* Classical Latin: This was the form of Latin used in literature, government, and education during the Roman Republic and Empire. It ceased to be the primary language of daily life around the 5th-6th centuries AD, as the Roman Empire declined and new languages began to emerge.
* Vulgar Latin: This was the everyday language of the common people, and it diverged significantly from Classical Latin. Vulgar Latin was the basis for the Romance languages that developed in different regions of the former Roman Empire (e.g., French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian).
* Medieval Latin: This was a form of Latin that continued to be used in education, religion, and scholarship throughout the Middle Ages. While it was influenced by Vulgar Latin, it maintained a greater resemblance to Classical Latin.
* Modern Latin: Although not a separate language, Latin continued to be used in certain contexts, such as in the Catholic Church, scientific nomenclature, and legal terminology. Even today, some scholars and enthusiasts study and use Latin.
So, when did Latin "disappear"?
* As a spoken language: The end of Classical Latin as the primary spoken language is often dated to the 5th-6th centuries AD. However, Vulgar Latin continued to evolve, giving rise to the Romance languages.
* As a literary language: Medieval Latin continued to be used in literature, and it played an important role in the development of European literature. Classical Latin also continued to be studied and imitated, but its use as a primary literary language declined over time.
* In specific contexts: Latin continues to be used in certain specific contexts, such as in the Catholic Church, scientific nomenclature, and legal terminology.
Therefore, Latin didn't disappear completely, but rather evolved and continues to exist in certain forms and contexts.