CLAS 1071 Final Flashcards

Phersu

Etruscan figure; masked men who fought to the death at aristocratic funerals

Tarquinius Priscus

Fifth king of Rome, who reigned from 616 to 579 BC. He was of Etruscan origin.

Cloaca Maxima

One of the earliest sewage systems of Rome, later expanded to become a massive, covered sewer.

carcares

Starting gates at the circus.

triumph

A ceremony and religious rite in ancient Rome, held to publicly celebrate and commemorate the success of a military commander who had led Roman forces to victory.

cursus honorum

The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in both the Roman Republic and the early Empire.

populares

Roman politicians who favored the cause of the plebeians.

aedile

An office of the Roman Republic. It began as an office to assist the plebeian tribunes but later was open to patricians as well. They were responsible for maintaining public buildings and regulating public festivals.

Spartacus

A Thracian gladiator slave who led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.

Theater of Pompey

Built in Rome during the later years of the Roman Republic. It was completed in 55 BC. It was the first permanent theater to be built in Rome.

maeniana

Seating sections in the Colosseum designated for different social classes.

naumachiae

Mock naval battles.

gladiatrix

A female gladiator.

retiarius

A gladiator who fought with a net and trident.

hypogeum

Underground passages beneath the Colosseum arena.

Lex Iulia Theatralis

A law enacted during the reign of Augustus in 18 BC that formalized the seating arrangements in public theaters, reserving the front rows for senators and other dignitaries.

spina

The central dividing barrier of a Roman circus or race track.

pulvinar

A box or platform where emperors or important officials would sit.

cavea

The seating area in a theater or amphitheater.

velarium

An awning above the cavea of the Colosseum that provided shade.

Ludus Gladiatorius

Gladiatorial training school.

bestiarii

Those who fought beasts.

venatores

Those who hunted beasts.