Roman History and Civilization - Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Roman History and Civilization for exam preparation.

ager publicus

Land seized in Rome’s wars that had not yet been distributed to settlers or leased for use.

aedile

A Roman official responsible for public buildings and maintenance, and overseeing the markets.

ambition (ambitus)

The excessive pursuit of offices and popularity in Roman politics.

bacchanalia

Festivals of Bacchus, associated with wine, freedom, and ecstatic celebrations.

Campus Martius

The Field of Mars, a public space in ancient Rome used for military and athletic exercises.

censor

A Roman official responsible for maintaining the census and public morality.

Centuriate Assembly

The assembly responsible for electing higher magistrates and passing laws.

contio

An assembly or assembly gathering for discussion of issues, often held in the forum.

cursus honorum

The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in Rome.

deditio in fidem

A total surrender to the Romans, implying trust in their treatment.

dignitas

A term referring to an individual’s social standing and personal prestige.

equites

Members of the wealthy class in Rome who originally were cavalrymen.

fides

The concept of trust or confidence, significant for personal and political relationships.

intercessio

The veto power held by certain Roman officials to block legislation.

iteration

The practice of holding the same office multiple times, which was restricted by law.

lex Hortensia

The law passed in 287 BCE that made decisions of the Plebeian Assembly binding for all Romans.

ludi

Public games or festivals in ancient Rome held in honor of gods.

magna mater

Referring to the Great Mother, a goddess worshipped in Roman religion.

municipia

Cities with a level of self-governance in relation to Rome.

municipia sine suffragio

Municipalities without the right to vote in Roman assemblies.

plebeian assembly

The assembly composed of the lower classes of Roman society, primarily the plebeians.

Polybius

Greek historian known for his work on the rise of the Roman Republic.

praetor

A Roman magistrate responsible for the administration of justice.

princeps senatus

The leading senator of Rome, typically one of the most respected figures.

prolongation (prorogation)

Extending the authority or duration of an office.

provincia

A foreign territory under Roman control, typically governed by a proconsul.

publicani

Tax farmers in the Roman Republic, often criticized for corruption.

Pyrrhic victory

A victory that comes at such a significant cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat.

quaestor

A public official who managed financial affairs in ancient Rome.

senatus consultum

A decree or advisory opinion from the Roman Senate.

Sibylline Books

A collection of prophetic texts in ancient Rome consulted for guidance.

socii nominis Latini

Allies with a specific legal status in relation to Roman citizenship.

Tribal Assembly

An assembly where all Roman citizens were allowed to vote, divided by tribes.