Download Ancient Rome Vocabulary Words and Definitions

Ancient Rome Vocab Words
Empire
A dictatorship with one-man rule that evolved from the Roman Republic. Emperors were cruel and
bent on conquering. The idea of the empire began with Julius Caesar.
Republic
The first large government of ancient Rome. The government of Rome was representative and
based on the laws of the “Twelve Tables” Senators were elected by the people.
Aqueduct
A channel for carrying the main water supply to a Roman town, usually built above ground and
supported by stone arches.
One or two supreme heads of state during the Roman Republic that were elected each year.
Consul
Plebeians
The common people of Rome.
Patricians
Wealthy and powerful Roman noblemen.
Twelve Tables
The earliest written collection of Roman laws, drawn up by patricians, became the foundation of
Roman law.
Pax Romana
The "Roman Peace." a general term referring to roughly 200 years of Roman peace and prosperity
from about 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.
Julius Caesar
A Roman general who ended the Roman Republic when he seized power and became dictator for
life
Caesar Augustus
First Roman emperor, won the civil war after Julius Caesar was killed and went on to unify the
empire and establish the Pax Romana.
Nero
One of the more famous Roman Emperors who was most widely known for going insane and using
his political power to murder people.
Constantine the
Great
Mark Antony
Pontius Pilate
The first Roman emperor to become a Christian. Before him, Rome was polytheistic and Christians
were persecuted.
A Roman politician and general who was an ally of Julius Caesar and the main rival of Augustus. His
power struggle began the transition from republic to empire in Rome.
The governor of a Roman territory called Judaea. He is best known for being the judge that put
Jesus Christ to death by crucifixion.