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Rome and the Roman Empire, the most powerful state of the ancient world. It grew from an Italian village to a city-state and into an organization that ruled the shores of the Mediterranean and much of western Europe. More »
Caesar, a title that came from the name of a Roman family. The first important member of the family was the soldier and statesman Gaius Julius Caesar.
Rome and the Roman Empire, the most powerful state of the ancient world. It grew from an Italian village to a city-state and into an organization that ruled the shores of the Mediterranean and much of western Europe.
Consul, in Roman history, a head magistrate, or executive, in the Republic. There were two consuls, elected annually by the centurial assembly (one of four Roman legislatures).
Equites, in ancient Rome, members of the equestrian order, or knighthood. The word is Latin for “horsemen.” The equites were originally the cavalrymen of the Roman army, drawn from wealthy citizens.
Gladiator, in ancient Rome, a professional swordplayer who fought to entertain the public.
Herculaneum, an ancient Roman city by the Bay of Naples and at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.
Latins, or Latini, an ancient people, according to tradition the founders of Rome.
Lictor, in ancient Rome, an attendant of high magistrates and religious officials.
Mithraism an ancient religion. It was one of several pagan religions popular in the Roman Empire before Christianity became the prevailing faith in the fourth century A.D.
Patrician and Plebeianthe two orders, or classes, of free residents in ancient Rome.
Pompeii an ancient Roman city on the Bay of Naples 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Naples near the southern foot of Mount Vesuvius.
Praetorian Guard, a body of troops in the Roman Empire. Originally it was a guard for the praetor, the military commander at Rome.
Rubicon, in ancient times, the name of a small river in central Italy dividing the province of Cisalpine Gaul from Italy proper.
Stoicism, the philosophy of a school of Greek and Roman philosophers. They were called “Stoics” because the school's founder, Zeno of Cyprus (about 333 B.C.-261 B.C.), met his students at the Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch) on the north side of the market place in Athens.
Triumph, an ancient Roman honor accorded victorious generals on their return to Rome.
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