Ancient Rome Vocabulary

Republic

A government in which citizens rule through elected representatives.

Plebeian

An ordinary citizen in the ancient Roman Republic.

Patrician

In Ancient Rome, this was a person of noble birth; an aristocrat.

Tribune

In ancient Rome, an official elected by the plebeians to protect their rights.

Legion

A group of about 6,000 foot soldiers in the army of ancient Rome.

12 Tables

The 1st written code of laws in Rome

Consul

The elected leaders of the Roman army and government. They would rule for one year.

Senate

A group of 300 men elected to govern Rome in the Roman Republic.

Dictator

A ruler who has complete power over a country.

Punic Wars

A series of Roman wars against Carthage, a city in Northern Africa.

Pax Romana

200 year period of peace in Rome.

Apostle

Early Christian leader who had been chosen by Jesus to spread his message

Aqueducts

Bridge-like stone structures that carry water from the hills into Roman cities

The Colosseum

A large arena for "the games", such as animal hunts and gladiator fights.

Gladiator

In ancient Rome, a person who fought people or animals for public entertainment.

Constantinople

The capital of the eastern Roman Empire and later of the Byzantine Empire.

Barbarians

Tribes from Northern Europe who invaded the remnants of the Roman Empire and settled there.