Ancient Rome - Year 7 Humanities Study Pack

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering geography, social hierarchy, religion, everyday life, military organization, trade, and Julius Caesar from the Ancient Rome study guide.

Latium

The region in central western Italy where Rome began.

Tiber River

The river running through Rome that provided water for farming and assisted in the transport of goods.

Mare nostrum

A Latin phrase meaning "our sea," used by Romans to refer to the Mediterranean Sea.

Ostia

An important trading port located near the city of Rome.

Palatine Hill

The hill chosen by Romulus as the location to found his city.

Patricians

Wealthy upper-class Roman families who owned large areas of land, held political influence, and occupied leadership positions.

Equites

Wealthy Romans originally connected with the cavalry who went on to hold important roles in business and politics.

Plebeians

Ordinary Roman citizens who formed the majority of the population, including farmers, soldiers, shopkeepers, and craftspeople.

Foreigners (Rome)

Free people from outside Rome residing in Roman territory who initially had fewer rights than citizens until granted citizenship in 212 CE.

Freed people

Formerly enslaved individuals who had gained or purchased their freedom and could earn money, though with fewer rights than free-born Romans.

Enslaved people (Rome)

People treated as property without legal freedom, often captured during warfare, who worked in households, agriculture, mines, and construction.

Paterfamilias

The oldest male in a Roman family who held ultimate legal authority over all family members.

Polytheistic

Believing in and worshipping multiple gods and goddesses.

Pontifex Maximus

The chief priest of Roman religion.

Vestal Virgins

Priestesses who served for 30 years to tend the sacred flame of Vesta, which symbolized the safety and preservation of Rome.

Insula

A multi-story apartment building where many poorer Romans lived, often featuring small, dark, and unsafe rooms.

Domus

A private townhouse belonging to a wealthy Roman citizen, often featuring courtyards, private baths, statues, and artwork.

Toga

A formal public garment worn by male Roman citizens to indicate their citizenship and social rank.

Circus Maximus

A large Roman arena used primarily for public entertainment such as chariot racing.

Charon

The mythical ferryman believed by Romans to transport deceased souls across the River Styx to the underworld.

Eulogy

A speech delivered during a Roman funeral sequence in honour of a deceased individual.

Collegia

Funeral societies joined by poorer Romans to pool funds to pay for a proper burial and a place for their remains.

Gaius Marius

A Roman military commander whose reforms permitted landless men to enlist, thereby significantly expanding Rome's army.

Legion

A large military unit in the Roman army, typically consisting of approximately 5,000 soldiers.

Legionary

A professional Roman soldier serving within a legion.

Cavalry

Soldiers who fought on horseback in military engagements.

Scutum

A large, curved shield used by Roman legionaries.

Testudo

A defensive military formation where Roman soldiers locked their shields together overhead and along the sides to deflect missiles.

Siege

A sustained military attack and blockade conducted against a fortified city or stronghold.

Battering ram

A Roman siege apparatus used to break down the heavy gates of enemy fortresses.

Siege tower

A mobile wooden structure designed to protect soldiers while enabling them to scale and assault high defensive walls.

Scorpio

A Roman torsion-powered artillery piece designed to fire bolts with high accuracy over long distances.

Silk Road

An extensive network of trade routes connecting China through Central Asia towards the Mediterranean region.

First Triumvirate

The informal political alliance established between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

Julian calendar

The calendar system introduced to the Roman world by Julius Caesar.