Roman Empire Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Roman Empire lecture, designed to aid in studying and understanding the material.

Etruscan civilization

An ancient civilization from Etruria (modern-day Tuscany) known for art, architecture, and contributions to Roman culture.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britannia built to protect against tribes from the north.

Aeneid

An epic poem by Virgil that tells the story of Aeneas, linking the founding of Rome to the fall of Troy.

Roman Republic

The period of ancient Roman civilization characterized by a republican form of government, established in 509 BC.

Pax Romana

A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted approximately 200 years.

Pantheon

A temple in Rome dedicated to all gods, known for its large dome and oculus.

Aqueducts

Structures built to transport water from one location to another, essential in providing water supply for Roman cities.

Sarcophagus

A stone coffin, often adorned with sculpture or inscriptions, used in ancient Rome.

Triumph Arch

An arch built to commemorate military victories and typically adorned with reliefs and inscriptions.

Basilica

A large public building used in ancient Rome for legal and other civic proceedings.

Who was Julius Caesar?

A Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

What was the significance of the Punic Wars?

Series of three major wars between Rome and Carthage that resulted in Roman dominance over the Mediterranean world.

Forum Romanum

The central area in ancient Rome, serving as a marketplace, a public meeting place, and a center of political and social activity.

Etruscan civilization

An ancient civilization from Etruria (modern-day Tuscany) known for art, architecture, and contributions to Roman culture.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification in the Roman province of Britannia built to protect against tribes from the north.

Aeneid

An epic poem by Virgil that tells the story of Aeneas, linking the founding of Rome to the fall of Troy.

Roman Republic

The period of ancient Roman civilization characterized by a republican form of government, established in 509 BC.

Pax Romana

A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted approximately 200 years.

Pantheon

A temple in Rome dedicated to all gods, known for its large dome and oculus.

Aqueducts

Structures built to transport water from one location to another, essential in providing water supply for Roman cities.

Sarcophagus

A stone coffin, often adorned with sculpture or inscriptions, used in ancient Rome.

Triumph Arch

An arch built to commemorate military victories and typically adorned with reliefs and inscriptions.

Basilica

A large public building used in ancient Rome for legal and other civic proceedings.

Who was Julius Caesar?

A Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

What was the significance of the Punic Wars?

Series of three major wars between Rome and Carthage that resulted in Roman dominance over the Mediterranean world.

Forum Romanum

The central area in ancient Rome, serving as a marketplace, a public meeting place, and a center of political and social activity.

What is the significance of the Pantheon's oculus?

The 9-meter diameter opening at the apex of the Pantheon's dome, which served as the sole source of natural light and ventilation, symbolizing a connection to the heavens.

Roman Mosaics

Artworks created from small pieces of colored stone, glass, or ceramic (tesserae), commonly used to decorate floors and walls in Roman homes and public buildings.

Roman Baths (Thermae)

Large public complexes that included facilities for bathing, socializing, exercising, and sometimes libraries or shops, featuring grand interior spaces with vaulted ceilings and elaborate decorations.