Cave Canem Meaning
Classical Literacy #64, Cave Canem
The phrase “cave canem” derives from the latin words canis, canis (M), and caveo, cavere, cavi, cautus. Cave means beware and canem means a dog. This phrase literally means “Beware of dog” or “Beware of the dog.” It was used as a warning sign indicating that a dangerous dog is within. This sign was found by the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, along with a mosaic of an Italian Greyhound dog.This house was a typical 2nd century BC Roman house and it is famous for beautiful mosaic floors and pictures. People put up signs saying, “cave canem,” in order to prevent visitors from being attacked by their dogs.
Examples with this phrase: “Cave canem.” whispered the boy as he walked past a
The phrase “cave canem” derives from the latin words canis, canis (M), and caveo, cavere, cavi, cautus. Cave means beware and canem means a dog. This phrase literally means “Beware of dog” or “Beware of the dog.” It was used as a warning sign indicating that a dangerous dog is within. This sign was found by the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, along with a mosaic of an Italian Greyhound dog.This house was a typical 2nd century BC Roman house and it is famous for beautiful mosaic floors and pictures. People put up signs saying, “cave canem,” in order to prevent visitors from being attacked by their dogs.
Examples with this phrase: “Cave canem.” whispered the boy as he walked past a