OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

Goods or wealth seized in war, which could be distributed or sold to raise funds.

The Athenian council of 500 citizens, selected annually by lot, which prepared the assembly’s agenda and supervised administration.

An opening made in a defensive wall through which attackers can enter.

An attempt by a surrounded or trapped force to force its way out to a safer position.

A large British people whose territory lay in northern Britain. Their internal conflict helped create the circumstances for Roman military intervention.

Ptolemy Caesar, the son of Cleopatra and Caesar, probably born in June 47 BC. His name linked the Egyptian royal dynasty with Caesar.

The Roman name for northern Britain, broadly corresponding to northern parts of modern Scotland.

A military campaign is a connected series of military operations undertaken to achieve an aim, rather than a single battle.

Carthage’s governing council, which helped direct the war effort and ordered Hannibal to return from Italy to defend Carthage.

A powerful political group based north of the Thames which expanded its influence over other communities in southern Britain before the Roman invasion of AD 43.

Soldiers who fight on horseback.

The 300 armed men whom Romulus kept as his personal guard in both peace and war.

The inner chamber of a temple; the Parthenon’s chamber housed the statue of Athena Parthenos.

A registration and assessment of citizens and their property, used under Servius Tullius to allocate military and financial duties.

An officer in the Roman army commanding a unit of soldiers called a century.

A division of Roman citizens used for military organisation and voting; its name does not establish that it always contained exactly 100 men.

A wealthy Athenian citizen responsible for financing a chorus and its preparation for a dramatic or choral competition.

A group of performers in an ancient Greek play who sing or speak collectively and comment on its events and themes.

A type of ancient Greek pouring jug.

Made using gold and ivory, as in Pheidias’ original statue of Athena Parthenos.

Rome’s large venue for public games, especially horse-racing.

A fortified stronghold within or adjoining a town, which can remain in enemy hands even when the surrounding town is captured.

Membership of a political community, bringing recognised rights and obligations. Granting conquered peoples Roman citizenship helped incorporate them into the Roman state.

A woman belonging to the Athenian citizen community by descent. Her status mattered for her children’s citizenship, but did not give her the political rights exercised by male citizens.

An Athenian festival honouring Dionysus, with theatrical competitions alongside processions and religious ceremonies.

A Greek community organised as an independent political state, usually including a town and its surrounding territory.

The responsibilities expected of a member of a political community, such as participating in public affairs and defending the city.