OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

The back face of a coin, often carrying a symbolic image or message.

An uprising against an established ruler or government.

The Latin word for ‘king’, found in early evidence relevant to Roman kingship.

The Roman priestly office established to perform religious duties previously carried out by the king; its name means ‘king of sacred rites’.

The use of language and presentation to persuade or impress an audience; in ancient histories, this could include carefully constructed speeches and dramatic contrasts.

An emergency office in the Roman Republic giving one commander exceptional authority for a limited period.

The spread and adoption of Roman practices under Roman rule, including changes to settlements, religion, culture and ways of life.

A territory governed by Rome through its own officials, supported by Roman military forces.

Records of activities at Alexander’s court, cited by Arrian when describing the king’s final illness.

A record of events at Alexander’s court that Arrian draws on when describing his final illness.

A young attendant at the Macedonian royal court. Pages served the king and could have access to his person.

A political order in which citizens share rights rather than being subject to a single tyrant; it does not necessarily mean that all inhabitants have equal rights or that the state is democratic.

A neighbouring Italian people whose conflict with Rome ended, in the foundation tradition, with the union of the two communities.

The capture and plundering of a settlement by an attacking force, often involving destruction.

An offering to a deity. Animal sacrifice involved the ritual killing of an animal.

An act that violates or shows contempt for something considered sacred.

A group of twelve priests of Mars Gradivus who processed through Rome carrying sacred shields, singing and dancing.

Glossy red Roman tableware, often decorated, which was imported into Britain from Gaul during the conquest period.

Protection sought in a sacred place, such as a temple, where violence was regarded as an offence against the gods.

A stone coffin, often decorated with images or inscriptions.

A long Macedonian pike held with both hands, giving infantry greater reach than soldiers armed with shorter spears.

Humour that exposes or ridicules people, behaviour or institutions, often through exaggeration.

A provincial governor in the Persian Empire or in territory Alexander had conquered.

A province or administrative region of the Persian Empire governed by a satrap.

A strategy of destroying or removing food, supplies and other resources so that an advancing enemy cannot use them.

An examination of a prospective Athenian office-holder’s eligibility and conduct before they entered office.

A horse-drawn war vehicle fitted with projecting blades intended to injure soldiers and disrupt their formation.