The area surrounding Rome was called Latium because it was inhabited by the Latins, an ancient Italic people. The name "Latium" is thought to be derived from the Latin word "latus", meaning "broad", referring to the broad plains of the region. The Latins were one of the most important Italic peoples, and their language, Latin, eventually became the dominant language of the Roman Empire and the basis for many modern European languages. The area of Latium was also significant because it was the location of the city of Rome, which became the capital of the Roman Empire and one of the most powerful and influential cities in history.