Western Civ. 1 exam 2

Imperium

governmental "right to command" of the people by strong leaders

Patricians

wealthy upper class; also known as the Nobiles (Nobles)

Plebeians

common people, the majority of Romans

Slaves

conquered people captured throughout the world enslaved for life by the Romans

Senate

assembly of patricians who controlled the Roman Republic; lost control in the Empire

Consuls

two men from the Senate appointed as generals to command armies to defend the Republic

Dictator

one man from the Senate appointed by the Senate to temporarily rule Rome in a time of emergency

Praetors

chief administrators of the government appointed to serve throughout the world as governors

Equestrians

cavalry veterans who became administrators of the government

Optimates

"the best men" of the Senate who represented the Patrician class

Populares

men of the Senate "favoring the people" who represented the people

Caesar

"King" of the Roman Empire who had complete control of the government and army

Princeps:

"chief citizen" title given to Caesar Augustus

Tribune

chief lawmaker in the Roman Empire, position taken by the Caesars of the Empire

Pretorian Guard

elite soldiers who served as the personal bodyguard of Caesar and his governors