* Latin evolved over time: Like any language, Latin wasn't born fully formed. It developed from earlier Italic dialects, which were spoken in the Italian peninsula.
* Gradual change: The transition from these earlier dialects to Latin was a gradual process, likely taking place over centuries. There wasn't a sudden shift where everyone woke up one day speaking Latin.
* No clear records: While we have evidence of early Latin inscriptions, they don't offer precise dates for when Latin became the dominant language.
However, we can offer some general timelines:
* Around the 7th century BCE: The earliest known Latin inscriptions date back to this period. This suggests Latin was already in use, but likely wasn't yet the main language of the region.
* 3rd century BCE: By this time, Latin had become the dominant language in the Roman state. The Roman Empire's expansion then spread Latin throughout the areas they conquered.
In conclusion: While we can't state a specific date, it's safe to say that Latin emerged as a distinct language around the 7th century BCE, and solidified its position as the language of Rome by the 3rd century BCE.