OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

The three-man political alliance of Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus, formed after Julius Caesar’s assassination to exercise power over the Roman state.

Choosing people by a random draw rather than by an election.

A council of leading Romans which exercised considerable influence over government and policy.

An ancient account selected for study as evidence about a period, to be interpreted rather than treated as an unquestionable record.

A military attempt to capture a defended place by surrounding it, attacking it and restricting its supplies.

A British people in South Wales who resisted Roman conquest and were subdued during Frontinus’ governorship.

Rome’s Italian allies, which supplied soldiers and other support to Rome.

A professional teacher in ancient Greece, often associated with teaching argument and persuasive speaking.

Professional teachers in fifth-century BC Greece who charged fees for education, often including persuasive speaking and argument.

The arms taken by a victorious Roman commander from an enemy leader whom he personally killed in battle, dedicated to Jupiter Feretrius. Livy presents Romulus’ offering as the founding example.

A group of warships operating together as part of a larger fleet.

A simplified image that assigns supposedly shared characteristics to a whole group.

The ten elected Athenian generals, responsible for military leadership; the singular is strategos.

An elected Athenian general with military responsibilities and considerable political influence.

The overall plan for achieving an objective in a war, including where to fight and which enemy resources to attack.

People living under the authority of a monarch; Cleopatra’s subjects included different communities with potentially different interests.

Acceptance of another power’s authority, often following military defeat or the threat of force.

Farming mainly to provide food and other necessities for the farmer’s own household.

The transfer of a throne from one ruler to the next.

Alexander’s generals and other rulers who competed for control of his empire after his death in 323 BC.

The Latin nickname meaning ‘proud’ or ‘arrogant’, given to Lucius Tarquinius in the Roman historical tradition.

A person seeking protection, often by taking refuge at a sacred place such as an altar.

The routes used to bring food, equipment and other necessities to an army or fleet.

Produce or other resources left over after immediate needs have been met, which can be stored for later use.

A Persian royal centre where Alexander arranged a collective marriage ceremony for himself and his Companions in 324 BC.

The methods used to deploy and manoeuvre troops during a battle.

A large ancient unit of weight also used to express sums of money.

The sacred enclosure containing a temple and its associated spaces, such as a courtyard and altar.