Rome Notes

Terms

Patricians- Upper-class citizens who belonged to the oldest and noblest roman families
Republic - in reference to ancient Rome, the system of city-state government in which decision- making power was shared between the senate and assemblies of male citizens
plebeians- the roman common people including workers, small farmers and wealthy people who were not patricians.
Senate- in ancient Rome, a government assembly appointed by the king and under the republic by the consuls: originally by the consuls: originally all members were patricians, but in time wealthy plebeians were appointed as well
consuls- in the roman republic two senators who led the government and military for one-year terms and appointed there own successors
dictator- in the roman republic, a single leader with full decision- making powers, appointed for a max. 6 month term during times of emergency
tribunes- magistrates elected by the plebeians, who eventually gained power to initiate and veto laws
client- A person who provides personal services in return for money and protection from a patron
patron- a wealthy person who supports others with money and protection in exchanges for personal services
pontiff- in ancient Rome one of the republic's leading priests
paterfamilias- the family father in ancient Rome, who had unlimited power over his household
matron - title of honor given to a married woman in ancient rome