Anne Mahoney, Overview of Latin Syntax

Genitive

• “Mons Iura fines Sequanorum ab Helvetiis dividit.” Caesar, BG 1.8
• “Passer, deliciae meae puellae” Catullus 2.1

The objective genitive depends on a noun that has a verb-like sense, and gives the object of the implied verb. For example, “amor patriae” (love of country): someone loves his or her country. AG 348

• “Is, regni cupiditate inductus, coniurationem nobilitatis fecit.” Caesar, BG 1.2
• “Aura secunda venit iam prece Pollucis, iam Castoris implorata.” Catullus 68.64-65 It is clear from context that the sailor prays to Castor and Pollux; these gods are not the ones praying.
• “Nam quod Catilinae familiaritas obiecta Caelio est, longe ab ista suspicione abhorrere debet.” Cicero, Cael. 10

The partitive genitive indicates the whole from which a part is drawn. AG 346

• “Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae,” Caesar, BG 1.1
• “Phaselus ait fuisse navium celerrimus.” Catullus 4.1-2

The genitive can indicate the material of which something is made. AG 344

• “Civitas multitudinem hominum ex agris magistratus cogit.” Caesar, BG 1.4
• “Crescit in dies singulos hostium numerus.” Cicero, Catil. 1.5
• “Tantae molis erat Romanam condere gentem!” Virgil, Aen. 1.33
• “Insequitur cumulo praeruptus aquae mons.” Virgil, Aen. 1.105