Chapter 7 Vocabulary: Ancient Rome
Republic- a type of government in which citizens who have the right to vote
select their leaders; the leaders rule in the name of the people.
Patrician- member of a wealthy, upper-class family in the Roman Republic
Plebian- an ordinary citizen in the Roman Republic
Veto- to forbid; rejection of a bill by the President, or rejection of any rule
by someone in power
Dictator- a person in the Ancient Roman republic appointed to rule for 6
months in time of an emergency, with all powers of a King
Province- a unit of an empire; each province of the Roman Empire ruled by
a governor and supported by an army
Aqueduct- a structure that carries water over long distances
Inflation- an economic situation in which there is more money of less value
People to Know:
Romulus and Remus- twin brothers; according to legend founded Rome in
753 B.C.
Julius Caesar- Roman political and military leader (100-44 B.C).; became
dictator for life in 44 B.C., improved Roman government, murdered by
Roman senators because of his great power
Augustus- first Roman emperor (63 B.C.- A.D. 14), ruled after Julius
Caesar's death
Nero- Roman emperor (A.D. 37-68), known for his mistreatment of the
Christians
Constantine- emperor of Rome (A.D. 278-337), encouraged the spread of
Christianity
Caligula- Roman emperor (A.D. 12-41), believed to be insane, poor ruler
Marcus Aurelius- Roman emperor (A.D. 121-180), good-natured, tolerant
Commodus- son of Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-192), very poor ruler,
assassinated and he marked the beginning of the decline of Rome
Places to Know:
Italy- a boot-shaped country in southern Europe
Rome- capital city of Italy, and capital of the Ancient Roman empire
Tiber River- river in Italy, Rome was built on the banks
Gaul- present day France, Ancient Gauls fought with the Romans
Carthage- ancient city on northern coast of Africa, fought with Romans
Colosseum- a large amphitheatre in Ancient Rome, site of contests and
combats between people and animals
Circus Maximus- huge oval shaped arena, site of many charoit races
Constantinople- ancient capital of Byzantium renamed in honor of
Constantine , now Istanbul, Turkey