Roman History Vocabulary

Flashcards for Roman History Vocabulary

Circus Maximus

A large Roman stadium primarily used for chariot races.

Citizen

A person who has certain rights and duties in a city-state or nation.

Civic

Having to do with the community.

Civil War

A war between groups in the same country.

Colosseum

A large arena in Rome where gladiator contests and other games and sporting events were held.

Constitution

A set of basic laws.

Consul

One of two chief leaders in Rome.

Cuniculus

An underground irrigation system invented by the Etruscans.

Dictator

A ruler with absolute power.

Etruscan

An ancient inhabitant of Etruria, a land in north and central Italy.

Forum

The center of most of the important public activities of the city of Rome and its empire.

Gladiator

A person trained to fight for public entertainment.

Greco-Roman

Having characteristics of Roman culture with a strong Greek influence.

Hill

A landform that rises above the surrounding land.

Monarchy

A government in which the ruling power is in the hands of one person called a monarch.

Paterfamilias

The male head of a Roman family.

Patrician

In the Roman Republic, a member of the upper, ruling class.

Pax Romana

A 200-year period of peace and stability established and maintained by the Roman Empire.

Plebeian

In the Roman Republic, one of the common people.

Punic Wars

A series of wars fought between Rome and Carthage for control of the Mediterranean.

Republic

A form of government in which leaders are elected to represent the people.

Senate

A group of 300 men elected to govern Rome.

Tribune

An official of Rome elected by plebeians to represent them.

Tyrant

A person which holds absolute ruling power but who is not a lawful king.

Valley

A low area of land located between two mountains or hills.

Veto

To refuse to approve proposals of government.