Roman History Final: Concepts and things

Law of the Power of Vespasian

Law (69–70 CE) that gave Vespasian full imperial powers, legalized his rule, and confirmed Senate approval—showing how emperors gained power through law, not just force.

Condemnation of Memory

Measures taken by the senate to block out any memories of individuals (enemies of the state) who have died.

Stoic Concepts:

• Happiness

True happiness comes from living in accordance with virtue and reason, not from external things.

Stoic Concepts:

• Impressions

A mental perception or appearance; Stoics train to judge impressions correctly using reason.

Stoic Concepts:

• Indifferent

Things neither good nor bad in themselves (e.g., health, wealth); only virtue is truly good.

Stoic Concepts:

• Reason

The guiding principle in humans and the universe; used to live virtuously and align with nature.

Stoic Concepts:

• Virtue

The only true good; a stable, rational character aligned with wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control.

Roman Forum

The political, religious, and social center of ancient Rome—home to temples, basilicas, and government buildings; site of public speeches, elections, trials, and markets.

Circus Maximus

Ancient Rome’s largest stadium, used mainly for chariot races and public games. Held over 150,000 spectators; symbol of Roman entertainment and imperial power.

Colosseum

Large Roman amphitheater used for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Held about 50,000 people; symbol of Roman engineering and imperial authority.

Column

Tall, decorative structure often used to commemorate victories or emperors (e.g., Trajan’s Column); also an important architectural support in temples and forums.

Concrete

Revolutionary building material made of lime, volcanic ash, and water. Allowed Romans to build domes, arches, and large structures like the Pantheon.

Marble

Luxurious stone used in temples, statues, and public buildings to show wealth, power, and beauty. Often imported from Greece and Egypt.

Rostra

A raised platform in the Forum where speeches were made

Porticus

A covered walkway with columns, often surrounding temples, forums, or gardens. Used for shade, shelter, and public gatherings in Roman architecture.

Basilica

Large public building used for law courts, business, and gatherings. Later influenced the design of Christian churches with its long hall and columns.

Satire

A literary genre used by Roman writers like Horace and Juvenal to criticize society, politics, and human flaws—often with humor, irony, or sarcasm.

Epigram

A short, witty poem often with a clever twist or punchline. Popularized by poets like Martial to comment on daily life, love, or satire.

Roman Verse Satire

A uniquely Roman poetic form that used hexameter to mock vice, politics, and society. Key authors: Horace (mild) and Juvenal (harsh).

Menippean Satire

A mixed-form satire combining prose and verse, often targeting intellectual pretension through fantasy, parody, and irony. More focused on ideas than people.

Apocolocyntosis

A Menippean satire by Seneca, mocking the deification of Emperor Claudius. Title means “Pumpkinification” instead of “deification”—a play on words ridiculing his ascent to godhood.

Biography as genre

Literary form focused on individual lives, blending fact, moral lessons, and character study. Key authors: Plutarch (moral focus), Suetonius (imperial lives, gossip).

History as genre

Narrative of past events with a focus on moral lessons, politics, and leadership. Blended fact and rhetoric. Key authors: Livy, Tacitus, Sallust.

Religion

Centered on ritual, tradition, and state gods to maintain pax deorum (peace with the gods). Closely tied to politics and daily life; emperors often held priestly roles.

Roman Conception of Religion

Focused on correct ritual practice (orthopraxy) over personal belief. Aimed to uphold pax deorum (peace with the gods) for the good of the state, not just the individual.

Persecution

Targeted groups seen as threats to Roman order or tradition, especially Christians for refusing to honor state gods. Often sporadic and local, not empire-wide until later.

Tetrarchy

System by Emperor Diocletian (c. 293 CE) dividing rule among 4 emperors—2 Augusti and 2 Caesars—to stabilize and manage the vast Roman Empire.