AGRS 10B - Introduction to Ancient Rome Terms (FINAL)

Agricola

Roman Italo-Gallic general responsible for much of the Roman conquest of Britain. Extremely humble according to his son-in-law. He was granted patrician status, served as governor, appointed consul, and governor. Generally had a very successful military and political career

Alexander the Great

king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon where he succeeded his father Philip II to the throne in 336 BC at 20. The Romans derived many of their military tactics from him. Caesar supposedly intimidated him

Aphrodisias

located in southwestern Turkey, in the upper valley of the Morsynus River. Wealth came from marble quarries and the art from its sculptures has numerous large civic structures (temples, theater, bathing complexes). Never recovered from the 7th century earthquake, thus falling into disrepair. There is a temple of Aphrodite, which helped define the city's identity and have a close relationship with Rome

aqueduct

an artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or other gap, Romans constructed these to bring water from outside sources into cities and towns, which supported baths, latrines, fountains, and private households

Ara Pacis Augustae

altar in Rome dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace. Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE to honor the return of Augustus to Rome after three years in Hispania and Gaul. Depicts a seated female figure who had been variously interpreted as Tellus, Italia, Pax as well as Venus

thermae/baths

complex of rooms designed for public bathing, relaxation, and social activity that was developed to a high degree of sophistication by the ancient Romans. Facilities for bathing, large imperial bath complexes. Most Roman cities had at least one, which were centers not only for bathing, but socializing and reading as well. This type of building often relied on hypocaust flooring for heating

Battle of Actium

naval battle fought between Octavian and combined fleets of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII Philopator. It was on September 2, 31 BC on the Ionian Sea. It ended decades of Roman civil war and resulted in the rise of the first Roman Emperor. Octavian remained victorious. Cleopatra and Antony were defeated by Octavian in this critical battle of 31 BCE

barbarian

they started to take over parts of the Roman empire. To them, anyone who was not a citizen of Rome or who did not speak Latin belonged to this group. There were five major tribes: Huns, Franks, Vandals, Saxons, and Visigoths (Goths), in which all of them hated Rome

bios/biography

a detailed description of a person's life written by someone else, a human life in its course. "life"

Boudicca

name the native British queen who led an unsuccessful revolt against the Romans in 60/61 CE. Her revolt was an armed uprising by the native Celtic tribes against the Roman Empire. She is the queen of the Iceni. Her forces were able to massacre some 70,000 Romans and their supporters before being defeated

Calgacus

chieftain of Caledonian Confederacy who fought the Roman army of Agricola at the Battle of Mons Graupius in northern Scotland in AD 83 or 84. He was described by Tacitus as "the most distinguished for birth and valor among the chieftans." Had a speech that describes the exploitation of Britain by Rome and rouses his troops to fight

Carthage

capital city of the ancient Carthaginian civilization, one of the most important trading hubs of the Ancient Mediterranean. Destroyed by the Roman Republic in the Third Punic War in 146 BC, which then became a major city of the Roman Empire. In Aeneid, Juno loves the city. Home of the ill-fated Dido in the Aeneid. Fought a series of wars with Rome between 264 and 146 BCE

cursus honorum

"course of honors," "ladder of offices." The sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic and early Roman Empire. Had patricians (consuls, praetors, aediles, quaestors) and plebeians (tribunes, ordinary people, slaves). Designed for men of senatorial rank

columbarium

an underground chamber, which the Romans used for preserving the ashes of the dead. There were hundreds lined in the consular highways leading to Rome during the 1st/2nd centuries CE, but only two dozen are extant now. Place for the respectful and usually public storage of cinerary urns. Communal sepulchral building containing many small niches for cinerary urns

Constantine

this emperor put an end to the tetrarchy and was the first to convert to Christianity. He made Christianity the main religion of Rome, and renamed Byzantium to Constantinople, which became the most powerful city in the world. Played an influential role in the proclamation of the Edict of Milan in 313, which decreed tolerance for Christianity in the empire

Constantinople

the capital of the Roman/Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman empire. The most powerful city in the world. Founded by Constantine in 330 AD. Became the site of Roman Emperor Constantine's "New Rome," a Christian city of immense wealth and magnificent architecture

curse tablets

personal and private prayers of individuals inscribed on small sheets of lead or pewter. They were to be rolled up and hidden somewhere. They were to ask the gods, place spirits, or the deceased to perform an action on a person or object, or otherwise compel the subject of the curse. They were small and made of lead alloyed with tin with some traces of copper

dictator

a political leader who possesses absolute power. The word originated as the title of a Roman ___ elected by the Roman senate to rule the republic in times of emergency. Julius Caesar named himself this that lasted him a year before he was killed by political rivals

dignitas

Latin term referring to a unique, intangible, and culturally subjective social concept in the ancient Rome mindset, sum of the personal influence that a male citizen acquired throughout his life

Edict of Caracalla (212 CE)

issued in 212 declaring that all free men in the Roman Empire were to be given full Roman citizenship, with the exception of the dediticii, who had become subject to Roman through the surrender in war, and freed slaves. Granted citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire. The edict gave all the enfranchised men praenomen and nomen: "Marcus Aurelius"

Eurysaces the Baker

his tomb is one of the largest and best-preserved freedman funerary monuments in Rome. Considered plebian style, built the tomb himself and maybe his wife too. He had a love for baking, and because of that, he showed all things that happened in a bakery around his tomb. Despite his humble origins, his monument is an advertisement for his fortune made

fasces

a bound bundle of wooden rods, sometimes including an ax with its blade emerging, symbolized a magistrate's power and jurisdiction/authority. These ceremonial objects consisting of a bundle of rods and double ax were carried by the lictors and served as a symbol of magisterial authority

forum

site located at the center of the ancient city of Rome and the location of important religious, political and social activities. There were key buildings, such as the Curia where the Roman Senate met and Regia and Comitium where religious meetings and ceremonies were held. There were also temples and triumphal arches

freedman

formerly enslaved person who has been released from slavery, usually by legal means. In Latin, they would be called libertus. They played an important role in the economic life of the Roman world as they were the key instrument for replenishing and even increasing the size of the citizen body

gaming boards

there are several of these around the steps of Forum, around the Colosseum, etc. They were readily available for play and use, which is an indication of their popularity. Gambling was done on these. There were several games that could be played on it. It was a popular pastime. They were often sketched into the pavements of marble or stone slabs for easy play

Gaius Julius Zoilos

born in the first half of the 1st century BCE in the Roman city of Aphrodisias, born as a free man, kidnapped, ended up as a prisoner of war. Ended up in Rome and became a slave to Gaius Julius Caesar, who gave him freedom and citizenship. Collaborated with Augustus. Returned to Aphrodisias wealthy, received a tomb

gladiator

armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire in violent confrontations with others of their kind, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some were volunteers who risked their lives and their legal and social standing by appearing in the arena. Fought in large amphitheaters, including the Colosseum. Spartacus is arguably the most famous

Golden House of Nero

also known as the Domus Aurea "Golden House", it's a vast landscaped complex built on the Oppian Hill in the heart of ancient Rome after the great fire in 64 AF had destroyed a large part of the city. Extravagant palace catering to the emperor's desires and wishes, a monument dedicated to the legacy of his reign, as well as an occasional role in Roman social life. Major source of information on ancient Roman paintings and decoration for Renaissance artists. Has domes, revolving ceilings, ornamental fountains and waterfalls running down the walls

Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli

built in AD 120 meant to be a retreat from Rome, composed of over 30 buildings. Parts of the complex were named after well-known buildings and palaces that the emperor had visited on his travels around the empire. Symbol of the power and wealth of Ancient Rome

Hadrian's Wall

73 miles long, former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122. Marked the boundary between Roman Britannia and unconquered Caledonia. Meant to defend the part of Britain they controlled from attack, wanted to "separate Romans from the barbarians" to the north. Most visible and best-known land frontier of the Roman empire. Demonstrates the ability of the Romans to protect their empire and engineering and building skills

Homer

the most famous ancient Greek author and epic poet. He is the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, both epic poems that are the foundation works of ancient Greek literature, provides a common set of values that enshrined the Greeks' own ideas about themselves, greatly influenced later Latin poets, including Virgil

House of the Tragic Poet

known for its elaborate mosaic floors and frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Name origin: messenger reads an oracle to someone, telling him that he will die if someone else does not willingly die in his place. Due to its proximity to the mosaic of the actors, excavators believed this painting depicted a poet reciting his poetry, resulting in the name

hypocaust

a hollow space under the floor of an ancient Roman building, into which hot air was sent for heating a room or bath. System of central heating in a building that produces and circulates hot air below the floor of a room, may also warm the walls with a series of pipes through which the hot air passes. Allowed the Romans to heat water, walls, and air of their baths efficiently, turning a hygienic chore into a cultural phenomenon

imperium

form of authority held by a citizen to control a military or governmental entity, the supreme executive power in the Roman state, involving both military and judicial authority

insula (pl. insulae)

one of two things: a kind of apartment building or a city block. Housed most of the urban citizen population of ancient Rome's massive population ranging from 800,000 to 1mil inhabitants in the early imperial period. Block of grouped but separate buildings or a single structure. Provided economically practical housing where land values were high and population-dense. Latin term used to describe a common form of Roman apartment building; literally means "island"

Isis

Egyptian goddess whose mystery cult was extremely popular among the lower orders of Roman society in the Imperial Period. Savior of Lucius in Apuleius' Metamorphoses. Goddess of the moon, life, magic. Protected children and healed the sick, considered one of the greatest goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Cult spread throughout the Roman Empire

Mausoleum of Augustus

large tomb built by the man on Campus Martius in Rome, Italy in 28 BC. One of the first of many large building projects undertaken in the reign of Rome's first emperor. Easily the biggest tomb in the Roman world, record held throughout the Roman period. Meant to be a dynastic monument for himself, his family, and his successors

Monte Testaccio

artificial mound near the Tiber River in Rome composed almost entirely of testae, fragments of broken ancient Roman pottery, nearly all discarded amphorae dating from the time of the Roman Empire, some of which were labeled with tituli picti. Simply garbage dump to the people of the time. Formed from the fragments of millions of amphorae deposited there during the first three centuries CE

Nero

fifth Roman emperor and the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his suicide in 68. Adopted by Claudius at the age of 13. Known as one of Rome's most infamous rulers, known for his cruelty and debauchery. He eliminated capital punishment, lowered taxes and allowed enslaved people to bring complaints against their masters, supported the arts and athletics above gladiator entertainment and gave aid to other cities in crisis

novus homo

term in ancient Rome for a man who was the first in his family to serve in the Roman Senate, or to be elected as consul. Marcus Tullius Cicero was seen especially as this. "New citizen"

Octavian Augustus

first Roman emperor, reigning from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. Status as the founder of the Roman Principate consolidated a legacy as one of the greatest leaders in human history. Known for initiating Pax Romana, a largely peaceful period of two centuries in which Rome imposed order on a world long convulsed by conflict. "Restored" the republic of Rome, retained all real power as the princeps "first citizen" of Rome, reorganized Roman life throughout the empire. Passed laws encouraging martial stability and renewing religious practices, instituted a system of taxations and a census, expanded Roman road network

Ostia

port of republican Roman and a commercial center under the empire. The port city of ancient Rome, sits at the mouth of the Tiber River where ocean-going craft from across the Mediterranean would dock and unload cargo to be transferred to barges and sent-up rover some 25 miles to Rome. Conquered by Rome around 400 BC, made a naval base with a fort, AD 150 when commercial port

popularis (pl. populares)

"demagogues, populists," sought popular support against the dominant oligarchy, everyone else in Rome. Labels applied to politicians, political groups, traditions, strategies or ideologies in the late Roman Republic. Opposed the optimates. This political faction favored the interests of the lower classes in the Roman Republic

Pompeii

this town on the Bay of Naples was destroyed along with Herculaneum and several other communities during the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. There were elegant houses and elaborate villas that lined the streets with other factories and artisans. Became a Roman colony in 80 BC, continued to expand and develop in every sector, in the economic field in particular. Popular vacation destination for Romans, typical Roman city. Yet buildings were destroyed, the population was crushed or asphyxiated, and the city was buried beneath a blanket of ash and pumice after eruption

Praetorian Guard

unit of the Imperial Roman army that served as personal bodyguards and intelligence agents for the Roman emperors. Escort for high-rank political officials and were bodyguards for the senior officers of the Roman legions. They played a role in assassinating several emperors and disbanded for supporting a pretender to the Roman throne

princeps

"first in time or order; the first, foremost, chief, the most eminent, distinguished, or noble; the first man, first person," the leader-member of the Senate was the designated ____ sentatus. The unofficial title used by the Roman emperors from Augustus to Diocletian. Unofficial title of a Roman emperor, as the title determining the leader in Ancient Rome at the beginning of the Roman Empire

proscriptions

a decree of condemnation to death or banishment, can be used in a political context to refer to state-approved murder or banishment. A posted notice listing Roman citizens who had been declared outlaws and whose goods were confiscated. Rewards were offered to anyone killing or betraying the proscribed, and severe penalties were inflicted on anyone harboring them

Res Gestae

"The Things Done/Accomplished." Monumental inscription composed by the first Roman emperor, Augustus, giving a first-person record of his life and accomplishments. Gives insight into the image Augustus offered to the Roman people. Written during his life and completed before his death in 14 CE, text was engraved on two bronze pillars in front of the Mausoleum of Augustus. Original inscription didn't survive. Hoped to preserve the memory of himself as a great emperor whose achievements transformed Rome into a great empire

Romanization

the adoption of Roman ways of behavior, culture, and religious practices by the native people of the provinces of the Roman empire. Integrated the state and connecting residents in a common fate, aroused a sense of belonging to the country. Residents identified with culture and beliefs of Rome, confirming their loyalty

Sabines

area where men of Rome committed a mass abduction of young women from the other cities in the region. In order to increase the population of early Rome, Romulus is said to have invited this neighboring tribe to a festival, at which the Romans famously abducted the women of this tribe

Sack of Rome (410 CE)

undertaken by the Visigoths led by their king, Alaric. Rome was no longer the capital of the Western Roman Empire, having been replaced in that position by the Mediolanum in 286 and then by Ravenna in 402. Visigoths from Eastern Europe ended a three-day sack of the city of Rome. First time Rome had been sacked, or defeated and looted. Revealed the Western Roman Empire's increasing vulnerability and military weakness

Scipio Barbatus

one of two elected Roman consuls in 298 BC. Lead the Roman army to victory against the Etruscans near Volterra. Known for his tomb in the Tomb of the Scipios for his family during the Roman Republic for interments between the 3rd century BC and the early 1st century AD. Had a solid tuff burial coffin with an epitaph originally painted red

Social War

rebellion waged by ancient Rome's Italian allies who, denied the Roman franchise, fought for independence. Caused by the tension caused because of the denial of Roman citizenship to her Italian allies. From 91 BC to 88 BC, led to a change in the nature of citizenship in Rome and the Republic's relationships with other Italian cities and communities. Immensely important in the unification of Roman Italy

SPQR (not title of M. Beard's book)

Senatus Populusque Romanus, the Senate and the Roman people, emblematic abbreviated phrase referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic. Appears on Roman currency, dedication to monuments, etc. References two components: Rome's Senate and her people

Suetonius

Roman historian who wrote during the early Imperial era of the Roman Empire. Most of his important surviving work is a set of biographies of 12 successive Roman rulers, from Caesar to Domitian. Prolific author, writing biographies of poets and orators, works on topics as diverse as games, Roman year, bodily defects, lives of famous courtesans. His work contains much gossip, but doesn't ignore or misrepresent information from his sources

Tacitus

Roman historian and politician. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Roman historians by modern scholars. Among the most important Roman historians and said to have been one of the greatest prose stylists who write in the Latin language. Wrote Agricola

Temple of the Divine Emperors at Aphrodisias (the Sebasteion)

temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite and to the ruling imperial family (Julio-Claudian emperors). Architectural complex, meant to commemorate the close association between the dynasty and the city. Emphasizes the prominence given to the imperial family. A place of worship of Roman emperors Julio-Claudian dynasty, which according to tradition originated precisely from Aphrodite. Built began under the rule of the emperor Tiberius and lasted for many decades

tetrarch

system instituted by Roman Emperor Diocletian to govern the ancient Roman Empire by dividing it between two senior emperors (augusti) and their juniors and designated successors (caesares). Marked the end of the Crisis of the Third Century. The ruler of a principality; is originally the ruler of one-quarter of a region or province. This was a new form of government established by Diocletian at the end of the 3rd century. It was characterized by the rule of four men

triumvirate

a political institution ruled or dominated by three powerful individuals (can be informal or formal), notionally equal, but it's rarely the case in reality. Caesar, Pompey, Crassus are one, Antony, Lepidus, Octavian another

Theater of Pompey

structure in Ancient Rome built during the latter part of the Roman Republican era by Pompey the Great. Completed in 55 BC, first permanent theatre was to be built in Rome. Used by Caesar to celebrate the triumph over Pompey's forces in Africa, also the site of his assassination as it was the temporary meeting location of the Roman Senate. Originally built to glorify the achievements of its patron on the battlefield and to win the public's and the aristocracy's favor

Thoughts or To Himself by Marcus Aurelius

series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It shows the strong influence of Stoicism on Marcus and has been held by generations as the thoughts of a philosopher-king

Trimalchio

this fictitious freedman figures prominently in Petronius' Satyricon where he hosts an elaborate banquet and represents the pinnacle of poor taste. He features as the ostentatious, nouveau-riche host. An arrogant former slave who has become quite wealthy by tactics that most would find distasteful. A freedman who through hard work and perseverance has attained power and wealth. A man who embodies the "new money" archetype in every way, boorish and rude, brightly gilded but lacking manners, substance or even polity

Venus Genetrix

following the Battle of Pharsalus, Julius Caesar vowed a temple to this goddess, from whom he claimed descent. Her temple was erected two years later in Caesar's forum. Sculptural type which shows the Roman goddess Venus in respect to the foundress of the family, honored by the Julio-Claudian dynasty of Rome, which claimed her as their ancestor. The Temple has dedicated on 26 September 46 BC, which was the last day of Caesar's triumph. Completed by Octavian eventually. Ruined temple now in the Forum of Caesar

Villa dei Papiri

ancient Roman villa in Herculaneum, named after its unique library of Papyri discovered in 1750. One of the most luxurious houses in all of Herculaneum and in the Roman world. Scrolls and books were found (Epicurean). Owned by Lucius Calpurnuius Piso Caesoninus. Elite Roman villa, destroyed during eruption, series of papyri were discovered. Helps appreciate the Epicurean philosophy, phenomenon of villas

Vindolanda

Roman auxiliary fort south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, originally pre-dated. Roman occupation from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD. Gives an insight into what life was like for the people (Romans, Celtic tribes, businessmen, families) who inhabited the fort and areas around it. Lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian's Wall and has a very different 'feel' to other sites along the Wall. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north. Demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times. Each re-build, each community, leaving its own distinctive mark on the landscape and archaeology of the site

Warren Cup

ancient Greco-Roman silver artifact decorated in relief with two images of male same-sex acts with adult men and adolescent boys. Combined drinking, money, and sex all in one. It was said to have been found in Palestine. Created by beating out the silver from the inside. Shows homosexuality was part of Roman life, complicated, tolerated, not entirely accepted