rome

• Roman Republic

  Rome's government without a King or Emperor to prevent tyrants.
• Senate

  Part of Roman government where citizens discussed and voted on decisions.
• Consuls


  Elected leaders of the Roman state for 1 year.
• Assemblies


  Gatherings where Roman citizens discussed and voted on new laws.
• Patricians


  Oldest, most powerful Roman families in the Republic.
• Equites


  Roman 'middle class' consisting of merchants and traders.
• Plebeians


  Common Roman citizens, often poor, gaining political power.
• Tribune


  Powerful Roman office able to veto legislation to protect plebeians' rights.
• Veto


  To forbid; in Roman Republic, used by tribunes to stop laws.
• Senate (2)


  Similar to a parliament, elected officials discussed and voted on decisions.
• Consuls (2)

  Two senators elected to lead the Roman state for 1 year.
• Assembly


  Gathering of Roman citizens to discuss laws and elect officials.
• Roman Legions


  Military backbone of Rome used for expansion and dominance.
• Punic Wars


  Series of wars against Carthage for Mediterranean dominance.
• Octavian


  Became Emperor Augustus, ending the Roman Republic after civil wars.
• SPQR


  Acronym for the Senate and People of Rome.
• Social Divides


  Class consciousness in Rome with patronage ties maintaining social order.
• Patricians (2)


  Top Roman class, around 30 wealthy families with senate membership.
• Equites (2)

  Wealthy class below patricians, involved in trade and business.
• Cicero


  Roman statesman using political methods similar to elite families.