Untitled Flashcard Set

Allegory

A symbolic or metaphorical story often used in literary sources.

Ancient

Referring to a time long ago, particularly relating to civilizations before the middle ages.

Archaeology

The study of material remains; excavating sites, analyzing artifacts, architecture, and everyday items.

BCE (Before Common Era)

A dating term equivalent to BC used to denote years before the common era.

CE (Common Era)

A term equivalent to AD used for years in the common era.

Civilization

A complex human society with cities, institutions (like law, government, religion), and various cultural achievements.

Cornucopia

A symbol of plenty or abundance; used in Roman art and iconography.

Enlightenment

An 18th-century period marked by an interest in reason and classical learning, influencing modern scholarship on Rome.

Epigraphy

The study of inscriptions, including stone or metal texts carved for monuments and tombs.

Iconography

The visual imagery and symbolism in art and sculpture representing various subjects.

Literary sources

Writings like histories, letters, speeches, and poetry that serve as primary sources, often biased towards elites.

Neoclassicism

A revival of classical styles in art and literature during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Numismatics

The study of coins, important for understanding dates, rulers, and economic practices.

Obverse

The front side of a coin, typically showing the head of a ruler or deity.

Papyrology

The study of papyrus documents, including letters and everyday contracts.

Primary sources

Original ancient materials produced contemporaneously with the period in question.

Republic

The form of government in Rome prior to the Empire, characterized by a system of elected officials.

Secondary source

Later analysis and commentary of history written by modern scholars based on primary sources.

Social history

An approach to history focusing on ordinary people and social structures, rather than elites.

Reverse

The back side of a coin, often featuring symbols or motifs.