History of Europe

The origin of the Latins.

I don't know if it has happened to you too, but I have always related the term «aboriginal » with the original inhabitants of Australia, although «aboriginal » means native to the place where he lives / primitive settler of a place (regardless of whether it is Australia, Argentina, China, Spain...). Etymologically it comes from the Latin «aborigines » (those who are from the origin).

According to a Roman legend , the aborigines were the first inhabitants of the central area of ​​the Italian peninsula. They were nomads, without laws or cities, and fed on wild fruits. Their king was Latin .

Aeneas flees Troy

Legend has it that Aeneas , Trojan hero with Hector , disembarks in the zone controlled by Latino and begins to build a city. The king cannot consent to such an affront and gathers the army to confront Aeneas and his Trojans. They surround the intruders and when they are prepared for battle… An indigenous divinity advises Latino to join the foreigners, and the king of the aborigines does so. They give up a part of their territory for them to settle and the Trojans agree to help them fight Turno , king of the Rutulians.

As a token of gratitude, Latino hands over his daughter, Lavinia , in marriage with Aeneas, and this one, gives the name of Lavinio to the new city. As it was written, the Rutulians and the Aborigines, aided by the Trojans, engage in a great battle. The aborigines are victorious but their king, Latino, is dead; Aeneas succeeds him on the throne. The two peoples, aborigines and Trojan immigrants, merge into one and adopt the Latin name as a tribute to the deceased king .