AMS 1150 Ancient Lives finals terminology.docx

Babylonian social classes

Classes that structured society in ancient Babylon, typically including priests, nobility, commoners, and slaves.

Epic of Gilgamesh

An ancient Mesopotamian poem that is one of the earliest known pieces of literature, telling the story of King Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality.

Cuneiform

One of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia, using wedge-shaped marks.

Law Code of Hammurabi

One of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created by the Babylonian king Hammurabi, establishing laws and punishments.

Pharaoh

The title used for ancient Egyptian rulers, considered to be intermediaries between the gods and humans.

Ra

The ancient Egyptian sun god, who was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon.

Vizier

The second in command to the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, responsible for the administration and governance of the country.

Isonomia

The concept of equality before the law and political equality in ancient Greece.

Athenian Democracy/ Demokratia

The system of direct democracy implemented in Athens, where citizens participated in decision-making.

Roman Republic/ Res publica

The period of ancient Roman civilization characterized by a republican form of government before the establishment of the Empire.

Pax Romana

A long period of relative peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire, beginning with Emperor Augustus.

Mummification

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving a body for the afterlife through drying and embalming.

Symposium

A social gathering in ancient Greece, centered around drinking and philosophical discussion.

Amphitheater at Pompeii

An ancient Roman amphitheater located in Pompeii, known for hosting gladiatorial contests.

Theatre of Dionysus

An ancient theater in Athens, considered the birthplace of Greek drama, dedicated to the god Dionysus.

Roman legionary fort/ castra

Military camps constructed by the Romans, typically found along the frontier of the empire.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification in Roman Britain, built under Emperor Hadrian to protect the Roman frontier from the tribes to the North.

Greek theater

The performance of dramatic works in ancient Greece, which included tragedies and comedies.

Kylix

A type of ancient Greek cup used for drinking wine, often decorated with painted scenes.

Heraia Festival

An ancient Greek festival held in honor of the goddess Hera, featuring athletic competitions for women.

Etruscan tombs

Burial sites of the Etruscan civilization, often richly adorned and reflecting beliefs about the afterlife.

Khopesh

A curved sword used in ancient Egypt, known for its distinctive shape.

Nike of Samothrace

A famous ancient Greek statue representing the goddess Nike, symbolizing victory, discovered on the island of Samothrace.

Nemes headdress

A striped headcloth worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt, symbolizing royalty.

Chariots

Horse-drawn vehicles used in ancient warfare and racing, pivotal in many historical battles.

Flavian Palace

A palace complex built during the Flavian dynasty, showcasing Roman architectural splendor.

Altar

A structure upon which offerings are made for religious rituals, particularly in ancient sacred spaces.

Bartering system

An economic system where goods and services are traded directly for other goods and services without the use of currency.

Tomb of Tutankhamun

The burial site of the young Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, famous for its rich grave goods and artifacts.