Rome

Plain

A large area of flat or gently sloping land.

Patricians

Wealthy aristocrats in ancient Rome.

Plebeians

Common people in ancient Rome.

Consuls

Two elected officials who were the chief magistrates of the Roman Republic.

Senate

The main legislative and advisory body in ancient Rome, originally composed of patricians.

Tribunes

Elected officials in ancient Rome who protected the rights of the plebeians.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage for control of the western Mediterranean Sea.

Latifundias

Large landed estates or farms worked by slave labor in ancient Rome.

First Triumvirate

An unofficial political alliance of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

Crossing the Rubicon

A phrase meaning to pass a point of no return, originating from Julius Caesar's march into Italy with his army.

Second Triumvirate

An official political alliance of Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus.

Battle of Actium

A naval battle in 31 BC in which Octavian defeated the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

Augustus

The title given to Octavian, meaning "exalted one," marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Twelve Tables

The earliest written collection of Roman laws.

Forum

The central public space in ancient Roman cities, often used for markets, assemblies, and judicial proceedings.

Pax Romana

A period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire, lasting for about 200 years.

Aqueducts

Artificial channels used to transport water, typically from a distant source.

Martyr

A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.

Mercenaries

Professional soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army.