das Altertum
Translation
antiquity, ancient times
Examples
Im Altertum glaubten die Menschen an viele Götter.
In antiquity, people believed in many gods.
Wir studieren die Geschichte des griechischen Altertums.
We are studying the history of Greek antiquity.
Grammar Patterns
das Altertum antiquity Roman antiquity is fascinating.
im Altertum in antiquity In antiquity, life was different.
Similar Words
Synonym: Antike
Etymology
From 'Alter' (age, oldness) + the suffix '-tum' (denoting a state or collective, like English -dom). Literally 'the state of being old'.
Memory Tips
The suffix '-tum' is also found in 'Reichtum' (richness) and 'Königtum' (kingdom), indicating an abstract concept.