Ancient Rome: Vocabulary Study Guide aqueduct: a channel or structure made of stone "pipes" that carried fresh water consuls: the two heads of government under the republic dictator: a person appointed to lead the republic during during a crisis disciples: people who follow the beliefs of another person inflation: a major rise in prices that results in an increase in the volume of money and a decrease in its value mercenaries: professional soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army
patricians: class made up mostly of wealthy landowners and businessmen plebeians: class made up mostly of commoners province: a country or territory dominated by Rome and ruled by a governor sent from Rome republic: the first government of ancient Rome; had senators elected by the people schism: a division within a group that often results into mutually opposed parties veto: the power to cancel or postpone the decisions of another