Terminus facts for kids

Terminus is a Latin word that means "boundary stone." It refers to the end of something, like a journey or a border. This word is used in different ways, from places where trips finish to the name of an ancient Roman god.

What Does 'Terminus' Mean?

The word "terminus" comes from ancient Rome. It literally means a stone that marked the end of a property or a border between two areas. These stones were important because they showed where one person's land ended and another's began. Over time, the meaning grew to include any end point or final stop.

Terminus as a Place

The idea of a "terminus" is often used when talking about travel and cities. It marks the final stop or destination.

End of the Line: Terminal Stations

A terminal station is a place where a bus or train journey ends. It is the final stop on a route. For example, a big train station in a city center is often a terminal. All trains arrive there and then turn around to start new journeys. Bus terminals work the same way, being the main hub where many bus routes begin and end. These stations are important for people traveling because they are the main points for starting or finishing a trip.

Atlanta's Original Name

The city of Atlanta, Georgia in the United States once had the name "Terminus." This was because it was the end point of a major railroad line in the 1830s. The Western and Atlantic Railroad built its tracks to this spot, making it the "terminus" of the line. As more people and businesses came to this important railroad stop, the settlement grew. It was later renamed Atlanta, but its original name shows its history as a vital transportation hub.

Terminus in Mythology

The word "Terminus" also has a place in ancient Roman stories.

The Roman God of Boundaries

In Roman mythology, Terminus was the god who protected boundary markers. People believed he watched over the stones that separated properties and countries. Romans would hold a festival called the "Terminalia" every year on February 23rd. During this festival, they would decorate the boundary stones with flowers and offer sacrifices to the god Terminus. This showed how important boundaries and land ownership were to the Romans. They believed that moving a boundary stone was a serious crime against the god.

See also

In Spanish: Terminus (desambiguación) para niños