OCR GCSE Ancient History key terms

The side of an army or formation, which can be vulnerable to attack.

An attack against the side of an enemy force rather than directly against its front.

The sides of an army’s formation, which could be vulnerable to attacks from outside its main fighting line.

Excessive praise intended to please someone or gain their favour; at Alexander’s court, this could involve exaggerating his achievements and belittling others.

The Roman imperial dynasty established by Vespasian in AD 69, followed by his sons Titus and Domitian.

Soldiers sent to collect food and other supplies for an army.

Searching for or collecting food and other supplies needed by an army.

Rome’s central public area, used for commerce and civic activities.

A Roman road whose alignment broadly corresponded with the extent of early Roman control in Britain; its possible use as an early frontier is debated.

A settlement established or reorganised by a ruler to serve purposes such as military control, administration or trade.

A traditional story explaining the origins of a community, often linking its beginnings to heroes, gods and important institutions.

A design dividing a garden into four sections. The reconstructed garden at Pasargadae may be an early example.

A surviving portion of an ancient work whose complete text has been lost.

A formerly enslaved person who had been legally freed.

An official status recognising a ruler or state as an ally of Rome. Cleopatra sought this recognition to strengthen the security of her rule.

A continuous band of sculptural decoration. The Parthenon’s frieze ran around its inner building.

The zone at the edge of a power’s territory or control, which need not be a precisely defined boundary.

A public speech delivered to honour the dead. Pericles’ Funeral Oration also praises Athens and encourages the living to defend it.

Troops stationed at a particular place to defend it and maintain control of the surrounding area.

The type of writing, such as biography, history, a private letter or poetry. Different genres shape which details an author selects and how they present them.

The Roman official responsible for administering a province and commanding its provincial army.

Combining Greek and Egyptian cultural traditions, including forms of kingship and religious expression.

The title used by the ruler of the Persian Empire; Bessus claimed it after Darius III’s death.

The major celebration in honour of Athena, including religious ceremonies and competitions.

Armour protecting the lower legs.

Warfare using raids and surprise attacks rather than relying on a large, set-piece battle.

The Carthaginian commander associated with the defence of Africa whose death during unrest at Carthage is described by Appian; he was not Hannibal’s brother, Hasdrubal Barca.