Classics key terms

The turning posts at the ends of a Roman racetrack’s central barrier.

A change of physical form, such as Circe’s magical transformation of men into pigs.

A comparison that describes one thing as another without explicitly using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

A free resident foreigner in a Greek city, especially Athens, who did not possess the rights of a citizen.

Cunning intelligence or resourcefulness, used to solve problems through planning, deception and adaptable judgement.

A rectangular panel in a Doric frieze, which could contain a sculpted scene.

The honour associated with successful warfare, including defeating enemies, gaining territory and receiving public recognition.

A Roman performance form that could combine speech, movement and comic sketches, usually without masks and with both male and female performers.

Prejudice against or hostility towards women. A literary portrayal may express misogyny by presenting women collectively as deceitful or harmful.

Permission for a defeated gladiator to leave a bout alive; this was not the same as gaining freedom.

Salted, toasted emmer flour prepared by the Vestal Virgins and sprinkled on sacrificial victims as part of their consecration to the gods.

The protective herb Hermes gives Odysseus to prevent Circe’s enchantment; it has a black root and a milk-white flower.

A system of government headed by a king or queen.

A regiment in the Spartan army described by Xenophon in his account of about 375 BC; its plural is morai.

An example of behaviour presented for readers to imitate or avoid.

A design or picture formed from small pieces of material, often used to decorate Roman floors.

A gladiator armed with a sword and large shield, with a helmet and leg protection; a common opponent of the thraex.

The Late Bronze Age civilisation of mainland Greece, named after Mycenae; its major palaces were centres of administration, production, military organisation and religion.

A traditional story about gods, heroes or origins which can express a community’s beliefs and values; it is not necessarily a verifiable account of events.

A female divine spirit associated with fresh water, such as a river or spring.

The main room of a Greek temple, which housed the cult statue; cella is the Latin term.

The speed at which a narrative presents events, shaped by the amount of description, dialogue or summary devoted to them.

The methods a storyteller uses to organise and present events, including viewpoint, dialogue, pace and the release of information.

The voice that tells a story. A narrator may participate in events or describe them from outside.

An open-air swimming pool in a Roman bath complex.

A professional officer commanding a squadron of ships in the Roman navy.

The centaur who abducts Deianira, is shot by Hercules with a Hydra-poisoned arrow, and seeks revenge by giving her his blood-soaked tunic as a supposed remedy for waning love.