Breakdown of Si praesidium paratum est, nullum telum hostium facile portas franget.
esse
to be
si
if
porta
the gate
hostis
the enemy
Questions & Answers about Si praesidium paratum est, nullum telum hostium facile portas franget.
Why does the sentence begin with si?
Si means if and introduces a condition.
So the sentence has two parts:
- Si praesidium paratum est = if the defense / guard / garrison is ready
- nullum telum hostium facile portas franget = no weapon of the enemy will easily break the gates
This is a very common Latin pattern: si + a clause stating the condition, then the main result clause.
What exactly does praesidium mean here?
Praesidium is a neuter noun. Its meaning can vary a little depending on context:
- guard
- defense
- protection
- garrison
In this sentence, it probably means something like the defense or the garrison/guard force that is protecting the gates.
A learner should notice that Latin often uses one word where English may choose different translations depending on context.
Why is it paratum est and not paratus est?
Because praesidium is neuter singular, and the adjective must agree with it.
So:
- praesidium = neuter singular
- paratum = neuter singular form of paratus