Question

The Latin influence in Old English period was mainly due to:

• A. The Renaissance
• B. The Norman Conquest
• C. Roman occupation
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Roman occupation

• While Roman occupation (43-410 AD) did bring Latin words into Britain (mainly related to military, trade, roads, buildings),
  the major Latin influence on Old English vocabulary happened later, through the Christianization of England starting in 597 AD.

• Christian missionaries introduced many Latin words related to:

  • Religion (church, bishop, altar, priest)

  • Education (school, master, verse)

  • Culture & writing (letter, book, pen)