Greece and Rome vocabulary
Pax romana
200 yr. span when roman rule brought order, unity and peace to the empire
Hellenistic Culture
A cultural blend of greek,persian, egyptian, and indian cultures
Rhetoric
Art of skillful speaking
Legion
Basic unit of the ancient roman army, made up of 5,000 soldiers
Civil law
Body of law dealing with private rights of individuals
Polis
City-state in ancient greece
Parthenon
Famous greek temple on the acroplolis in athens
Aristocracy
Government headed by a privileged minormity or upperclass
Monarchy
Government in which a king or queen exercises centeral power
Oligarchy
Government in which ruling power belongs to a few people
Democracy
Government in which the people hold ruling power
Homer
Greek poet credited with writing the Illiad and the Odyssey
Acropolis
Highest and most fortified point within a greek city-state
Tragedy
In ancient greece, a play that focused on human suffering and very often ended in disaster
Comedy
In ancient greece, play that mocked people or social customs
Aqueduct
In rome, bridge like stone structure that carries water from hills into cities
Consul
In rome, official from the patrician class who supervised the government and commanded the armies
Patrician
Member of the landholding upper class in ancient rome
Plebian
Member of the lower class in ancient rome, including farmers, merchants, artisans, and traders
Tribune
Offical in ancient rome who was elected by the plebians to protect their interests
Socratic method
Questioning processes aimed at seeking the truth
Twelve tables
Roman laws inscribed on 12 tablets and set-up in the forum, or marketplace
Dictator
Ruler who has complete control over a government in ancient rome, a leader appointed to rule for 6 months in time of emergency
Direct democracy
System of govenment in which citizens participate directly in the day-to-day affairs of government rather then elective representatives
Republic
System of government in which officials are chosen by the people