CLAS 101 Flashcards Set

Numen

Divine power or force.

Pontifex Maximus

The chief priest in ancient Rome, overseeing religious orthodoxy and rituals.

Augur

A priest who interprets the will of the gods by examining natural phenomena.

Haruspex

A priest who examines the entrails of sacrificial animals to interpret omens.

Lares

Household gods that protect the field and property.

Penates

Household gods that protect the pantry or storage.

Temple of Portunus

A small rectangular temple dedicated to the god of harbours and ports, combining Greek, Etruscan, and Roman practices.

Circus Maximus

The largest track in Rome for chariot races, seating up to 150,000 spectators.

Gladiators

Trained fighters in ancient Rome who battled in arenas for public entertainment.

Trivium

An intersection of three roads, often a meeting place for gossip and news sharing.

Cursus Publicus

The imperial postal service in ancient Rome that enabled fast communication.

Annona

The grain supply of Rome, vitally important for sustaining its population.

Diocletian

Roman Emperor known for establishing the Tetrarchy to rule the Empire more effectively.

Constantine I

Emperor who created 'New Rome' at Byzantium, later named Constantinople.

Julian the Apostate

Emperor who attempted to restore pagan practices in opposition to Christianity.

Romulus Augustulus

The last Roman emperor, whose abdication in 476 CE marks the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

The Byzantine Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire that survived after the fall of the West, lasting until 1453 CE.

Greco-Roman Legacy

The cultural and institutional influence of ancient Greece and Rome on subsequent European societies.

Latin literature

Literature written in Latin, including works by authors such as Cicero and Virgil.

Corpus Juris Civilis

Justinian’s code, a foundational work in Western legal tradition.

Cato

Known as the 'Father of Latin Prose,' a significant figure in Roman literature.

Terence

A comedic playwright famous for quotes like 'Fortune favors the brave'.

Polybius

A Greek historian known for his work 'The Histories', covering Rome's rise.