Unit 1: Introduction - Terms Flashcards
Classical Antiquity
Classical antiquity refers to the period of ancient Greek and Roman history, typically spanning from around the 8th century BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. It encompasses major cultural, political, and intellectual achievements that shaped Western civilization. This era includes the development of democracy, philosophy, literature, and art.
Classics
Classics is the academic study of ancient Greece and Rome, including their languages, literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology. It explores foundational texts such as those by Homer, Virgil, and Cicero. The field helps understand the origins of Western thought, law, and governance.
Empire
An empire is a political structure where a central authority rules over multiple territories and diverse peoples, often through conquest and governance. The Roman Empire, for example, controlled vast lands across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Empires typically maintain power through military force, administration, and cultural integration.
Mos Maiorum
Mos maiorum, meaning “the way of the ancestors,” was the unwritten code of Roman tradition, emphasizing values like duty, loyalty, and discipline. It shaped Roman social, political, and religious life, guiding behaviors in public and private affairs. Romans saw it as a foundation for stability and moral conduct.
Pomerium
The pomerium was the sacred boundary of Rome, marking the city’s official religious and political limits. It was forbidden to bear arms or conduct military activities within it. Expansion of the pomerium symbolized Rome’s growth and authority.
Presentism
Presentism is the tendency to interpret historical events and figures through modern values and perspectives. It can lead to misrepresentations by applying contemporary moral or political standards to the past. Historians aim to avoid presentism to understand historical contexts accurately.
Republic
A republic is a form of government in which power rests with elected representatives and institutions rather than a monarchy. The Roman Republic (509–27 BCE) featured a Senate, magistrates, and popular assemblies. It was characterized by a balance of power between different social classes, especially patricians and plebeians.
Rome
Rome was a powerful city-state that became the center of one of history’s greatest civilizations, lasting from its legendary founding in 753 BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. It developed a vast empire, spreading its legal, political, and cultural influence across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Rome’s legacy continues in law, architecture, language, and governance.
