The Roman Republic

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering significant terms and concepts related to the Roman Republic.

Republic

A state or country ruled in some way by its people, without a monarch.

Patricians

Members of the landholding upper class in early Rome who could participate in government lawmaking.

Plebeians

Farmers, workmen, and merchants who did not own land and were initially banned from political participation.

Roman Slaves

Workers for patricians and richer plebeians, who could be born into slavery, captured enemy soldiers, or former plebeians unable to repay debts.

Roman Senate

A 300-member lawmaking group made up of patricians, with increasing plebeian input as the republic developed.

Consuls

The leaders of the Roman Republic, chosen by the Senate to supervise the Senate and command the armies.

Roman Dictator

A leader given total power for six months in an emergency, expected to relinquish power once the crisis passed.

Civil Service

Permanent workers for the government who help it function and are not replaced when a new leader takes over.

Aqueduct

A long, slightly sloping bridge designed to transport water from natural sources into cities for a reliable and clean water supply.