Here's a breakdown:
* Roman Empire: The Roman Empire spread across much of Europe and influenced many cultures, including language. Latin was the language of administration, commerce, and even everyday life in the Roman Empire.
* After the Fall: When the Roman Empire fell, Latin continued to evolve in different regions. This led to the development of distinct languages, but with clear shared roots in Latin.
* Romance: The word "Romance" comes from the Roman Empire itself. It was used in medieval times to refer to the languages, literature, and culture of the former Roman Empire.
* Modern Languages: Over time, these distinct languages, like Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan, became known as the "Romance languages" because they were descended from Latin.
Think of it like a family tree:
* Latin: The original "ancestor" language.
* Romance Languages: The "children" that evolved from Latin, each with its own unique characteristics.
So, "Romance languages" is a name that reflects their common origin and connection to the Roman Empire.