō magnō commissō hostēs victī fugātīque sunt.
4.20 Mīlia passuum vīgintī quīnque eōs secūtī multōs interfēcimus captīvōsque cēpimus.
4.21 Equitātus noster levisque armātūra ēgregiē rem gessit.
4.22 Ex nostrīs cecidērunt centuriōnēs duo mīlitēsque circiter trecentī.
4.23 Obsidēs nōbilissimōs armaque omnia hostēs dedidērunt.
4.24 Frūmentum pecūniamque prō redemptione captīvōrum pollicitī sunt.
4.25 Explōrātōrēs nostrī nūntiant aliās gentēs coniūrāre armaque parāre.
4.26 Hiemis initium appropinquat commeātusque dēficiunt.
4.27 Castra mūnīta fossāque lātā circumdata posuī.
4.28 Litterās tuās fidēliter lēgātīs tribūnīsque recitāvī.
4.29 Virtūtem cōnstantiamque mīlitum Rōmānōrum laudāre nōn dēsinō.
4.30 Valēte patrēs cōnscrīptī remque pūblicam cūrāte.
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This military dispatch demonstrates how "que" functions in formal military communication:
1. Linking Recipients and Concepts -
"cōnsulibus senātuīque" - Links the two governing bodies receiving the report -
"lēgātīs tribūnīsque" - Connects the senior and junior officer ranks -
Shows hierarchy while maintaining unity of command
2. Coordinating Military Units -
"auxiliaque Gallōrum" - Native auxiliaries paired with Roman legions -
"levisque armātūra" - Light-armed troops coordinated with cavalry -
Reflects Roman combined-arms tactics
3. Expressing Complete Actions -
"victī fugātīque" - Not just defeated but also routed -
"interfēcimus captīvōsque cēpimus" - Killed and captured (total victory) -
"frūmentum pecūniamque" - Both food and money (complete tribute)
4. Military Formulas -
"remque pūblicam" - Standard phrase for "the state/republic" -
"virtūtem cōnstantiamque" - Traditional pairing of military virtues -
"fossāque circumdata" - Standard fortification description
5. Dispatch Structure The dispatch follows standard Roman military format: -
Greeting formula with "que" linking recipients -
Situation report with enemy actions -
Roman response and results -
Casualty report -
Future concerns -
Closing formula with "que" in "remque pūblicam"
6. Tactical Information Through "que" Each use of "que" provides tactical intelligence: -
Enemy crossing and ravaging (two-pronged threat) -
Roman forces and allies (combined response) -
Fortifications and ditches (defensive preparations) -
Valor and steadfastness (morale assessment)
This dispatch shows how "que" creates concise, information-dense military reports essential for strategic decision-making in Rome.
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The Latin for Soldiers, Sailors and Military Strategists course is part of the Latinum Institute's comprehensive Latin reading program, designed specifically for autodidact learners. Created by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been developing online language learning materials since 2006, these lessons use the innovative "construed text" method.
This method, detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, breaks down Latin texts into granular, interleaved units that allow English speakers to see direct correspondences between Latin and English. This approach is particularly effective for self-directed learners who need clear, systematic instruction without a traditional classroom setting.
Key features of the course include: -
Progressive vocabulary building through high-frequency words -
Authentic Latin texts from military authors -
Cultural and historical context for deeper understanding -
Multiple presentation formats (interleaved, natural, Latin-only) -
Grammar explanations specifically designed for English speakers -
Genre-based reading selections for varied exposure
The military focus provides compelling content while teaching universally applicable Latin skills. By studying how Roman commanders communicated, modern learners gain insight into both the Latin language and Roman military culture that shaped Western civilization.
The Latinum Institute's materials have been recognized for their effectiveness in making Latin accessible to modern learners, with courses available through various platforms and formats to suit different learning styles and schedules.
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