When in Rome, do as Romans do

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone!

I'm new on this forum and I'm here because nobody around me can help me with my question. So I figured, I'm going to sign up and ask you.

You all know about the phrase "When in Rome, do as Romans do"
I would like to know if this is a latin quote at all. and if, what is it in latin and who said it.

thanks!

Dzemal

 

[Polla]

Interesting question. I am adding this thread to my watch list

 

[ann]

i thought the saying was first attributed to st ambrose in ad 387..he observed that the church in milan did not fast on on saturdays..he said that when he was in rome he fasted and in milan he didn't ..follow the custom of the church where you are. i think this was eventually altered to 'when they are in rome, they do there as they see done' and so on down to 'when in rome' etc......unless anyone knows different

 

[Anonymous]

hm, that sounds interesting.
either nobody knows other theories or everyone agrees.
but what would the saying be in latin?

 

[ann]

well i have only just started learning latin but i think "Cum Roma es, fac qualiter Romani faciunt" is close to the saying but maybe someone with more knowledge might be able to enlighten us.

 

[Akela]

"Cum Roma es, fac qualiter Romani faciunt"

I'd say, you can drop both 'es' and 'faciunt' - for the sake of being concise.

 

[ann]

thanks akela