Exam Review Flashcards on Ancient Rome and Feudalism

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Ancient Rome and the subsequent emergence of feudalism.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers.

Twelve Tables

The earliest attempt by the Romans to create a code of law; it was a collection of laws inscribed on twelve bronze tablets.

Dictator

A political leader who wields absolute power, especially one who rules the state by emergency decree.

Octavian (Augustus)

The first Roman emperor who led the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

Colosseum

An ancient amphitheater in Rome, known for hosting gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Constantine

A Roman emperor known for being the first to adopt Christianity and for moving the capital to Byzantium, later named Constantinople.

Constantinople

The capital city of the Eastern Roman Empire, founded by Constantine; it became a major cultural and political center.

Ordeal

A means of justice used in medieval times where the outcome was determined by a physical trial or challenge.

Charlemagne

King of the Franks who united much of Western Europe in the early Middle Ages and became emperor of the Romans.

Patriarch

A title given to the highest-ranking bishops in certain branches of the Christian Church, particularly in Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Feudal Contract

A set of obligations and entitlements associated with the exchange of land for service during the feudal period.

Chivalry

A medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious codes of conduct.

Medieval

Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance.

Guilds

Associations of craftsmen or merchants in medieval towns that regulated trade, maintained standards, and protected their members.