The origins of the Latin language

Latin among the Indo-European Languages [lanugage tree]

Latin among the Italic Dialects [dialect map]

Comparison of Umbrian and Latin [tables of Iuguvium]

What explains the eventual dominace of Latin in Europe?

The origins of Latin literature

What is literature?

orality/literacy

Oral traditions among Indo-European speakers

Oral traditions in Italy? [prayer to Mars]

The earliest forms of written literature

Inscriptions [epitaphs of the Scipios]