Ancient Rome Study Guide Flashcards

A collection of flashcards to review key concepts, terms, and figures related to Ancient Rome.

Fall of Rome

Causes included technological stagnation due to slavery, political injustice, lead poisoning, and weakened military virtues from Christianity.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage; Rome won all three wars primarily over land disputes.

Nero

A notoriously bad emperor who was known for brutal killings, including that of his own mother, and allegedly ordered the burning of Rome.

Gladiator Games

Fights between trained fighters (gladiators) held in arenas such as the Colosseum, which lasted from dawn till dusk.

Augustus

The first Roman Emperor whose reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, and was known for expanding the empire and reforming taxes.

Plebeians

Less wealthy landholders, craftspeople, merchants, and small farmers in ancient Rome.

Consuls

Two elected officials in Rome who ran the government and commanded the army.

Roman Senate

A select group of 300 patricians who advised government officials and had the force of law.

Twelve Tables

The first code of laws in ancient Rome that established rights for citizens.

Triumvirate

A political regime dominated by three powerful individuals.

Pax Romana

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

Imperator

Designated title for the commander in chief, used to denote military power.

Procurator

An official in charge of a province in the Roman Empire.

New Testament

The second part of the Christian Bible that contains the life and teachings of Jesus.

Clergy

Church leaders in charge of guiding and administering the church.

Laity

Regular church members who are not part of the clergy.

Inflation

A rapid increase in prices leading to the decline of economic stability.

Insulaes

Poorly built apartment blocks that housed the lower class in ancient Rome.

Plague

An epidemic disease that affected populations, contributing to the decline of Rome.

Praetors

Officials in charge of enforcing civil law in ancient Rome.