1 : ancient times especially : those before the Middle Ages a town that dates from antiquity. 2 : the quality of being ancient a castle of great antiquity. 3 antiquities plural. a : relics or monuments (such as coins, statues, or buildings) of ancient times a museum of Greek antiquities.

Where does the word antiquity come from?

late 14c., "olden times," from Old French antiquitet (11c.; Modern French antiquité) "olden times; great age; old age," from Latin antiquitatem (nominative antiquitas) "ancient times, antiquity, venerableness," noun of quality from stem of antiquus "ancient, of olden times; long in existence" (see antique (adj.)).

Why is antiquity called antiquity?

Classical Antiquity is the term used to describe the civilizations of both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. The term Antiquity was first used by Renaissance writers who distinguished between Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the more recent times they were living in.