HSC Ancient History - Cities of Vesuvius and New Kingdom Egypt

These flashcards include key vocabulary and concepts related to the Cities of Vesuvius and the New Kingdom of Egypt, designed for revision and exam preparation.

Pompeii

A city in the region of Campania, Italy, known for its well-preserved ruins buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Herculaneum

An ancient Roman town located near Vesuvius, known for its remarkable preservation due to volcanic ash.

Mount Vesuvius

An active volcano located north of Pompeii and Herculaneum, responsible for their destruction in AD 79.

Fiorelli's Method

A systematic approach developed by Giuseppe Fiorelli for excavating and cataloging the ruins of Pompeii.

Thermal Energy

A form of energy released during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, estimated to be 100,000 times greater than that of the Hiroshima bombing.

Decumani

The primary east-west streets in Roman towns, notable in the layout of Pompeii.

Nymphaea

The fountains or watering places found at intersections in Roman cities.

Ma'at

The ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and cosmic order, often associated with the role of the pharaoh.

Vizier

The chief minister and highest official in ancient Egypt, directly responsible to the pharaoh.

Opening of the Mouth

A significant funerary ceremony in ancient Egypt that symbolized the deceased’s ability to speak and eat in the afterlife.

Canopic Jars

Containers used in ancient Egypt to store the organs of mummies, symbolizing protection for the deceased.

The Book of the Dead

An ancient Egyptian funerary text containing spells, charms, and maps to assist the deceased in the afterlife.

Amduat

The ancient Egyptian text describing the journey of the deceased through the underworld.

Imperial Cult

Worship of emperors as divine figures, an important aspect of Roman religion and governance.

Senatorial Province

A region governed by a proconsul appointed by the Roman Senate.

Praetorian Guard

The elite bodyguard of the Roman emperor, playing a crucial role in the political landscape of the Roman Empire.

Tiberius

The second Roman Emperor, whose reign was marked by a shift towards autocratic rule.

Agrippina the Younger

An influential Roman empress and mother of Emperor Nero, known for her ambitious nature and political maneuvering.

Eruption of AD 79

The catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that led to the burial of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Decuriones

Members of the local municipal council in Roman towns, involved in the governance of communities.