Early Rome and Italy (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Early Rome and Italy.

Plebeians

The non-patrician social class in early Rome; sought political and religious equality and formed the plebeian assembly and tribunes.

Patricians

The aristocratic ruling class in early Rome who monopolized secular and sacred offices; faced challenges from the plebeians.

Comitia Centuriata

The Roman assembly organized by centuries (military units) that elected chief magistrates like the consuls; dominated by the wealthy.

Comitia Tributa

The plebeian assembly organized by tribes (tribus) that elected lower magistrates and passed laws affecting plebeians.

Tribunes of the Plebs

Plebeian officials with protection and legislative powers intended to safeguard plebeian interests against patrician dominance.

Twelve Tables

The traditional codification of Roman civil law (c. 450 BCE), forming the basis of Roman legal practice.

Novus Homo

A ‘new man’: a person whose family had not previously held high office, who rose to the consulship.

Clientela

A system of patron–client relationships linking elites with lower social levels, contributing to social and political integration.

Centuriation (centuriatio)

The Roman system of dividing and distributing conquered land into a grid (decumani and kardines) forming centuriae of land (about 200 jugera each) and marking routes across the countryside.

Latin Coloniae

Colonies established in Latin territory; spread Roman patterns of government and civilization; often granted Latin status and later extended citizenship.

Latin Status

Rights granted to Latin communities, including intermarriage, contractual obligations, and the ability to change domicile.

Roman Citizenship (Italian context)

The extension of Roman citizenship to Italian communities after 91–83 BCE, sometimes with or without the vote, and sometimes granting full civic rights.

Via Appia

The road built by Appius Claudius Caecus linking Rome with Capua; symbol of Roman penetration into Campania and a catalyst for Romanization and coinage.

Hellenization

The rapid adoption of Greek culture in Rome (late 4th–3rd centuries BCE), including Greek religion, art, and new cults of gods and heroes.

Genucilia ware

A local Roman pottery tradition (early Genucilia ware) imitating Greek red-figure pottery, later evolving into black-slip pottery.

Pyrrhic victory

A costly victory won at great expense; exemplified by Pyrrhus’s early successes against Rome before eventual defeat.

First Punic War

War between Rome and Carthage (264–241 BCE) over control of Sicily and Sardinia; Rome emerged victorious and expanded influence.

Second Punic War

War led by Hannibal (218–202 BCE) against Rome; famous battles like Cannae; ultimately Rome's triumph after Zama.

Social War

Conflict (91–88 BCE) where Italian allies fought for Roman citizenship; resulted in broad enfranchisement of Italians.

Samnite Wars

A series of wars with the Samnites (4th–3rd centuries BCE) culminating in Roman dominance and Campania integration; key to Italian expansion.

Transhumance

Seasonal movement of shepherds and flocks between lowland and highland pastures, a common practice in ancient Italy.

Aventine Hill (plebeian cult center)

A plebeian religious center outside the original city boundaries where rites for Ceres, Liber, and Libera were practiced; symbolized plebeian religious life.