OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation key terms

A writing material on which texts could be written in ink and arranged in columns on a scroll.

Plutarch’s collection of biographies pairing notable Greeks with Romans so that their characters and achievements could be compared.

A Roman festival honouring deceased family members and ancestors, held from 13 to 21 February; its name means ‘Ancestral Days’.

The killing of a parent. Plutarch uses this accusation when considering Theseus’ responsibility for Aegeus’ death.

The male head of a Roman household, who held authority over family members under his power and managed the household’s interests.

An approach which presents an authority figure as a caring father, while retaining unequal power over those receiving care.

An appeal to the audience’s sympathy or sorrow, often created by depicting suffering, helplessness or loss.

‘Paternal power’: the legal authority of a Roman paterfamilias over descendants subject to his control.

A member of Rome’s hereditary aristocratic social order.

Loyalty to one's homeland or community, which can include willingness to defend it.

A person or organisation that commissions or pays for an object or monument, potentially influencing its message.

A relationship between a patron and clients. In Roman society, a patron was an influential person whom clients approached for support.

A god or goddess believed to offer particular protection to a city or community.

‘Peace of the gods’: a favourable relationship between the Roman community and its gods, maintained through appropriate religious observance.

‘Roman peace’: the peace and stability associated with Roman rule, which Augustus promoted as an achievement of his leadership.

Money, property or other assets an owner allowed an enslaved person to manage. It legally belonged to the owner but could sometimes be used to purchase freedom.

The triangular area beneath a pitched roof at the end of a classical temple, often containing sculpture.

A lightly armed infantry soldier equipped with javelins and a lighter shield, able to attack and withdraw more readily than a hoplite.

A subdivision of a Spartan army company, commanded by a penteconter.

An Amazon warrior who supported the Trojans towards the end of the Trojan War and was killed by Achilles.

A draped ancient Greek garment worn by women. A specially woven peplos was presented to Athena as an offering at the Panathenaic festival.

An enclosure containing family graves and funerary monuments in ancient Greece. The plural is periboloi.

Free inhabitants of communities under Spartan control who lacked Spartan citizenship and political rights but contributed labour and military service.

A naval manoeuvre in which ships move around the end of an enemy line to attack from the side or rear.

A colonnaded walkway surrounding an open courtyard or garden.

The voice or character through whom an author presents a work; its statements should not automatically be treated as the author’s personal testimony.

The representation of an abstract idea, place or natural feature as a human figure, such as Victory or the river Danube.