Roman Daily Life Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the social structure, religious practices, housing, and entertainment of ancient Rome based on lecture notes.

Public Law and Private Law

The two distinct types of law identified in Roman society.

Fasces

Little axes carried by bodyguards of Roman senators.

12 tablets

One of the specific sets of laws used by the Romans.

Emperor Constantine

The leader who came to power and ended the persecution of Christians.

Vesta

The goddess of the family fireplace; it was considered sacred and received offerings of cake.

Paterfamilias

The oldest male in the family who ran the household and was the only person allowed to own property.

Bulla

A good luck charm given to a baby at 9 months old and worn until they reached coming of age.

Circus Maximus

A venue for chariot races that could hold up to 200,000 spectators.

Thermopolia

A type of fast food service where poor people and sometimes rich people went to eat.

Atriums

Openings in the houses of wealthy Romans designed to let in sunlight.

Flats or Tenements

Tall, poorly built wooden apartments for the poor that often lacked kitchens, running water, and bathrooms.

Stylus

A pen used by Roman students for writing.

Augustus

The individual who celebrated victory by flooding the colosseum to conduct real staged naval battles.

Parthenon

The location mentioned in the notes where Roman weddings were held.