I&S Key terms Ancient Rome

Aqueduct

a structure that brings water from the hills to the city

Consuls

the top government officials who headed the army and ran the government

Dictator

a ruler with complete control

Forum

the marketplace at the center of Rome; a public square

Gladiators

enslaved people, criminals, or poor Romans who fought animals or each other for entertainment

Latins

the settlers in central Italy who built the city of Rome

Paterfamilias

the father of the family

Patricians

wealthy landowners who could serve in government

Pax Romana

a time of Roman peace

Plebeians

a group of citizens such as artisans, shopkeepers, and small farm owners