What does “Vae victis!” mean?

“Vae victīs!” means “Woe to the conquered!”. Brennus the Gaul throws his sword onto the scales as Rome pays its ransom.

Vae victīs!

“Woe to the conquered!”

VAE · VICTIS

Classical: the author's own words

Livy 5.48.9

Brennus the Gaul throws his sword onto the scales as Rome pays its ransom.

Word by word

Vaevaewoe, alas
victīsvincō -ereconquerpl. dat. perf. pass. ptcp.

Using it as a motto or tattoo

Latin endings carry gender and number, so a saying about one person may need changing for another. Check your own version, or have three new ones composed, on the motto desk.

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Quick answers

What does “Vae victis!” mean?: “Vae victīs!” means “Woe to the conquered!”. Brennus the Gaul throws his sword onto the scales as Rome pays its ransom.
Who said “Vae victis!”?: Livy 5.48.9.

Related sayings

Sī vīs pācem, parā bellumIf you want peace, prepare for war
Dulce et decōrum est prō patriā morīIt is sweet and fitting to die for one's country