OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

A law proposed by Pericles in 451/0 BC requiring both parents to be Athenian citizens for their child to qualify for citizenship.

A major Persian royal centre whose palace Alexander burned in 330 BC.

The Macedonian heavy infantry known as the Foot Companions, who fought with sarissas in the phalanx.

A close formation of infantry fighting in coordinated ranks; the Macedonian version used long pikes.

A representation of a penis used as a ritual object; the Brea inscription requires one to be brought to the Dionysia.

The Egyptian king, whose position included religious duties as well as political rule.

A written conversation in which speakers explore ideas about matters such as conduct, knowledge or the organisation of life.

A kinship association in ancient Athens involved in recognising family membership and descent.

Respect for the gods expressed through religious duties and observances; Livy presents this as a central quality of Numa’s character and government.

An outbreak of deadly disease affecting many people. The precise disease responsible for the Athenian plague is uncertain.

A Roman citizen who was not a patrician. Plebeians included both poorer citizens and prosperous people seeking greater political influence.

Roman citizens outside the patrician aristocracy; Livy describes them as bearing military service and compulsory building labour under Tarquin.

The body of ordinary Roman citizens, distinguished from the patrician aristocracy.

Goods and wealth seized from an enemy during war.

An Athenian official who initially held overall command of the army, above the ten tribal generals.

A modern description of Alexander’s measures to bring Macedonian and Iranian elites together. It should not be taken to mean that he achieved equal treatment or complete integration.

A Greek city-state: a political community consisting of a city and its surrounding territory.

The ability of a state to make its own decisions without control by another state.

A Greek historian, born around 200 BC, whose Histories explained the rise of Roman power. He wrote after the Second Punic War and researched its events.

The sacred boundary of the city of Rome, whose extension could symbolise the expansion of Roman power.

A ceremonial procession; at the City Dionysia it formed part of the public worship of Dionysus.

The chief religious official responsible for supervising religious rules and advising on correct observance.

Roman priests responsible for overseeing religious rules and ceremonies.

A covered porch or walkway supported by columns, which could provide space for royal receptions.

The way a person or group is represented through selected details, language and contrasts.

The emperor’s elite bodyguard, which could also accompany him on campaign.

A publicly offered justification for an action, which may not reveal all the motives behind it.