Imperium Rōmānum
neuter
The English phrase "roman empire" is translated into Latin as Imperium Rōmānum.
This phrase is used to refer to the ancient Latin empire.
Meaning: ancient Latin empire (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Rōmānum is the accusative singular form of the adjective Rōmānus, which means "Roman".
Which one should you use?
Imperium Romanorum serves as an alternate formal version of the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Imperium Rōmānum is in the nominative case, which is used when the empire functions as the subject of a sentence.
Did you know?
- Romans often avoided the term Imperium Rōmānum in favor of SPQR, an abbreviation for Senātus Populusque Rōmānus. This emphasized that the state belonged to the 'Senate and People of Rome' rather than a single ruler.
- The word imperium does not just mean a territory or a state, but originally referred to the absolute power to command and the legal right to exercise it.
- While Imperium Rōmānum describes the empire, the word Rōmānus was later used as a legal status of citizenship. Someone could be Rōmānus even if they had never visited the city of Rome.
Examples in context
- Imperium Rōmānum vastum erat.The Roman Empire was vast.
- Imperium Rōmānum multas nationes regit.The Roman Empire rules many nations.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their history project.
- MarcusLēgistī dē Imperium Rōmānum, Lūcia?Did you read about the Roman Empire, Lucia?
- LuciaIta, Marce. Id est fascināns.Yes, Marcus. It is fascinating.
- MarcusQuid placet tibi in Imperium Rōmānum?What do you like about the Roman Empire?
- LuciaAmō urbēs et viās eōrum.I love their cities and roads.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roman empire” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
