Ancient Rome

Tiber River

The river that runs through the city of Rome.

Apennines Mountains

The mountain range, located east of the city of Rome, that extends down the Italian Peninsula

Italian Peninsula

The boot-shaped peninsula that the city of Rome is located on

Alps Mountains

Located in central Europe, this mountain range is situated to the north of the Italian Peninsula. It protected Rome as it made it difficult for northern invaders to enter.

Mediterranean Sea

The large body of water located to the south of the Italian Peninsula

Tyrrhenian Sea

The sea located to the west of the city of Rome.

Adriatic Sea

The sea located to the east of the Italian Peninsula

Romulus and Remus

According to legend, these twin brothers were left along the Tiber River, cared for by a she-wolf, and then founded the city of Rome in 753 BCE.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens elect their leaders. In Ancient Rome, this was established in 509 BCE.

Legions

The Roman military was divided into these groups which included 6,000 soldiers each.

Latin

The language used in Ancient Rome.

Patrician

One of the main social classes in Ancient Rome. This included the wealthy, upper-class landowners who held government positions.

Plebeian

One of the main social classes in Ancient Rome. This included the majority of the people in Rome - the commoners, the shopkeepers, the artisans, and small farmers. They were citizens and could vote, but initially could not be in the government. They gradually gained more rights and influence over time.

Consuls

The highest elected government officials in Ancient Rome, responsible for leading the army and governing the state. There were 2 of them who served together for a term of one year. They had the ability to veto each other's decisions.

Veto

A term that means “I forbid”. Roman consuls had this power - they could reject each other’s decisions.

Senate

A powerful part of Ancient Rome’s government that consisted of 300 Patrician men who served in that position for their entire life. They advised consuls, helped pass laws, and approved building projects.

Assembly of Centuries

The group within the Roman government that represented the citizens. They passed laws and elected consuls.

Dictator

In Ancient Rome, this was someone chosen to rule with total power during times of emergency.

Twelve Tables

Ancient Rome’s first written laws that were created after Plebeians demanded that Rome’s laws be written down for everyone to see.

Punic Wars

Fought between 264 BCE - 146 BCE, these wars were fought between Rome and Carthage as they fought to be the dominant power of the Mediterranean.

1st Punic War

Fought from 264 - 241 BCE - Rome won this war and gained control of Sicily.

2nd Punic War

Fought from 218 - 201 BCE - Rome won this war, gained control of Spain, and Carthage lost their navy.

3rd Punic War

Fought from 149 - 146 BCE - Rome finally destroyed Carthage and enslaved their people.

Triumvirate

A political partnership between three individuals

First Triumvirate

An alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus

Second Triumvirate

An alliance between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus

Julius Caesar

He named himself dictator for life in 44 BCE which resulted in his assassination by a group of senators.

Octavian

He was Caesar’s nephew. He became the first Roman emperor in the year 27 BCE and took the title Augustus, which means “majestic” or “great” one.

Augustus

Formerly known as Octavian, he was the first emperor of Rome and established the Roman Empire after Caesar's assassination. The Pax Romana started during his rule.

Roman Empire

Began in the year 27 BCE when the Roman Republic officially ended and Augustus became the first emperor of Rome.

Pax Romana

A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted for about 200 years. This translates to “Roman Peace”.

Aqueduct

A structure that carries water for long distances across the Roman Empire.

Forum

The public square in Rome where Romans shopped, conducted business, played games, and visited with friends.

Gladiators

Professional fighters in Ancient Rome that fought to entertain crowds.

Roman Religion

Romans were polytheistic. They worshiped many different gods and goddesses based off the Greek belief system.

Jupiter

Roman King of Gods and Sky God

Venus

Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty

Split of Rome

Amidst problems, Rome split into two parts during the 200s and 300s CE. It split into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.

Fall of Rome

Rome officially fell and ended in the year 476 CE, although its power and stability had been declining for years due to invading tribes, economic problems, and weak leadership (weak emperors).