Cambridge Latin Course Book 1 Stage 10 Statuae Translation

From a pedagogical perspective, Stage 10 is a "bridge" stage. It moves the student from simple subject-verb-object sentences to more complex Latin.

Latin:
Syphax, statuarius, in officina laborat. Subito Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, senator Romanus, officinam intrat. Senator statuas multas emit. Syphax senatorī valde placet. “Ego,” inquit senator, “statuam puellae pulchrae emere volo. Habesne statuam talem?”

Translation:
Syphax, a sculptor, is working in his workshop. Suddenly, Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, a Roman senator, enters the workshop. The senator buys many statues. Syphax is very pleasing to the senator. “I,” said the senator, “want to buy a statue of a beautiful girl. Do you have such a statue?”

Stage 10: Statuae is the graduation ceremony for Book 1. It successfully tests the student's ability to handle passive verbs and longer narrative structures while providing a fascinating look at Roman political vanity.

For the translator: Do not rush the process sentences. The passive voice is the key to unlocking this stage. Focus on identifying who is performing the action (the "agent," usually marked by a/ab) versus what is being acted upon (the subject).

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A solid, dramatic conclusion to the Pompeii unit, effectively blending essential grammar with high-stakes storytelling.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Title: Essential Guide for Navigating the "Statuae" Translation If you are working through Stage 10 of the Cambridge Latin Course

, "Statuae" is a critical turning point where the grammar starts getting a bit more complex. This specific translation exercise is excellent for reinforcing the difference between the nominative and accusative cases

, especially as the story introduces the sculptor, Habinnas. What makes this stage/translation helpful: Contextual Learning:

Instead of dry grammar drills, "Statuae" uses a lively narrative about Quintus and the statues to show how adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe. Vocabulary Building:

It introduces key terms related to art and physical descriptions that are foundational for the rest of Book 1. Clear Structure:

The sentences are long enough to be challenging but short enough that you won’t get lost if you’re using the "look for the verb first" method. Pro-Tip for Students: Pay close attention to the word endings here (

). If you're stuck on the "Statuae" translation, focus on who is doing the action versus who is being described. It makes the transition to the more difficult Stage 11 much smoother!

Highly recommended for anyone self-studying or looking to solidify their grasp of Latin sentence structure. from the passage or provide a vocabulary list for Stage 10?

The "Statuae" stage offers a deep dive into the Cursus Honorum (ladder of offices) and local politics.

If you are studying for a Latin exam (such as the GCSE, National Latin Exam, or a high school final), Stage 10 is frequently tested because:

When you translate, do not just memorize an English version. Understand why each Latin word takes its form. For example, in “servum, quem in cella tenueras” – tenueras is 2nd person singular pluperfect active, referring to “you (Syphax) had kept.” This shows direct address from Clemens to Syphax.

Latin:
Syphax statuam dei Bacchi ex silice facit. Caecilius, vir dives, statuam magnam emit. servus Caecilio statuam ad atrium portat. ubi statuam videt, Caecilius iratus est. "di te perdant, Syphax!" clamat. "cur statuam dei cum naso fracto facis?" Syphax perturbatus est. "nasus fractus?" inquit. "nullus nasus fractus est. ecce! nasus egregius est!"

Translation:
Syphax makes a statue of the god Bacchus out of flint. Caecilius, a rich man, buys the large statue. A slave carries the statue to Caecilius in the atrium. When he sees the statue, Caecilius is angry. "Damn you, Syphax!" he shouts. "Why do you make a statue of the god with a broken nose?" Syphax is upset. "Broken nose?" he says. "There is no broken nose. Look! The nose is excellent!"

"My friend, who lives in Rome, gave me a statue in our city. The statue is tall and beautiful. On the statue is the figure of a man which is like me. My friend also wrote an inscription on the base of the statue. I read the inscription and am delighted."

When students search for "cambridge latin course book 1 stage 10 statuae translation", they often make the same errors. Here is what to watch for: