the romans final

Founding of Rome

Traditional date from legend of Romulus & Remus; marks the beginning of Roman civilization (753 BCE).

Start of the Republic

Initiated after Romans overthrew Tarquin the Proud; established a system with elected officials (509 BCE).

Pax Romana

A period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire initiated under Emperor Augustus (27 BCE).

Fall of the Western Empire

Occurred in 476 CE when last emperor Romulus Augustulus was deposed; marked end of Roman political power in the West.

Punic Wars

A series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage over control of the Western Mediterranean.

First Triumvirate

An informal political alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus (60 BCE).

Second Triumvirate

A legal political alliance between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus (43 BCE).

Saturnalia

A December festival in ancient Rome involving role reversals, gift-giving, and celebrating Saturn.

Lupercalia

A February festival focused on fertility and purification rituals involving priests called Luperci.

Christianity

A religious movement that began with Jesus' teachings, offering salvation and moral equality; eventually legalized by Constantine.

Jupiter

King of gods in Roman mythology; symbols include the thunderbolt and eagle.

Neptune

God of the sea in Roman mythology; associated with the trident.

Mars

God of war in Roman mythology; symbols include spear and shield.

Minerva

Goddess of wisdom and war strategy; often depicted with an owl and olive tree.

Venus

Goddess of love and beauty; associated with the dove and rose.

Roman Roads

A network of roads that connected the empire, facilitating trade and military movement.

Aqueducts

Engineering structures used to transport water into cities using gravity; key to urban infrastructure.

Trajan’s Forum

A significant architectural structure in Rome built during Emperor Trajan's rule, showcasing imperial grandeur.

Hadrian's Wall

A defensive fortification in Britain, built under Emperor Hadrian to protect Roman territories.

Marcus Aurelius

A Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor known for his work 'Meditations' and military leadership.

Caracalla

Emperor who granted citizenship to all free people in the Roman Empire (Constitutio Antoniniana).

Gladiatorial Games

Public spectacles held in amphitheaters, showcasing combat between gladiators and other challenges.

Colosseum

The Flavian Amphitheater, famous for hosting gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Cicero’s On Friendship

A philosophical work discussing the nature of true friendship based on virtue and mutual support.

Cult of Isis

An Egyptian religious cult that provided promises of afterlife and personal salvation.

Cult of Mithras

A mystery religion popular among soldiers, featuring initiation rituals in caves.

Aeneid

An epic poem by Vergil that explores themes of duty, destiny, and Rome’s greatness.

Epicureanism

A philosophical system emphasizing pleasure, knowledge, and the pursuit of happiness, associated with Lucretius.

Stoicism

A philosophy focused on reason, virtue, and self-control, exemplified by thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius.

Mosaics

Artworks made from small pieces of colored stone or glass, depicting scenes of daily life and mythology.

Frescoes

Paintings done on wet plaster, often illustrating mythological and everyday scenes in Roman villas.

Theater

An important cultural institution in Rome hosting dramatic performances, including comedies and tragedies.

Chariot Racing

A popular sport in ancient Rome held in the Circus Maximus, involving racing chariots pulled by horses.

Naumachia

Mock naval battles staged in arenas to entertain the Roman public.

Venationes

Wild beast hunts held in the amphitheater, showcasing combat between humans and animals.

Roman Comedy

A theatrical genre characterized by stock characters and social satire, exemplified by playwrights Plautus and Terence.

Pliny the Younger

A Roman author known for his letters that provide insight into daily life and the eruption of Vesuvius (79 CE).

Seneca

A Stoic philosopher known for his moral essays and plays, advocating for virtue and wisdom.

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations

A collection of personal writings reflecting on Stoic philosophy, virtue, and leadership.

Vespasian

The founder of the Flavian dynasty known for restoring stability and initiating the construction of the Colosseum.

Nero

Emperor known for his extravagant lifestyle, persecuting Christians, and associating with the Great Fire of Rome.

Economic Decline

A factor in the fall of the Roman Empire, linked to overreliance on mercenaries and political instability.