Roman Vocabulary

Roman Vocabulary

Bring it on!

BARBARIAN

A term used by the Romans to refer to people who lived outside the Roman Empire.

CIRCUS

A large oval shaped stadium used for chariot races.

CONSUL

The highest position in the Roman government. There were two consuls elected each year for a one year term.

DICTATOR

A ruler that has absolute power.

DYNASTY

When a family passes down the leadership of a country from generation to generation.

HEIR

a person who will legally receive money, property, or a title from another person, especially an older member of the same family, when that other person dies:

EMPEROR

The leader of an empire. The first emperor of Rome was Augustus

FORUM

The area of a Roman town that was the center of Roman life. Government meetings, public speeches, and business all took place in the forum.

FRESCO

A painting made on a freshly plastered wall. The paint would be absorbed into the plaster as it dried.

GLADIATOR

A person who fought for the entertainment of Roman audiences. Gladiators sometimes fought to the death.

ORATOR

A talented public speaker. This was an important skill for Roman leaders.

PATRICIAN

 A member of the original elite land-owning families of Rome.

PLEBEIAN

A common person or person not of the patrician class.

PROVINCE

An area of the Roman empire that was outside Italy.

REPUBLIC

A country where the government is run by elected officials rather than by a king or emperor.

SENATE

A group of prestigious men who advised the consuls. In most cases the consuls did what the Senate recommended.

TRIBUNE

An elected representative of the Plebeian Council. Tribunes could veto laws made by the Senate.

TOGA

A long robe worn by Roman citizens. It was generally white with color markings for high ranking officials.