antiquity
UK: ænˈtɪkwəti | US: ænˈtɪkwəti
n. the ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages
n. an object or building from the ancient past
n. the quality of being ancient or old
The word "antiquity" traces back to Latin antiquitas, meaning "ancient times" or "oldness." The root antiquus (ancient) itself merges ante (before) with -iquus, emphasizing something from a distant past. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English (via Old French antiquité) to denote both the historical period and surviving artifacts. The suffix -ity solidifies its abstract noun form, reflecting the enduring legacy of ancient cultures.
The museum's collection includes artifacts of great antiquity.
Scholars study antiquity to understand early civilizations.
The ruins are a remnant of Roman antiquity.
Her research focuses on the art of antiquity.
The law has its origins in antiquity.