Pax Romana and the Roman Empire

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms and concepts from the introduction to the Roman Empire and Pax Romana.

Pax Romana

A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire lasting approximately 200 years.

Augustus Caesar

The first Roman emperor, originally known as Octavian, who reigned from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.

Tiberius

The second emperor of Rome, who ruled from 14 AD to 37 AD, he was Augustus' stepson and maintained the stability of the empire.

Caligula

The third Roman emperor, known for his eccentric and often cruel behavior during his rule from 37 AD to 41 AD.

Claudius

The fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41 AD to 54 AD, noted for his significant public works and administrative efficiency.

Nero

The last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, whose rule from 54 AD to 68 AD is often associated with extravagance and tyranny.

Praetorian Guard

The elite unit of the Imperial Roman army whose primary function was to protect the emperor.

Interregnum

A period of discontinuity or 'gap' in a government or regime, particularly recognized in Roman history as the time between the reigns.

Good Emperors

A term used to describe a series of Roman emperors from Nerva to Marcus Aurelius, known for their benevolent governance.

Trajan

The Roman emperor from 98 AD to 117 AD, under whose rule the empire reached its maximum territorial extent.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification in Roman Britain, built by Emperor Hadrian to protect the Roman frontier.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow as population increases, and the Roman Empire was characterized by cities as centers of life.

Roman Citizenship

A privileged status afforded to residents of Rome, providing certain rights and protections under Roman law.

Gladiatorial Games

Public spectacles of combat that were a major source of entertainment during the Roman Empire.

Colosseum

An ancient amphitheater in Rome used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and events.

Pompeii

An ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving many aspects of daily life.

Aqueducts

Bridge-like structures built by the Romans to transport water from rural areas to cities.

Urine

Used in ancient Roman laundries for cleaning clothes due to its ammonia content.

Public Baths

Essential community centers in Roman cities where citizens engaged in bathing, socializing, and relaxation.

Cursus Honorum

The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in Rome.

Citizenship for Women

In the Roman Empire, women could hold citizenship but with limited rights compared to men.

Vespasian

Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD, known for initiating the construction of the Colosseum.

Plebeians

Common people of ancient Rome, as opposed to the patricians, who were the elite class.

Patricians

The aristocratic families in ancient Rome who held most of the political power.

Julius Caesar

A military leader and dictator in Rome, whose assassination in 44 BC led to the end of the Roman Republic.

Marcus Aurelius

The last of the Five Good Emperors, known for his philosophical writings and reign during challenging times.

Dacia

An area conquered by Trajan, located roughly in present-day Romania.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage that impacted Roman expansion.

Roman Law

The legal system of ancient Rome, which influenced many modern legal codes.

Enslaved Labor

Labor that was forced upon individuals held in servitude and was fundamental to the Roman economy.

Renaissance

A cultural movement that began in the 14th century, representing a revival of classical learning and wisdom.

Cultural Assimilation

The process in which a person's or group's culture comes to resemble those of another group.

Roman Religion

The religious beliefs and practices of ancient Rome, often involving multiple gods and state ceremonies.

Gladiators

Trained fighters who engaged in combat for public entertainment in ancient Rome.

Roman Engineering

The innovation and construction skills displayed in creating infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and buildings.

Pompeii Excavations

Archaeological efforts that uncovered the preserved ruins of Pompeii, offering insights into Roman life.

Imperial Cult

The practice of venerating Roman emperors as gods, especially after death.

Clementia

A virtue that emphasized mercy and clemency, valued in Roman leadership.

Roman Senate

The governing body that was pivotal in Roman politics for centuries, especially during the Republic.

Mercenary Armies

Forces composed of professional soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army, often for pay.

Cultural Exchange

The process by which different cultures share ideas, goods, and practices.

Eastern Roman Empire

The eastern half of the Roman Empire that continued to thrive after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Crisis of the Third Century

A period of military, political, and economic turmoil in the Roman Empire from 235 to 284 AD.

Diocletian

An emperor who divided the Roman Empire into eastern and western regions to better manage it.

Byzantium

An ancient Greek city that became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as Constantinople.

Edict of Milan

A proclamation that established religious tolerance for Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Fall of Rome

The decline of the Western Roman Empire traditionally dated to 476 AD due to internal corruption and external invasions.

Roman Architecture

The style of architecture characteristic of ancient Rome, noted for its grandeur and technological innovation.

Mythology

The collection of myths belonging to a group of people, explaining nature, history, and tradition.