Roman Occupations Flashcards
What is the Latin term for a secretary?
amanuēnsis/librarius
This term refers to someone who assists in writing or managing documents.
What profession does ‘argentārius’ refer to?
banker
Bankers played a crucial role in managing finances in Roman society.
What is the role of a ‘carnifex’?
butcher
Butchers were responsible for preparing meat for consumption.
What does ‘caupo’ mean in Roman occupations?
innkeeper
Innkeepers provided lodging and food for travelers.
Define ‘chirurgus’.
surgeon
Surgeons performed medical operations in ancient Rome.
What is a ‘discobolus’?
discus thrower
This term refers to an athlete who competed in the discus throw event.
What does ‘fullò’ refer to?
fuller, laundry man
Fullers cleaned and processed textiles in ancient Rome.
What is the role of an ‘insularius’?
custodian of an apartment house (insula)
Insularii managed residential buildings in Roman cities.
What does ‘leno’ mean?
pimp - sold female slaves for immoral purposes
Leni were involved in the illegal trade of slaves.
What is a ‘mangò’?
wholesale dealer - seller of slaves
Mangò operated in the slave trade market.
What does ‘metator’ refer to?
surveyor
Surveyors measured land and established property boundaries.
What is the role of a ‘nuntius’?
messenger
Messengers were responsible for delivering messages and news.
Define ‘nutrix’.
nurse
Nurses cared for the sick and assisted in childbirth.
What does ‘pictor’ mean?
painter
Painters created artworks, including frescoes and portraits.
What is a ‘piscator’?
fisher
Fishers caught fish for food and trade.
What does ‘pistor/pisitor’ refer to?
bread baker - crushed spelt into puls
Bakers were essential for producing staple foods in Rome.
What is a ‘corpus/collegium’?
guild of bread bakers
Guilds regulated trade practices among bakers.
What does ‘prima rudis’ mean?
fencing master
Fencing masters taught combat skills in ancient Rome.
What is the role of a ‘publicanus’?
tax collector
Tax collectors managed the collection of taxes for the state.
Define ‘scriba’.
scribe
Scribes were responsible for writing and copying documents.
What does ‘sutor’ refer to?
shoe maker
Shoemakers crafted and repaired footwear.
What is a ‘tabellārius’?
mailman
Mailmen delivered letters and messages across distances.
What does ‘tonsor’ mean?
barber
Barbers provided grooming services and haircuts.
Define ‘topiärius’.
ornamental gardener - hedge trimmer and ivy grower
Topiarii specialized in gardening and landscaping.
What is the role of ‘vigilēs’?
watchmen, firmen, policemen
Vigilēs maintained order and safety in urban areas.
True or False: Lawyers in ancient Rome were allowed to accept pay for their services.
False
Lawyers were forbidden by law to accept pay.
True or False: Architecture was considered a reputable profession in ancient Rome.
True
Architecture was held in high regard, similar to medicine.
