facilis descensus Averno

== Latin == === Etymology === Literally "The descent to Avernus is easy." From Virgil's Aeneid, with reference to Avernus, a metonym for the underworld and to Lake Avernus in Italy, a volcanic crater lake reputed to emit deadly vapors. === Pronunciation === (Classical Latin) IPA(key): [ˈfa.kɪ.lɪs deːsˈkẽː.sʊs aˈwɛr.noː] (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): [ˈfaː.t͡ʃi.lis deʃˈʃɛn.sus aˈvɛr.no] === Proverb === facilis dēscensus Avernō The path to hell is easy. 29-19 B.C.E. — Virgil, Aeneis, Book VI, lines 124-127 Talibus orabat dictis, arasque tenebat,cum sic orsa loqui vates: "Sate sanguine divom,Tros Anchisiade, facilis descensus Averno;noctes atque dies patet atri ianua Ditis;" Then thus replied the prophetess divine:"O goddess-born of great Anchises' line,The gates of hell are open night and day;Smooth the descent, and easy is the way: (loose translation by John Dryden, 1697)