Roman History and Architecture Flashcards

Flashcards generated from lecture notes on Roman history and architecture.

opus caementicium

Roman concrete made from a mixture of lime, water, volcanic and/or ceramics, stones/rubble, known for its self-healing abilities.

rudus

A type of Roman mortar made of lime, water, and sand (later cement) used to hold stones/bricks together.

opus signinum

Hydraulic mortar/plaster containing sand and crushed ceramics or volcanic ash, mainly used on Roman floors and cisterns for its waterproof abilities. Pink/yellowish color

hypocaustum

Roman underfloor heating system using hot air and a raised flooring to heat rooms, baths, and walls.

ruina montium

A method involving pouring water inside tunnels in mountains to create cracks, causing collapses to reveal valuable materials.

negotiatores & mercatores

Roman businessmen; Negotiatores were part merchant, part bankers who lent money on interest and bought/sold staple items in bulk; Mercatores were plebeians/freedmen who sold goods in public stalls and open markets.

Mansio

privately run service stationed for the cursus publicus which included array of services alongside accomodation and food for those on the road. The buildings were dispersed along the roads in intervals of 7-12 roman miles, or the amount of distance a wagon could reach in a day

Corbita

A type of Roman merchant ship with a large capacity and round hulls, used for transporting goods.

senatus consultum de bacchanalibus

‘’The senatorial decree concerning the Bacchanalia’’ is a decree issued by the Roman senate in 186 BCE, restricting the the Bacchanalia due to its threat to public order and morality

domus aurea

The Golden House of Nero, a lavish personal residence. The Colosseum now stands in its place.

insula

Roman apartment block based on the Roman city grid pattern. High population densities led to multiple stories, with poorer citizens living on higher levels.

basilica

Originally a public building used as an audience facility for government officials, later repurposed as a place of worship when Christianity became state religion.

Comitium

The original open-air meeting place in the centre of Ancient Rome, before the Forum. Held religious significance.

apodyterium

Changing room of a Roman bath.

frigidarium

Cold water basin in Roman bath.

tepidarium

Warm water basin in a Roman bath.

caldarium

Hot water basin in a Roman bath.

palaestra

Gymnasium/training ground located near Roman baths used for wrestling, boxing, and other physical exercises.

mortarium

A shallow bowl with a thick rim and pouring lip used for food preparation like crush and puree. Modern equivalent - Mortar and pestle.

dipinto

Painted markings on walls (like decoration or graffiti), also found on transport vessels as labels.

castellum aquae

A type of water reservoir located at the end of an aqueduct. Used as a central collection of water where different pipes were used to transport water to different parts of the city.

sacerdos vestalis

Vestal Virgin, a priestess of the Goddess Vesta, who maintains the eternal flame. They had privileges and did not need to marry.

aes grave triens

A large bronze coin used in the Early Republic prior to standardized coinage. Worth ⅓ of an As.

damnatio memoriae

Roman practice of erasing an individual's memory by destroying statues, inscriptions, or public records.(emperors or officials)

ara pacis

Altar of Peace, 13BCE a relief sculpture made to celebrate Roman prosperity and peace under Augustus. Depicts Roman mythology, Augustus' family, and the Roman senate as propaganda to show Augustus' divine favor.

de facto / de iure

"In fact," something exists without being specifically created; "by right" means something is in accordance with the law.

quid pro quo

"Something for something," a favor is provided with the expectation of a returned favor.

Rostra

A large platform used for public speeches in ancient Rome, often adorned with monuments or sculptures, showcasing victories and serving as a site for political discourse.