Thesaurus linguae Latinae, often abbreviated as TLL, is a comprehensive and authoritative Latin dictionary project. Its literal translation is "Treasury of the Latin Language." It is considered one of the most extensive lexicographical efforts for Latin, aiming to encompass the entire lexicon of ancient Latin from its origins down to approximately 600 AD.
The Thesaurus linguae Latinae was initiated in 1894 by the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Munich, Germany. Unlike conventional Latin dictionaries, which provide only brief definitions, TLL provides an in-depth exploration of each Latin word, its various meanings, and its usage across different periods.
The dictionary's goal is to compile an exhaustive account of Latin vocabulary, incorporating not only main classical authors like Cicero and Virgil but also lesser-known sources such as inscriptions, early Christian texts, and fragments of ancient manuscripts. This comprehensive approach allows TLL to offer a detailed analysis of Latin word usage, semantic development, and its historical and cultural contexts.
Due to its extensive scope, the completion of the Thesaurus linguae Latinae is a long-term project, with letter M currently being the latest volume published. It serves as an essential resource for scholars, researchers, and students of not only Latin philology but also history, archaeology, theology, and related disciplines. The TLL's meticulous examination of Latin words and their evolution aids in understanding the development of the Latin language and its cultural significance throughout antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
