What language is most useful to a historian

Question

Currently, I'm in school earning a B.A. in History. Next semester I will begin to learn a foreign language, but I'm stuck on deciding which one to learn. I took Italian when I was in high school, so I was going to continue with that, but I'm really interested in Ancient History, so I thought that Latin or Greek would be more appropriate.

But I also read some where that German and French are good choices.

So, I really need some help. I've been trying to search the internet for answers, but nothing is coming up. Thanks for all the help.

Answer 1

Latin and Greek would be very good choices.

But Latin would definitely be a life long skill, a supremacy over Greek, and a real delight to show off with and learn.

=D

Answer 2

If you are looking for ancient history, I would go with Latin, because of its rich literature/history and influence among the Romance languages.

If your were looking more towards ancient history in the east, try taking a Sanskrit course, for it of equivalent importance on the other side of the hemisphere.