Origins of Rome and Roman Society

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture notes on the origins of Rome and its societal structure.

Plutarch

A Greek historian who wrote about Roman history, often not considered solid history.

Mos mariorum

Customs of the ancestors in Roman society.

Seven Hills of Rome

Geographical features that served as natural defenses for Rome: Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Esquiline, Caelian, Quirinal, and Viminal.

Magna Graecia

The term refers to the coastal areas of Southern Italy that were colonized by Greek settlers.

Anthropomorphic

Describes gods that are given human forms and characteristics.

Fas/nefas

Latin terms meaning right and wrong, used to denote appropriate and inappropriate times for religious purposes.

Do ut des

A Latin phrase meaning 'I give so that you give,' referring to the expectation of reciprocity in religious offerings.

Pax Deorum

Means 'Peace of the Gods'; breaking this peace would lead to punishment for all.

Res Publica

Latin for 'republic' indicating a government without kings.

Concordia Ordinum

Order of the Consul; a term associated with the balance of political power.

Paterfamilias

The head of a Roman family, typically the oldest male relative, who holds ultimate authority.

Cursus Honorum

The course of offices in the Roman Republic, denoting the sequential order of political offices.

Patricians

The elite class in Roman society who held most of the political power.

Plebeians

The lower class in Roman society, including small farmers and laborers.

Latifundia

Large agricultural estates in ancient Rome that were often worked by slaves.

Tribunes of the Plebs

Elected officials who represented the interests of the plebeians and had the power to veto.

Corvus

A Roman naval boarding device used to allow soldiers to board enemy ships.

Censor

A high-ranking official responsible for overseeing public morals and conducting the census.

Twelve Tables

Rome's first written legal code, serving as the foundation for Roman law.

Fides

Latin for loyalty, particularly in the context of treaties and social obligations.

Nexum

A form of debt bondage in ancient Rome where a person could sell themselves into slavery to pay off a debt.

Praetor

A judge in Roman society with various judicial powers.

Aedile

An official responsible for public buildings and public games in Rome.

Quinquereme

A type of ancient ship used by the Romans, characterized by having five rows of oars.

Plebiscite

A vote or agreement passed by the plebeian assembly in ancient Rome.

Imperium

The authority to command an army or a province in ancient Rome.