Pronunciation: [pˈaɡəs] (IPA) 
The word "pagus" is a Latin term that originally meant "rural district" or "village." It is usually spelled as P-A-G-U-S. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this is represented as /ˈpeɪɡəs/. The "a" sounds like the "a" in "father," while the "u" sounds like the "u" in "cup." The stress falls on the first syllable, and the final "s" is pronounced like a soft "s" sound, similar to the "s" sound in "bus."
Pagus is a term originating from ancient Rome and refers to a geographical and administrative division of the Roman Empire. Derived from the Latin word "pagus," which translates to "district" or "rural area," a pagus was a smaller territorial unit that played a significant role in governance and organization within the Roman Empire.
Typically, a pagus referred to a small village or cluster of rural settlements located outside a city or a larger urban center. These rural districts were primarily characterized by agricultural activities and were distinct from the bustling urban areas. The pagi were usually governed by local leaders or officials known as "pagani," who were responsible for overseeing the affairs of the district and maintaining the regional authority.
The term "pagus" had both administrative and territorial connotations. It represented a subdivision of the Roman Empire, allowing for a more efficient administration of resources and collection of taxes. Additionally, pagi served as an integral part of the Roman military system, providing recruits and support when required.
Over time, the significance of the pagi diminished as the Roman Empire underwent political and administrative changes. However, the concept of pagi remained influential in shaping regional identities, as some pagi evolved into distinct communities with unique cultural and social characteristics.
In summary, a pagus was a rural district or small village located outside major cities that played a crucial role in the governance and organization of the Roman Empire, particularly in terms of administration, taxation, and military support.
The word "pagus" is derived from the Latin language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pag-", which meant "to fasten" or "to fix". In Latin, it took on the meaning of "district", "region", or "small community". Over time, the term "pagus" evolved and was used to refer to rural or provincial areas within the Roman Empire that were outside the larger cities. In some cases, it also referred to a specific rural community or village. Today, the word "pagus" is no longer used in its original sense but has left a linguistic influence on words related to the concepts of rural or provincial areas in various Romance languages.
