Roman Republic and Empire - Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on the Roman Republic and early Empire, including government structure, social classes, and expansion.

Roman Republic

A government system expressing the collective will of the people, with consuls, the Senate, and assemblies, before Rome became an empire.

Consuls

Two chief executives elected annually from the patrician class who commanded the army and ran the government.

Dictator

A ruler granted extraordinary powers for a limited time to deal with crises, after which power was returned to the normal offices.

Senate

The powerful governing body, mostly patricians, controlling foreign policy and proposing laws; lifetime membership.

Plebeians

Rome's common people who initially had limited political rights and could be enslaved for debt; later gained protections and representation.

Patricians

The hereditary aristocracy who owned land and held most political power in early Rome.

Patron-Client Relationship

A social contract where patricians (patrons) provided land, protection, and services to plebeians (clients) who offered loyalty and labor in return.

Plebeian Council

An assembly representing plebeians; its decisions (plebiscites) eventually became binding on all Romans.

Tribune

Officials elected to protect plebeian rights; often from the patrician class but supported plebeians; could veto or influence laws.

Law of the Twelve Tables

The first Roman code of law, publicly inscribed and foundational to the rule of law in Rome.

Roman Citizenship

Legal status granting rights and protection within the empire, including privileges in courts; examples include Paul the Apostle.

Etruscans

Early rulers in central Italy who influenced Rome; introduced the gladiatorial games and the alphabet derived from the Greeks.

Gladiatorial Games

Public combat entertainment in Rome, originating from Etruscan funeral games and featuring enslaved or condemned fighters.

Circus Maximus

The great chariot-racing stadium in Rome, a symbol of Roman entertainment culture.

Aqueduct

Engineering structures that brought fresh water into cities, showcasing Roman engineering prowess.

Carthage

Phoenician-founded rival city-state in North Africa; Rome’s adversary in the Punic Wars; famous for seafaring and Hannibal.

Punic Wars

Three wars between Rome and Carthage that expanded Roman power and culminated in Carthage's destruction.

Hannibal

Carthaginian general who led a remarkable invasion of Italy through Spain and the Alps during the Second Punic War.

Scipio

Roman general who defeated Hasdrubal in Spain and forced Hannibal to retreat by attacking Carthage; pivotal in Roman victory.

Roman Confederation

Policy granting certain conquered peoples local autonomy and citizenship in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Hellenistic World

The cultural world created by Alexander the Great’s successors; Rome would later absorb its kingdoms and wealth.

Rule of Law

Rome's lasting contribution: a system of law based on the collective will of the people and codified (e.g., Twelve Tables).

Desert, Peace

Phrase describing Rome’s destruction of Carthage—salt poured on fields to prevent growth; a harsh 'peace' through devastation.

Anthropomorphic

Describing gods in human form; Roman and Greek deities are depicted with human-like features.

Seven Hills

The traditional foundation of the city of Rome, built on seven hills.