Chapter 10: The Roman Republic

consuls

the two most powerful officials in Rome

magistrate

an elected official in Rome

Roman Senate

a council of wealthy and powerful citizens who advised Rome's leaders

veto

to reject actions and laws of other government officials

legends

a story from the past that is accepted as truth but cannot be proven

checks and balances

a system that balances the distribution of power in government

Roman Forum

a Roman public meeting place

Aeneas

a legendary hero from Troy who led the Trojans to a new city after they were defeated in the Trojan War

Romulus and Remus

twin brothers who were the legendary founders of Rome

republic

a political system in which people elect leaders to govern them

dictator

a ruler who has almost absolute power

Cincinnatus

a famous Roman dictator who gained power in 458 BC; successfully defended Rome against a powerful enemy and resigned his position as dictator

plebeians

the common people of ancient Rome

patricians

the nobility in Roman society

legion

a group of up to 6,000 Roman soldiers

Punic Wars

a series of wars between Rome and Carthage in the 200s and 100s BC

Hannibal

a general from Carthage who led an attack on Rome in 218 BC; his army was defeated by the Romans

Legionaries

Roman soldiers