JC Ancient Rome History Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Roman society, housing, military, public entertainment, and health from the lecture notes.

Patricians

The wealthy citizens in ancient Rome who had an elevated social status, usually held official jobs, and wore white tunics made of expensive linen or silk.

Domus

Private houses where wealthy patricians lived in Rome, sometimes referred to as villas when located in the countryside.

Cena

The main meal eaten by patricians, consisting of $3$ courses with foods like eggs, olives, smoked fish, and fruit.

Plebeians

The poor, working-class members of Roman society who worked as farmers, craftsmen, and shopkeepers, wearing dark tunics made from cheap wool.

Insuale

Cramped apartment buildings where plebeians lived, which carried a high risk of fire.

Dole

Free grain distributed by the Roman government to very poor citizens.

Manumission

The official process through which a Roman slave could be granted or earn their freedom after serving well.

Forum

The main central area of a planned Roman town, surrounded by important public buildings.

Colosseum

A massive amphitheatre in Rome that held tens of thousands of spectators for events such as gladiator fights.

Circus Maximus

A huge open arena in ancient Rome primarily used for chariot racing.

Thermae

Large public Roman bathing complexes used by men and women for hygiene and social gathering.

Strigil

A curved tool used by bathers in Roman baths to scrape oil and dirt off their bodies.

Tepidarium

The warm room or bath located within Roman thermae.

Caldarium

The hot room or bath located within Roman thermae.

Frigidarium

The cold room or bath located within Roman thermae.

Legionaries

Roman soldiers who fought on foot and horseback, trained rigorously, and received land for retirement after serving for $20\text{--}25$ years.

Aqueducts

Engineering structures built by the Romans to transport clean water into towns and cities for public hygiene and baths.