Unit 2 Early Rome (c. 1000–509 BCE) – Roman Religion: Terms Flashcards
Ab Urbe Condita
Ab Urbe Condita (Latin for “from the founding of the city”) refers to the traditional dating system based on the legendary founding of Rome in 753 BCE. It was also the title of a history of Rome written by Livy. This phrase was commonly used by Romans to mark historical events in relation to their city’s origin.
Annals
Annals are historical records arranged year by year, often focusing on political and military events. In Rome, they were an important form of historical writing, used by historians like Tacitus. The Annales Maximi were early Roman records kept by the Pontifex Maximus.
Ceres
Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, closely associated with the Greek Demeter. She was central to the plebeian class and had a major temple on the Aventine Hill. The Cereal Games (Cerealia) were held in her honor.
Etruscans
The Etruscans were an ancient people of central Italy who greatly influenced early Rome, particularly in architecture, religion, and political institutions. They ruled Rome during the monarchy, with Etruscan kings like Tarquin the Proud. Their civilization declined as Rome expanded.
Flamen (plural: Flamines)
A flamen was a Roman priest assigned to the worship of a specific god, such as the Flamen Dialis (Jupiter’s priest). Flamines performed rituals and maintained religious traditions. There were major and minor flamines, with strict rules governing their conduct.
Fetial/Fetial Practice
The fetiales were a priestly group responsible for diplomacy and war declarations. They followed sacred procedures to ensure just wars, including ritualistic treaty-making and calling on the gods to witness agreements. If war was necessary, a fetial would ceremonially hurl a spear into enemy territory.
Inscription
Inscriptions were written texts carved into stone, metal, or other materials, often used for official decrees, laws, and memorials. They provide valuable primary sources for studying Roman history. The Res Gestae of Augustus is a famous Roman inscription documenting his achievements.
Janus
Janus was the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and doorways, depicted with two faces looking to the past and future. His temple in Rome had open doors during war and closed doors in times of peace. He symbolized change and new beginnings.
Lares
Lares were household gods in Roman religion, believed to protect homes and families. Small shrines (lararia) were placed in Roman houses where daily offerings were made. Public Lares also protected crossroads and cities.
Pontifex Maximus
The Pontifex Maximus was the chief priest of Roman religion, overseeing religious law and rituals. Originally a Republican office, it was later held by emperors, including Augustus. The title is still used today by the Pope.
Primary Source
A primary source is a firsthand account or direct evidence from the past, such as inscriptions, official documents, speeches, or contemporary writings. Examples include Julius Caesar’s Commentarii and Tacitus’ Annals. These sources are essential for studying Roman history.
Prosopography
Prosopography is the study of historical groups through collective biographies, analyzing social and political networks. In Roman history, it helps track families, careers, and power dynamics, such as the senatorial class. It is useful for understanding elite relationships.
Secondary Source
A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources, providing context and scholarly perspectives. Examples include modern history books, academic articles, and biographies. These sources help historians reconstruct and understand the past.
Senate
The Roman Senate was a governing body composed of aristocrats who advised magistrates and controlled finances, foreign policy, and legislation. It played a key role in both the Republic and Empire, though its power declined under emperors. Senators were from the elite patrician and later equestrian classes.
