Terms

Triumph

A Roman military parade awarded to a victorious general, reinforcing the power of the general and Rome's military supremacy.

Porticus

A covered walkway or colonnade, providing shelter and space for markets, gatherings, and artistic display.

Manubiae

The spoils of war used by victorious generals to fund public buildings and monuments.

Imperial Forum

A series of grand public squares built by emperors, serving as centers of politics and propaganda.

Fresco

A painting technique where pigments are applied to wet plaster, used in Roman wall decorations.

Basilica

A large public building used for business, legal proceedings, and gatherings, influencing Christian churches.

Acanthus

A plant motif used in Corinthian and Composite capitals, symbolizing growth and abundance.

Obelisk

A tall, narrow monument of Egyptian origin brought to Rome as a symbol of imperial power.

Frieze

A horizontal decorative band on buildings, often sculpted or painted, serving as propaganda.

Damnatio Memoriae

A practice of erasing a disgraced person’s memory from official records and statues.

Porphyry

A purple-red igneous rock associated with imperial status, used in sculptures and columns.

Luna Marble

A fine white marble from Italy, used in major Roman buildings.

Tuff

A volcanic stone used as one of the earliest building materials in Rome.

Ionic

A Greek architectural order characterized by scroll-like volutes on its capitals.

Concrete

A Roman innovation mixing lime, volcanic ash, and water, enabling large domes and structures.

Numidian Marble

A yellow-orange marble from North Africa, used in luxury Roman decoration.

Composite

A Roman architectural order combining Ionic volutes with Corinthian acanthus leaves.

Pentelic Marble

A high-quality white marble from Greece, used in Roman sculptures.

Travertine

A durable limestone used in the construction of the Colosseum.

Corinthian

The most elaborate classical order, featuring detailed acanthus-leaf capitals.

Republic (509–27 BC)

The era of Senate-led governance before the establishment of the emperors.

Late Republic (133–27 BC)

A time characterized by civil wars, leading to Augustus’ rise.

146 BC

The year Rome destroyed Carthage and Corinth, marking its dominance over the Mediterranean.

44 BC

The year Julius Caesar was assassinated, triggering a civil war in Rome.

31 BC

The year Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium.

AD 14

The year Augustus died and Tiberius became emperor.

AD 64

The year of the Great Fire of Rome, which led to major urban rebuilding by Nero.

AD 69

Known as the Year of the Four Emperors, ending with Vespasian’s rule.

AD 96

The year Domitian was assassinated and Nerva began a new dynasty.

AD 117

The year Trajan died, and Hadrian became emperor, shifting Rome's defensive strategies.

Consul

The highest elected Roman official who led the government and military.

Trajan

Emperor from AD 98–117, known for expanding Rome’s borders and building the Forum of Trajan.

Octavia

Sister of Augustus, honored with the Porticus of Octavia.

Julius Caesar

A dictator assassinated in 44 BC, pivotal in Rome’s transition to an empire.

Hadrian

Emperor from AD 117–138, renowned for building Hadrian’s Wall and reconstructing the Pantheon.

M. Agrippa

Augustus’ general and architect, responsible for designing the original Pantheon.

Vespasian

Emperor from AD 69–79, known for constructing the Colosseum.

Alexander the Great

A Macedonian conqueror whose influence extended to Roman rulers.

Apollodorus of Damascus

Trajan’s chief architect, credited with the construction of his forum and column.

Augustus

Rome’s first emperor (27 BC–AD 14), who initiated the Pax Romana.