Ch.11/Ch.12 Ancient Rome

Dictator

A dictator is a single ruler with almost absolute power. During times of war or trouble, early Romans would elect a dictator to govern their city. That dictator would rule for only 6 months, and would hopefully defeat some of Rome's enemies during that time.

Monarchy

A monarchy is a form of government where a monarch is in charge. During Rome's early times, they most likely had a monarchy (kings at the head of society). But later, they developed a republic.

Republic

A republic is a form of government where people elect leaders to govern them. The early Roman republic was unfair because it didn't protect the rights of the plebeians. Later, they changed their government to have many different roles. The Roman republic was successful and helped make Rome a grand society.

Saint

A saint is a person known or admired for their holiness. It is of absolute honor to become a saint. Paul was a very important saint who worked to spread Chrisitianity.

Vault

A vault is a set of arches that supports the roof of a building. This clever creation allowed Romans to make great architectural designs and incredible buildings.

Aeneas

Aeneas, according to Roman legend, was a Trojan hero who became a prominent ruler in Italy. After is long journey to Italy with his Trojan followers, he reached Italy and became an ally with the Latins to defeat other tribes who were settled there. His journey is documented in the Aeneid by Virgil.

Aqueduct

An aqueduct was a channel used to carry water from mountains to cities. The aqueducts the Romans built were very well constructed. This was a brilliant invention that made city-life even easier and is still used today.

Orator

An orator is a public speaker (orating). During Rome's period of chaos and confusion, certain Romans like Cicero tried to fix the distress by orating speeches. Cicero was a philosopher who tried to explain his ideas for a better society by being an orator.

Assemblies

Assemblies were patricians and plebeians who elected leaders of Rome. Their decisions could change the course of Roman society forever, so they were an important part of the government.

Brutus

Brutus was one of the attackers who stabbed Caesar to death. According to the text, Brutus was Caesar's former ally and friend, and could've possibly been his son. Caesar didn't expect his friend to betray him, and he stopped resisting when he recognized Brutus.

Julius Caesar

Caesar was a powerful man in the Roman government who gained control of the Republic. He was a strong leader/speaker and had a lot of military success, but was killed by members of the Senate on March 15, 44 BC.

Cement

Cement was a material made by mixing lime with volcanic rock and ash. This strong creation allowed Romans to making long standing buildings that can still be found today. Cement is used very commonly today in construction as well.

Centuries

Centuries were groups of 100 soldiers. Many different centuries made of the legions. The organization of this army allowed Rome to be successful, organized, and flexible in its conquests.

Checks & Balances

Checks and balances was a method to balance power. Different officials could prohibit the actions of other officials. Actions by one part of the government had to be approved, or checked, by the other parts before it was carried through. This complicated but effective system is still used today in the USA.

Christianity

Christianity was a religion based on the life and teaching of the Jew Jesus of Nazareth. This religion became very well-known and practiced throughout the ancient world, and is still practiced today. Many people strictly follow Christian beliefs. Since people have interpreted Jesus's teachings differently, many forms of Christianity have arose.

Cicero

Cicero was an intelligent philosopher who, during Rome's period of chaos, encouraged people to limit the power of generals and give more power to the Senate. He wanted to go back to Rome's old form of government, with checks and balances. He expressed his ideas through speeches. Unfortunately, his effort didn't pay off and Rome's government didn't change.

Cincinnatus

Cincinnatus was a dictator who defeated Rome's enemies and then immediately resigned from his role. He then resumed his life as a farmer. He was known for being loyal to Rome's government and not being greedy for power. He even gets honored today in the United States (Cincinnati, Ohio).

Civil Law

Civil Law is a legal system based on a written code of laws. Roman laws were strong and held throughout the empire.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra was an ally of Julius Caesar and the wife of Marc Antony. She committed suicide with Antony rather than see Octavian take over her Egyptian empire.

Consuls

Consuls were the two most powerful of all the magistrates. There were two of them so no individual person could become overly powerful. They had a huge influence on society because they were in charge of the army and the city.

Crucifixion

Crucifixion is a method of execution where a person is nailed to a cross. This method is so infamous because it was the way Jesus was killed.

Currency

Currency means money used to pay for goods. Romans used currency while trading, which allowed their trade system to expand very far. Almost everyone would accept Roman coins, much like we use dollar bills and change today.

Disciple

Disciple means follower. Jesus had many disciples, who he came to after the Resurrection. He taught them even more instructions and beliefs before rising up to heaven.

Galen

Galen was a Greek surgeon who lived in the Roman empire. He made important discoveries about the heart and body during his studies. Galen's ideas are the foundation of other doctors' ideas today.

Hadrian

Hadrian was an emperor of Rome who led the Romans to even more success. During his time, the empire greatly expanded. He developed walls to protect and mark the borders of Roman territory. He also tried to ban the practice of some Jewish rituals.

Hannibal

Hannibal was a strong, smart general who set out to attack Rome during the Punic Wars. He was very close to taking over Rome, but he had to quickly turn back and defend Carthage when Rome went to attack it. He committed suicide so he couldn't be a Roman prisoner.

Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth was an extremely influential person in history and very significant to Christians. Much of his life is told about in the Bible. Jesus was such an important figure, in fact, his birth marks the switch from BC to AD. Jesus taught people many religious ideas and gained many followers. He was known for performing miracles and spreading love.

John the Baptist

John the Baptist was a well-known prophet who encouraged the idea that the Messiah was coming.

Legions

Legions were groups of up to 6,000 soldiers. Powerful legions allowed the Roman empire to defeat their enemies and expand their territory.

Magistrates

Magistrates were the elected officials in the Roman Republic. They were an important part of this tripartite government, and had a variety of duties/powers to fulfill such as organizing festivals and games.

Marc Antony

Marc Antony was Caesar's former assistant who punished people who killed Caesar. He worked with Octavian to punish those who attacked Caesar. Later, he went east to fight Roman enemies and married Cleopatra. His original wife was Octavian's sister, who he divorced. Octavian was offended by this and set out to kill Antony, who committed suicide with Cleopatra.

Messiah

Messiah is a word that means "anointed" in Hebrew. The leader who would restore the greatness of David's kingdom, according to the Jews, would be known as the Messiah. Jesus turned out to be this honored leader.

Octavian/Augustus

Octavian became leader of Rome and the first emperor of Rome. He made great improvements to the city, including expanding Rome's network of roads. He greatly changed the Roman government and built many important monuments.

Ovid

Ovid was an important author during Roman times who wrote about Roman mythology. Much of what we know today about Roman myths are probably based off of his writings.

Patricians

Patricians were the nobles of Roman society. They had a lot of power, but gave some to the plebeians when the government changed. They continued to have an impact of society with their wealth and status.

Pax Romana

Pax Romana was a time during the Roman empire with no fighting and war. Overall, it was very successful. Trade was flourishing, which gave Rome much wealth, and the empire was in a stable state. The military could protect the cities, while the people could enjoy their lives without fear.

Plebeians

Plebeians were the common people in Roman society. At first, they didn't have a say in the government. Since they were unhappy, the patricians decided to change the government and make it a tripartite gov. Most people in Roman society were plebeians.

Pompey

Pompey was one of Caesar's powerful allies, but ended up becoming jealous of Caesar as he gained more and more power. Pompey tried to force Caesar to give up his leadership, but Caesar refused. Caesar led his army to Italy and Pompey and his allies fled. Caesar eventually tracked down Pompey and killed him.

Resurrection

Resurrection means Jesus's rise from the dead. According to Christians, Jesus rose from his grave 3 days after he died. This is a very important event to Christians, and the rest of the world is very familiar with it. This important event is celebrated on Easter.

Romulus & Remus

Romulus and Remus, according to Roman legend, were brothers who were thrown into the Tiber River and rescued by a wolf. The wolf cared for them until a shepherd adopted the boys. Once they were adults, they built a city at the spot of their rescue by the wolf. Remus mocked one of Romulus' ideas, and Romulus killed him in his fury. Romulus then founded the important city of Rome and became its first king.

Saint Paul

Saint Paul was a very important figure in the expansion of Jesus's ideas. He worked so hard to spread the teachings of Jesus that he became a saint. Originally, he was Jewish and didn't agree with Jesus. However, he became Christian later a took many journey to different places across the Roman empire to encourage Christianity. He also wrote long letters to places about Christianity.

Satire

Satire means a style of writing that "pokes fun at people or society." Romans wrote many works of satire that are still known today. I can infer that this means people in Roman society had at least some freedom of speech. They were able to express their opinions through literature.

Spartacus

Spartacus was a former gladiator who led a group of thousands of slaves who demanded freedom. Despite his strong efforts and army, after he was killed in battle the revolt fell apart.

Apostles

The Apostles were 12 chosen disciples. They were very close to Jesus and received special teachings. Before and after the Resurrection, they worked to spread the ideas of Jesus.

Etruscan

The Etruscans were people who were members of a tribe that lived in Italy before Rome was created. The last three kings of Rome were Etruscan, and they made great additions to Roman life. Etruscans are said to have taught Romans numbers and letters, and built temples and the first sewage system.

Forum

The Forum was an important place in Roman society for people of all social classes. Besides it being the location of the Law of the 12 Tables, it was a popular place for shopping. People could also give speeches here, or just talk. Ceremonies were even held here, as well as significant temples.

Ides of March

The Ideas of March was the day the senators attacked and killed Caesar by stabbing him to death. This was on March 15 of 44 BC, a day that lived in infamy during ancient Roman times. According to the textbook, Caesar was actually warned to "beware the Ides of March."

12 Tables

The Law of the 12 Tables was the basis written laws that governed many parts of Roman life. They were displayed in the Forum on 12 tablets, so people could be aware of what the rules were in society. They partially resemble the US Constitution, in purpose.

Punic Wars

The Punic Wars were a series of wars the Romans fought against Carthage. These wars were well-fought and brutal, and many people died because of them. In the end, Rome was able to gain more territory by defeating and taking over Carthage and much of northern Africa.

Roman Senate

The Roman Senate was a council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city's leaders. They slowly gained power over financial affairs and greatly influenced decisions made in society. Members of the Senate stayed for life,and both patricians and plebeians could join.

Bible

The bible was the holy book of Christianity. This book is very important because it tells about the life of Jesus. The first part of the bible (old testament) tells the history and ideas of Hebrews. The second part (new testament) tells the life of Jesus.

Latin/Romance Languages

The languages that developed from Latin are known as the Romance Languages. Romans spoke Latin and many of their literature works/laws are written in this language. Many languages have elements of Latin in them and are widely spoken today.

Tribunes

Tribunes were officials elected only by plebeians who had the power to veto actions made by other officials, like the Senate. They were able to help protect the rights of the plebeians and make the government more justice.

Veto

Veto means to prohibit in Latin. Tribunes could veto the actions of the other officials so power was balanced and plebeians still had rights.

Virgil

Virgil was the author of the Aeneid, an epic poem that documented Aeneas' journey to Italy. This poem was important because it showed a very significant part of Roman history, one that was well-known during that time.