Templum altum prope oppidum stat, et nuntius orat ibi.

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Breakdown of Templum altum prope oppidum stat, et nuntius orat ibi.

• oppidum: the town
• ibi: there
• nuntius: the messenger
• stare: to stand
• templum: the temple
• orare: to pray
• prope: near
• altus: tall

Questions & Answers about Templum altum prope oppidum stat, et nuntius orat ibi.

Why is the adjective altum used instead of alta or altus?

In Latin, adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe in gender, number, and case. Templum is a neuter singular noun in the nominative case, so its describing adjective altum is also neuter, singular, and nominative.

Why does prope take the accusative case, and how do I know that oppidum is accusative here?

The preposition prope (meaning near) always requires an object in the accusative case. Since oppidum is in the accusative, it shows that the temple is near the town. If it were ablative, the form would be oppido, which would not be correct with prope.

What is the subject of the verb stat in the first part of the sentence?

The subject is templum altum. Even though Latin often allows flexible word order, templum (with its adjective altum) is the noun that stat (stands).

How do I know nuntius is the person who orat?

Because nuntius is in the nominative case and appears in the clause with orat, it is the subject of that verb. Latin heavily relies on endings and cases rather than on strict word order, so nominative endings usually indicate the subject.

What part of speech is ibi, and what does it refer to?

Ibi is an adverb meaning there. It refers back to the location near the town (where the temple is). So, nuntius is praying there, at or near the temple.