'aula' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aula', where 'aula' meant 'court, palace' (a large hall).

'aula' came into English via Latin (and Medieval Latin) from Greek 'aulē', meaning 'court' or 'palace'; over time the term was used in academic contexts in English as 'aula' (plural 'aulas' or Latin plural 'aulae').

Initially it meant 'court' or 'palace' (a grand reception hall), but over time it evolved into the current sense of a 'large hall' or 'lecture/assembly hall' often in educational institutions.