(i know italian has some latin roots.)

How did the English language get Latin roots?

My world history teacher will up soemones grade if they answer this question....

If Latin is a romantic language and English is a dramatic one, how did we get Latin roots in English?

i need outline help. I started talking about English language. then i talked about french integrating into english and bringing in latin roots. i need suggestions on what other angles i could present.

Did they ever speak Latin in Rome or Greece?

I know Latin has roots in many languages, but I'm not sure about either of these. I need to know for a class, links would be great!
10 points for the most imformative answer!
Also if Latin did have roots in Greece than did is there Latin roots in the names of stuff in greek mythology (Perseus, Zeus, Pegasys, Medusa etc.)?