Chapter 6 Vocabulary Terms and People ANCIENT ROME Chapter 6 Vocabulary Terms and People

Section 1 The Roman Republic

Republic: a form of government in which power is in the hands of representatives and leaders are elected by citizens who have the right to vote. Empire: a political unit in which a number of peoples or countries are controlled by a single ruler

Patrician: in ancient Rome, a member of the wealthy, privileged upper class Tribune: in ancient Rome, an official elected by the plebeians to protect their rights Triumvirate: in ancient Rome, a group of three leaders sharing control of the government Plebeian: in ancient Rome, one of the common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up most of the population Consul: in the Roman Republic, one of the two powerful officials elected each year to command the army and direct the government

senate: the aristocratic (wealthy) branch of Rome’s government dictator: a leader who had absolute power to make laws AND command the army legion: large military unit Punic Wars: three wars fought between Rome and Carthage (N. AFR coast) between 264 and 146 B.C. Hannibal: mastermind Carthaginian general. Brilliant military genius

Section 2 The Roman Empire

triumvirate: in ancient Rome, a group of three leaders sharing control of the government civil war: conflict between groups within same country Julius Caesar: elected consul of Rome in 59 B.C.. Ruler of Rome. Once a great military leader. Member of the triumvirate Augustus: “exalted one”; formerly known as Octavian. Also known as imperator, or “supreme military commander”. Officially made Rome an empire and ruled by one man Pax Romana: “Roman Peace”; a period of peace and prosperity in Rome

The Rise of Christianity Section 3 The Rise of Christianity

Disciple: One of the twelve original followers of Jesus. Apostles: one of the followers of Jesus who preached and spread his teachings Crucifixion: The act of crucifying; execution on a cross. Bishop: a high-ranking Christian official who supervises a number of local churches Messiah: the expected king and deliverer of the Jews Jesus: born around 6-4 B.C.; a Jew; born in Bethlehem; fulfilled prophesy; also known as the Messiah

Peter: an apostle. Became first bishop in Rome; referred to as the “rock” to which the Church was built- all priests and bishops trace authority to him. Pope: father or head of the Christian Church (Catholic) Paul: had an enormous influence on Christianity’s development. An apostle and Jew Diaspora: the dispersal and driving away of the Jews from their homeland of Israel into exile. Constantine: a Roman emperor who ended persecution of Jews in Rome; .

The Fall of the Roman Empire Section 4 The Fall of the Roman Empire

Constantinople: originally the Greek city of Byzantium (Turkey); the City of Constantine Attila: military ruler/chieftain from the East; leader of the Huns; also known as Attila the Hun. inflation: a drastic drop in the value of money combined with a rise in prices mercenary: foreign soldiers who are paid to fight Diocletian: a strong- willed army leader who became Roman emperor in A.D. 264; known for ruling with an “iron fist - severly limiting personal freedoms