OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation key terms

A priestess of the Roman goddess Vesta. In Livy’s account, Amulius makes Rhea Silvia a Vestal to prevent her from having children.

A female priest serving the Roman goddess Vesta, responsible especially for maintaining her sacred fire.

Priestesses of Vesta who maintained Rome’s sacred fire, cared for sacred objects and prepared mola salsa.

An entrance room between a building’s porch and its main interior room.

The moral excellence praised in Horace's poem, associated with courage and integrity rather than simply public approval.

Objects and images produced or used by a society, which can provide evidence about its activities, values and beliefs.

An image or artistic representation used as evidence about the past, such as a coin design or sculpted relief.

An object dedicated to a deity as a religious gift.

The Mycenaean ruler who presided over a palace and its surrounding kingdom.

A wooden tablet covered with a thin layer of wax into which letters could be scratched.

An inherited relationship of hospitality and reciprocal obligations between households, which can extend across generations.

The Athenian property class that could generally afford hoplite equipment.

Zeus in his role as protector of strangers and guest-friendship.