Lesson 34: Latin for Soldiers, Sailors and Military Strategists

iam - now; already

Introduction

The adverb iam is a crucial temporal marker in Latin military texts, indicating immediacy or completion. This small but powerful word helps commanders express urgency in orders, mark the completion of actions, and create temporal clarity in military reports.

Definition: iam (adverb) - now, already, at this time, by now, soon

FAQ Schema

Q: What does iam mean in Latin? A: Iam is a Latin adverb meaning "now" or "already." It indicates that something is happening at the present moment or has already occurred. In military contexts, it often signals immediate action or completed preparations.

How This Word Will Be Used

In this lesson, iam appears in various positions within sentences to demonstrate its flexibility in Latin syntax. You'll encounter it with present tense verbs (indicating "now"), perfect tense verbs (indicating "already"), and in commands where it adds urgency. The examples progress from simple constructions to more complex military scenarios.

Educational Schema

• Subject: Latin Language Learning

• Level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Focus: Military Latin Vocabulary and Grammar

• Lesson Type: Reading Comprehension and Grammar

• Target Audience: English-speaking autodidacts learning Latin

Key Takeaways

• iam is an indeclinable adverb (it never changes form)

• Position in the sentence affects emphasis

• With present tense = "now"

• With perfect tense = "already"

• Creates urgency in military commands

• Often paired with other temporal expressions

Part A (Interleaved English and Latin Text)

34.1 Hostēs enemies iam now adsunt are present

34.2 Iam already legiōnēs the legions parātae prepared sunt are

34.3 Mīlitēs soldiers iam now arma weapons capiunt take

34.4 Nāvēs ships nostrae our iam already portum harbor relīquērunt have left

34.5 Iam now tempus time est is pugnāre to fight

34.6 Dux leader iam already cōnsilium plan cēpit has taken

34.7 Vigiliās watches iam now mūtāre to change dēbēmus we must

34.8 Iam already hostium of enemies castra camp vīdimus we have seen

34.9 Equitēs cavalry iam now ad to flūmen river perveniunt arrive

34.10 Auxilia reinforcements iam already missī sent sunt have been

34.11 Iam now nox night appropinquat approaches

34.12 Centuriōnēs centurions iam already mīlitēs soldiers īnstrūxērunt have drawn up

34.13 Pācem peace iam now petunt they seek hostēs enemies

34.14 Iam already multī many vulnerātī wounded sunt are

34.15 Imperātor commander iam now signum signal dat gives

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

34.1 Hostēs iam adsunt. The enemies are now present.

34.2 Iam legiōnēs parātae sunt. The legions are already prepared.

34.3 Mīlitēs iam arma capiunt. The soldiers are now taking up arms.

34.4 Nāvēs nostrae iam portum relīquērunt. Our ships have already left the harbor.

34.5 Iam tempus est pugnāre. Now is the time to fight.

34.6 Dux iam cōnsilium cēpit. The leader has already made his decision.

34.7 Vigiliās iam mūtāre dēbēmus. We must now change the watches.

34.8 Iam hostium castra vīdimus. We have already seen the enemy camp.

34.9 Equitēs iam ad flūmen perveniunt. The cavalry are now arriving at the river.

34.10 Auxilia iam missī sunt. Reinforcements have already been sent.

34.11 Iam nox appropinquat. Night is now approaching.

34.12 Centuriōnēs iam mīlitēs īnstrūxērunt. The centurions have already drawn up the soldiers.

34.13 Pācem iam petunt hostēs. The enemies are now seeking peace.

34.14 Iam multī vulnerātī sunt. Many have already been wounded.

34.15 Imperātor iam signum dat. The commander is now giving the signal.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part C (Latin Text Only)

34.1 Hostēs iam adsunt.

34.2 Iam legiōnēs parātae sunt.

34.3 Mīlitēs iam arma capiunt.

34.4 Nāvēs nostrae iam portum relīquērunt.

34.5 Iam tempus est pugnāre.

34.6 Dux iam cōnsilium cēpit.

34.7 Vigiliās iam mūtāre dēbēmus.

34.8 Iam hostium castra vīdimus.

34.9 Equitēs iam ad flūmen perveniunt.

34.10 Auxilia iam missī sunt.

34.11 Iam nox appropinquat.

34.12 Centuriōnēs iam mīlitēs īnstrūxērunt.

34.13 Pācem iam petunt hostēs.

34.14 Iam multī vulnerātī sunt.

34.15 Imperātor iam signum dat.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for iam

iam is an indeclinable temporal adverb. This means it never changes its form regardless of the case, number, or gender of other words in the sentence.

Primary Uses:

1. With Present Tense = "now"

   • Example: Hostēs iam adsunt. (The enemies are now present.)

   • The action is happening at this moment

2. With Perfect Tense = "already"

   • Example: Auxilia iam missī sunt. (Reinforcements have already been sent.)

   • The action is completed

3. Position for Emphasis:

   • Initial position: Strong emphasis on immediacy

     • Iam tempus est pugnāre. (NOW is the time to fight.)

   • After subject: Normal narrative flow

     • Mīlitēs iam arma capiunt. (The soldiers are now taking arms.)

   • Before verb: Emphasis on the completion/immediacy of action

     • Hostēs iam adsunt. (The enemies are NOW here.)

Common Mistakes:

1. Confusing iam with eum/eam

   • iam = now/already (adverb)

   • eum/eam = him/her (pronoun)

2. Overusing English word order

   • English: "The soldiers are already prepared"

   • Latin flexibility: Iam mīlitēs parātī sunt / Mīlitēs iam parātī sunt / Mīlitēs parātī iam sunt

3. Forgetting perfect passive participles need esse

   • Wrong: Iam legiōnēs parātae

   • Correct: Iam legiōnēs parātae sunt

Comparison with English:

Unlike English, which uses different words ("now" vs "already"), Latin uses the same word iam for both meanings. The tense of the verb determines the translation:

• Present tense verb + iam = now

• Perfect tense verb + iam = already

Step-by-Step Guide for Using iam:

1. Identify the tense of the main verb

2. If present tense, translate iam as "now"

3. If perfect tense, translate iam as "already"

4. Consider placement for emphasis:

   • Beginning = strongest emphasis

   • Near verb = moderate emphasis

   • End = weakest emphasis

Common Phrases with iam:

• iam diū = for a long time now

• iam prīdem = long ago already

• iam iam = right now, any moment now

• nōndum...iam = not yet...already

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part E (Cultural Context)

For Roman military commanders, iam was a critical word in battlefield communications. The distinction between "now" and "already" could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Military Urgency:

Romans valued precise timing in military operations. When a commander said "iam pugnāte!" (fight now!), immediate action was expected. Delay could result in severe punishment or disaster.

Naval Context:

In naval operations, iam marked crucial moments - the tide turning, winds shifting, or enemy ships approaching. "Iam ventus secundus est" (the wind is now favorable) signaled the moment to set sail.

Strategic Planning:

Roman military doctrine emphasized preparation. The phrase "iam parātī sumus" (we are already prepared) reflected the Roman ideal of readiness. Being able to say something was "already" done (iam factum est) demonstrated Roman efficiency.

Signal Systems:

Roman armies used complex signal systems. Iam often accompanied these signals: "iam tuba canit" (the trumpet now sounds) meant immediate action. Different trumpet calls with iam indicated specific maneuvers.

Modern Military Parallels:

The concept survives in modern military language. "Execute now" and "already in position" echo the Roman use of iam. The emphasis on temporal precision remains crucial in military operations today.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part F (Literary Citation)

From Caesar's De Bello Gallico 2.20:

Part F-A (Interleaved Text)

Iam Already Caesaris of Caesar legiōnēs legions duae two quās which in in itinere march ante before praemīserat he had sent ahead eō to that place pervēnerant had arrived. Hī These men novissimōs the rear guard adortī having attacked et and multōs many interfēcērunt killed et and reliquōs the rest in into fugam flight coniēcērunt threw.

Part F-B (Complete Text with Translation)

Iam Caesaris legiōnēs duae quās in itinere ante praemīserat eō pervēnerant. Hī novissimōs adortī et multōs interfēcērunt et reliquōs in fugam coniēcērunt.

Already Caesar's two legions which he had sent ahead on the march had arrived there. These men, having attacked the rear guard, both killed many and threw the rest into flight.

Part F-C (Latin Text Only)

Iam Caesaris legiōnēs duae quās in itinere ante praemīserat eō pervēnerant. Hī novissimōs adortī et multōs interfēcērunt et reliquōs in fugam coniēcērunt.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

This passage demonstrates iam with the pluperfect tense (pervēnerant = had arrived), emphasizing that the action was already completed before the main narrative moment. Caesar uses iam at the beginning for maximum emphasis - the timing of the legions' arrival was crucial to the battle's outcome.

Note the military vocabulary: legiōnēs (legions), novissimōs (rear guard), interfēcērunt (killed), in fugam coniēcērunt (routed). The passage shows typical Caesar style: clear, direct, emphasizing successful Roman tactics.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Genre Section: Military Dispatch

Part A (Interleaved Text)

34.16 Lēgātus The legate imperātōrī to the commander scrībit writes: "Iam "Already hostium of the enemies cōpiās forces in on colle the hill vīdimus" we have seen"

34.17 "Nostrī "Our men iam now vallum rampart perfēcērunt have completed et and fossās ditches fōdērunt" have dug"

34.18 "Explōrātōrēs "Scouts nūntiāvērunt have reported hostēs that enemies iam already pontem bridge aedificāre" are building"

34.19 "Frūmentum "Grain iam now dēficit is lacking et and aqua water in in castrīs camp exigua scanty est" is"

34.20 "Iam "Now trēs three diēs days obsidiōnem siege sustinēmus" we are enduring" scrībit writes tribūnus the tribune

34.21 "Barbarī "The barbarians iam already sagittās arrows et and lapidēs stones iaciunt" are throwing" nūntiat reports centuriō the centurion

34.22 "Legiō "The legion decima tenth iam now ad to flūmen the river pervēnit has arrived sed but trānsīre to cross nōn not potest" is able"

34.23 "Multī "Many mīlitēs soldiers iam already vulnerātī wounded sunt are et and medicī doctors dēsunt" are lacking"

34.24 "Hostēs "The enemies iam now circum around castra the camp equitātum cavalry mīsērunt" have sent"

34.25 "Iam "Already duās two nāvēs ships āmīsimus we have lost in in tempestāte" the storm" scrībit writes praefectus the prefect classis of the fleet

34.26 "Sociī "The allies nostrī our iam now dubitāre to waver incipiunt" are beginning" nūntiat reports lēgātus the legate

34.27 "Iam "Now māne in the morning hostēs the enemies impetum attack factūrōs about to make esse to be crēdimus" we believe"

34.28 "Caesar "Caesar cum with quattuor four legiōnibus legions iam already appropinquat" is approaching" nūntiātur it is reported

34.29 "Mūnītiōnēs "The fortifications iam now paene almost perfectae completed sunt" are" imperātor the commander respondet replies

34.30 "Victōria "Victory iam now nostra ours erit" will be" clāmat shouts dux the leader mīlitibus to the soldiers

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part B (Complete Natural Sentences)

34.16 Lēgātus imperātōrī scrībit: "Iam hostium cōpiās in colle vīdimus." The legate writes to the commander: "We have already seen the enemy forces on the hill."

34.17 "Nostrī iam vallum perfēcērunt et fossās fōdērunt." "Our men have now completed the rampart and dug the ditches."

34.18 "Explōrātōrēs nūntiāvērunt hostēs iam pontem aedificāre." "Scouts have reported that the enemies are already building a bridge."

34.19 "Frūmentum iam dēficit et aqua in castrīs exigua est." "Grain is now lacking and water in the camp is scarce."

34.20 "Iam trēs diēs obsidiōnem sustinēmus," scrībit tribūnus. "We have now been enduring the siege for three days," writes the tribune.

34.21 "Barbarī iam sagittās et lapidēs iaciunt," nūntiat centuriō. "The barbarians are already throwing arrows and stones," reports the centurion.

34.22 "Legiō decima iam ad flūmen pervēnit sed trānsīre nōn potest." "The tenth legion has now arrived at the river but cannot cross."

34.23 "Multī mīlitēs iam vulnerātī sunt et medicī dēsunt." "Many soldiers have already been wounded and doctors are lacking."

34.24 "Hostēs iam circum castra equitātum mīsērunt." "The enemies have now sent cavalry around the camp."

34.25 "Iam duās nāvēs āmīsimus in tempestāte," scrībit praefectus classis. "We have already lost two ships in the storm," writes the fleet commander.

34.26 "Sociī nostrī iam dubitāre incipiunt," nūntiat lēgātus. "Our allies are now beginning to waver," reports the legate.

34.27 "Iam māne hostēs impetum factūrōs esse crēdimus." "We believe the enemies will make an attack early tomorrow morning."

34.28 "Caesar cum quattuor legiōnibus iam appropinquat," nūntiātur. "Caesar with four legions is already approaching," it is reported.

34.29 "Mūnītiōnēs iam paene perfectae sunt," imperātor respondet. "The fortifications are now almost completed," the commander replies.

34.30 "Victōria iam nostra erit!" clāmat dux mīlitibus. "Victory will now be ours!" shouts the leader to the soldiers.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part C (Latin Text Only)

34.16 Lēgātus imperātōrī scrībit: "Iam hostium cōpiās in colle vīdimus."

34.17 "Nostrī iam vallum perfēcērunt et fossās fōdērunt."

34.18 "Explōrātōrēs nūntiāvērunt hostēs iam pontem aedificāre."

34.19 "Frūmentum iam dēficit et aqua in castrīs exigua est."

34.20 "Iam trēs diēs obsidiōnem sustinēmus," scrībit tribūnus.

34.21 "Barbarī iam sagittās et lapidēs iaciunt," nūntiat centuriō.

34.22 "Legiō decima iam ad flūmen pervēnit sed trānsīre nōn potest."

34.23 "Multī mīlitēs iam vulnerātī sunt et medicī dēsunt."

34.24 "Hostēs iam circum castra equitātum mīsērunt."

34.25 "Iam duās nāvēs āmīsimus in tempestāte," scrībit praefectus classis.

34.26 "Sociī nostrī iam dubitāre incipiunt," nūntiat lēgātus.

34.27 "Iam māne hostēs impetum factūrōs esse crēdimus."

34.28 "Caesar cum quattuor legiōnibus iam appropinquat," nūntiātur.

34.29 "Mūnītiōnēs iam paene perfectae sunt," imperātor respondet.

34.30 "Victōria iam nostra erit!" clāmat dux mīlitibus.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

Part D (Grammar Explanation for Military Dispatch)

Direct Speech in Military Reports

Roman military dispatches frequently used direct quotation, introduced by verbs like:

• scrībit (writes)

• nūntiat (reports)

• respondet (replies)

• clāmat (shouts)

Use of iam in Urgent Communications

1. Reporting Completed Actions:

   • "Iam hostium cōpiās vīdimus" (We have already seen the enemy forces)

   • Perfect tense + iam = accomplished fact

2. Describing Current Situations:

   • "Frūmentum iam dēficit" (Grain is now lacking)

   • Present tense + iam = current crisis

3. Indicating Changed Circumstances:

   • "Sociī nostrī iam dubitāre incipiunt" (Our allies are now beginning to waver)

   • Shows deteriorating situation

Military Terminology in Context:

• vallum = rampart (defensive earthwork)

• fossae = ditches (defensive trenches)

• obsidiō = siege

• mūnītiōnēs = fortifications

• praefectus classis = fleet commander

• equitātus = cavalry

Indirect Statement:

Example: "Explōrātōrēs nūntiāvērunt hostēs iam pontem aedificāre"

• Main verb: nūntiāvērunt (they reported)

• Accusative subject: hostēs (enemies)

• Infinitive: aedificāre (are building)

• iam emphasizes the immediacy of the threat

Future Active Periphrastic:

"Hostēs impetum factūrōs esse" (enemies are about to make an attack)

• Shows imminent action

• iam māne = early tomorrow morning (literally "now in the morning")

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾

About This Course

This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Latin Reading Course, a comprehensive autodidactic learning system designed for independent learners. The course methodology, developed by curator Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), emphasizes:

Course Philosophy

Based on the principles outlined at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, these lessons provide:

• Construed texts that break down Latin into comprehensible units

• Progressive difficulty building from simple to complex structures

• Authentic Latin drawn from classical authors

• Cultural context essential for true understanding

• Multiple learning modalities (interleaved, translated, Latin-only)

Why This Method Works for Autodidacts

1. Self-contained lessons: Each lesson provides all necessary information without requiring external resources

2. Granular parsing: Part A's word-by-word glossing allows beginners to understand every element

3. Natural progression: Parts B and C present increasingly natural Latin syntax

4. Comprehensive grammar: Part D explains all grammatical concepts in accessible English

5. Cultural immersion: Parts E and F connect language to Roman life and literature

About the Curator

Evan der Millner has been creating online language learning materials since 2006. The Latinum Institute has established itself as a leading resource for Latin self-study, with recognition on Trustpilot for its effective teaching methodology.

Course Structure

Each lesson follows the same reliable format:

• Introduction with key takeaways

• Part A: Interleaved text for vocabulary building

• Part B: Natural sentences with translations

• Part C: Latin-only practice

• Part D: Grammar explanation

• Part E: Cultural context

• Part F: Authentic literary excerpt

• Genre section: Extended thematic reading

This consistent structure allows learners to develop reading strategies and build confidence through repetition of the learning process itself.

✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾