Roma invicta
“Unconquered Rome.”
Classical Latin phrase
What does “Roma invicta” mean?
Roma invicta translates as “Unconquered Rome.”
An expression of pride in Rome’s strength and endurance, used today as a rallying motto.
“Roma invicta” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Roma | Rome | nominative singular feminine (first declension) of Roma, the city; the subject of the phrase |
| invicta | unconquered | nominative singular feminine of invictus, “unconquered”, a compound of in- (not) and victus (conquered); agrees with Roma |
How to pronounce “Roma invicta”
The two differ only in the v of invicta (w or v) and the c, which is hard (k) in Classical and ch in Church Latin only before e or i, so here both say k. Stress the first syllable of Roma and the second of invicta.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase is “Rome, unconquered”. It has no verb, so it works as a proud statement or a label rather than a full sentence.
The idea of Rome as invicta was a commonplace of Roman patriotism. The phrase Invicta Roma, with the words reversed, appears as a legend on late-antique coins, and invictus was also a title applied to gods and emperors.
Because no source for this exact word order is given beyond classical Latin usage, treat it as a traditional slogan rather than a quotation from one author. Today it is used as a rallying motto by fans, clubs and anyone who wants to evoke Roman resilience.
How to use “Roma invicta”
Suits a banner, a club or team motto, a desk or wall print, or a tattoo for someone who loves Roman history. It reads as a short, bold statement of pride and endurance.
- Latin
- Roma invicta
- English
- Unconquered Rome.
- Source
- Classical Latin phrase
- Era
- Antiquity
- Theme
- Strength
Common mistakes
- It is not a line from a named Roman author. It is a general patriotic phrase, so do not credit it to Virgil, Cicero or anyone else.
- The feminine ending matters: invicta agrees with Roma. For a man or a masculine noun you would need invictus, and for several people invicti.
- The coin legend usually runs Invicta Roma. Both orders are acceptable Latin, but be aware that the reversed form is the one attested on coins.
- Invicta means “unconquered”, not “invincible”. It describes a record of never having been beaten rather than a claim that defeat is impossible.
Questions about “Roma invicta”
What does “Roma invicta” mean literally?
“Rome unconquered”, usually rendered “Unconquered Rome”. There is no verb in Latin, so “is” is understood.
Who said “Roma invicta”?
No single author is known. It is a classical-style patriotic phrase, and the reversed form Invicta Roma is found on late-antique coins.
How do you pronounce “Roma invicta”?
Classically ROH-mah in-WIK-tah. In Church Latin the v is pronounced as in English: ROH-mah in-VEEK-tah.
Is “Roma invicta” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. Roma is nominative feminine and invicta agrees with it. The word order Invicta Roma is the one attested on coins, so choose that if you want the historical form.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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