Ancient Roman Terms

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Instructions: Journey to the Roman Empire and learn the words that shaped Western civilization

1.
In ancient Rome, what was the 'Forum'?
A
A type of weapon
B
The central public space used for commerce, politics, and socializing
C
A military formation
D
A type of chariot
2.
What was a Roman 'consul'?
A
A military general
B
One of two chief magistrates elected annually to lead the Republic
C
An advisor to the emperor
D
A temple priest
3.
In Roman society, what was a 'plebeian'?
A
A gladiator
B
A slave
C
A common citizen, as opposed to the aristocratic patricians
D
A foreign merchant
4.
What was a 'toga' in ancient Rome?
A
A party
B
A type of sandal
C
A draped outer garment worn by Roman citizens
D
A hairstyle
5.
In Roman architecture, what was an 'aqueduct'?
A
A structure built to carry water over long distances
B
An underground tunnel
C
A swimming pool
D
A type of bridge for armies
6.
What did 'veni, vidi, vici' mean?
A
Eat, drink, be merry
B
Live, laugh, love
C
I came, I saw, I conquered
D
Truth, justice, honor
7.
In ancient Rome, what was a 'centurion'?
A
A chariot racer
B
A type of coin
C
A 100-year period
D
An officer commanding approximately 80-100 soldiers
8.
What was the 'Senate' in Roman government?
A
A school for politicians
B
The assembly of elder statesmen who advised on policy and law
C
A military council
D
A prison
9.
In ancient Rome, what was a 'gladiator'?
A
A flower arranger
B
A type of priest
C
A trained fighter who battled in arenas for public entertainment
D
A merchant
10.
What did 'pax' mean in Roman Latin?
A
Power
B
Patience
C
Payment
D
Peace
11.
In Roman culture, what was a 'triumph'?
A
A type of musical instrument
B
A marketplace
C
A card game
D
A ceremonial procession granted to a victorious general
12.
What was a 'villa' in ancient Rome?
A
A large country estate or house
B
A type of grape
C
A small village
D
A military camp
13.
In Roman law, what did 'habeas corpus' literally mean?
A
Holy body
B
You shall have the body (to be brought before a court)
C
Body of evidence
D
Dead body
14.
What was a Roman 'legion'?
A
A type of ship
B
A collection of laws
C
A group of priests
D
The main unit of the Roman army, typically 4,000-6,000 soldiers
15.
In ancient Rome, what were the 'Ides' (as in 'Ides of March')?
A
The 15th day of March, May, July, and October in the Roman calendar
B
A type of dice game
C
Military drills
D
A holiday festival

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