Ancient Rome Vocab

triumvirates

government with three people of equal power

republic

form of government in which citizens have the right to vote and elect officials

plebians

a class of roman commoners made up of minor land owners, farmers, merchants and craftsman

consul

one of two top officials and military leaders in the roman republic

patricians

major landowners who formed the ruling class

twelve tables

the first code of laws in ancient rome- adopted in 450 BC

senate

a group of patricians who would serve government for life

dictator

an absolute ruler

pax romana

period of stability in the roman empire

latin

language of the ancient romans

Jesus

the founder of christianity

new testament

books in the bible describing the life and teachers of Jesus of Nazareth

aqueducts

channel that moves water over a long distance

forum

open area in a roman city filled with public buildings, temples and markets

magistrates

government official who enforces the law