roman republic

Etruscans

The civilization that ruled northern Italy prior to the Romans.

Republic

A form of government in which the people choose officials who make laws.

Patrician

A member of the landed upper class that controlled positions in the Roman Senate.

Consul

One of two patricians selected each term to supervise the business of government and command the armies.

Dictator

A ruler who has complete control over the government.

Plebeian

A member of the class of farmers, merchants, and artisans that made up most of the population of Rome.

Tribune of the Plebs

An official elected by the plebeians to protect their interests.

Veto

The ability of tribunes to block a law they found harmful to plebeians.

Legion

The basic Roman military unit of 5,000 men.

The Twelve Tables

The laws that publicly displayed the rights of citizens and established equality before the law.

Cincinnatus

The model dictator who accepted the call to duty and returned to his farm after victory.

Res publica

Latin term meaning 'that which belongs to the people,' from which the word 'republic' is derived.

Jupiter

Ruled over the sky and other gods in Roman mythology.

Juno

The goddess of marriage in Roman mythology.

Neptune

The god of the seas in Roman mythology.

Mars

The god of war in Roman mythology.

Roman citizenship

Status granted to some conquered peoples, allowing them to keep their customs and some privileges.

Polytheism

The belief in many gods, common in Roman religion.

Geographic advantages of Rome

Protection from invasion, fertile land, a center of trade, and diversity of population.

Legacy of Roman Republic

Influence on modern governance, including the ideas of the senate, veto, and checks on political power.