Class 263 Post-Midterm

Aedile: A Roman official responsible for public buildings, games, and maintenance of city infrastructure.

Amphitheater: Oval-shaped, open-air venues used for public spectacles like gladiator games and animal hunts.

Arena: Central area of an amphitheater where events, often battles or performances, took place.

Armature: Framework or support, in a Roman context often referring to military equipment or scaffolding.

B

Atilius: Likely referencing a historical figure; clarify if you mean Atilius Regulus, a Roman consul, or another Atilius.

Augustus: The first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BCE to 14 CE, and the adopted son of Julius Caesar.

Ben-Hur: A fictional Jewish prince featured in Lew Wallace's novel, representing Roman-era life; famous for its chariot race.

Bestiarii: Gladiators or performers who fought wild animals in Roman arenas.

C

(Julius) Caesar: Roman general, statesman, and dictator assassinated in 44 BCE, key in transitioning the Roman Republic to the Empire.

Cicero: Renowned Roman orator, lawyer, and philosopher, instrumental in politics and literature.

Collegium: Associations or guilds, often of tradespeople or religious groups in Rome.

Colosseum: Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, Rome's largest amphitheater, iconic for gladiatorial games.

Commodus: Roman Emperor (180-192 CE), known for his erratic behavior and passion for participating as a gladiator.

Circus: Large Roman venue for chariot races, most famously the Circus Maximus.

Crucifixion: Method of execution used by Romans, including the death of Jesus Christ.

Cursus Honorum: Sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in Rome.

D

Damnatus: A condemned criminal, often sentenced to die in the arena.

Defixio: A curse tablet, inscribed to invoke divine retribution or harm.

Dictator: A Roman magistrate with supreme authority, appointed during emergencies for a limited term.

Domus Aurea: "Golden House," Nero's lavish palace in Rome following the Great Fire of 64 CE.

Doctor(es): Trainers or instructors, particularly in gladiatorial schools.

Editor(es): Organizers or sponsors of public games or spectacles.

E

Epigram: Short, witty poems, often with a satirical tone, common in Roman literature.

Epigraph: Inscription, typically on monuments or buildings, commemorating events or individuals.

Etruscans: Pre-Roman civilization in Italy, influencing Roman culture and architecture.

F

Factio(nes): Teams or factions of charioteers in the Roman circus, identified by colors (e.g., Reds, Blues).

Familia(e): Refers to families or, in the gladiatorial context, groups of gladiators under a lanista.

Fidenae: Site of a tragic amphitheater collapse in 27 CE, killing thousands.

Forum Boarum: Cattle market in Rome, also a religious and commercial hub.

Forum Romanum: The central public space of Rome, used for politics, religion, and commerce.

Flavian: Dynasty of Roman emperors (Vespasian, Titus, Domitian) known for construction projects like the Colosseum.

G

Horiatii & Curiatii: Legendary Roman and Alba Longa warriors, symbolizing early Rome's heroism.

Gladius(-i): Roman short sword, iconic in the military and gladiatorial combat.

Graffito/-i: Ancient inscriptions or drawings, often casual or humorous.

I

Imperator: Title for victorious Roman generals, later evolving into "Emperor."

Imperial Period: Era of Roman history starting with Augustus (27 BCE) and ending with the fall of the Western Empire.

Infamis: A social status denoting dishonor; often applied to gladiators, actors, and prostitutes.

Julio-Claudian: The first Roman imperial dynasty (Augustus through Nero).

L

Lanista(e): Gladiatorial trainers or managers of a ludus (school).

Latins: Ancient Italic people, early inhabitants of Rome and the surrounding area.

Livy: Roman historian known for his extensive work Ab Urbe Condita, chronicling Rome's history.

Licentia Theatralis: "Theatrical license," referring to the freedom of expression in performances.

Ludus (gladiatorial school): Training schools for gladiators.

Ludi Circenses: Games or races held in the circus.

Ludi Romani: Roman religious games, including chariot races and theatrical performances.

Ludia(e): Female performers or entertainers in Roman spectacles.

Manica: Arm guard worn by gladiators.

M

Martial: Roman poet famous for epigrams.

Martyr: Someone who dies for their faith or beliefs, particularly in early Christianity.

Meridiani: Gladiators who fought during the midday, often considered less skilled.

Missio(nes): A gladiatorial reprieve granted by the editor for a well-fought match.

Munus/Munera: Public spectacles or games, often commemorative, such as gladiatorial contests.

Murmillo(nes): Heavily armed gladiators with fish-shaped helmets.

N

Naumachia(e): Mock naval battles staged by flooding arenas or basins.

Nero: Infamous Roman emperor (54–68 CE), known for his tyrannical reign and love of the arts.

Perpetua: Early Christian martyr, known for her vivid prison diary.

Pompa(e): Processions preceding games or religious events.

Pompeii: Roman city famously preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.

Polycarp: Early Christian bishop and martyr.

R

Regal Period: Early phase of Rome (753–509 BCE) ruled by kings.

Retiarius(-i): Gladiators armed with a net and trident.

Republican Period: Roman era (509–27 BCE) governed by a Senate and elected officials.

Rudis: Wooden sword symbolizing a gladiator's freedom.

S

Sabine Women: Legendary women abducted by early Romans to ensure population growth.

Scutum: Large, rectangular Roman shield.

Secutor(es): Gladiators with smooth helmets designed to counter the retiarius.

Seneca (the Younger): Roman philosopher, playwright, and advisor to Nero.

Spartacus: Gladiator who led a major slave revolt (Third Servile War, 73–71 BCE).

Spectaculum/Spectacle: Entertainment events in Rome, especially in arenas.

Spina/Euripus: Central barrier in a circus, often decorated with monuments.

T

Summa Rudis: Senior referee in gladiatorial games.

Sword & Sandal Epic: Film genre depicting ancient Rome or Greece.

Tertullian: Early Christian theologian and writer.

Third Servile War: Slave rebellion led by Spartacus against Rome.

Thraex: Gladiators inspired by Thracian warriors, with curved swords and small shields.

Titus: Roman emperor (79–81 CE), known for completing the Colosseum.

Tiro/Tyro: A novice or beginner.

Venatio: Animal hunts staged in Roman arenas.

Venator: A hunter or performer in venationes.

Vespasian: Roman emperor (69–79 CE), founder of the Flavian dynasty.

Via Appia: Famous Roman road connecting Rome to southern Italy.