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Glite Dictionary
castra

castra

1 9.9
A camp for Roman soldiers that became the origin of some place names
  • noun
  • /ˈkæstrə/
  • Literature
translation icon : castra

Examples

  • And the said monastery was exalted with great possessions so that it owned thirty castra.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The conquest of Sicily by Roger's troops was undoubtedly accompanied by the destruction of smaller castra and other kinds of fortified places, although it is impossible to calculate the exact figure.

    Academic text (2010)

  • The archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient castra near the river.

  • In ancient times, a castra served as a safe haven for Roman soldiers during their campaigns.

  • The historical tour included a visit to the reconstructed castra that showcased Roman military life.

Synonyms

castrum
vscastra
  • Specialized
9.9

An ancient Roman fort or military camp where soldiers lived

is the Latin word used in place names or historical discussions

Surface Forms

castra singular
castrae plural

Etymology

Castra is a Latin word that meant 'camp' or 'fort' for Roman soldiers. You can still see it in English town names ending in -chester or -caster, which often mark where a Roman camp once stood, so the origin explains the place-name meaning.