Classics key terms

Sculpture carved so that figures project from a background to which they remain attached.

A triangular space above a lintel that reduces the load directly over it, directing the weight of the masonry towards the sides of the doorway.

Ritual impurity associated with events such as death, requiring religious cleansing; it is distinct from physical dirt or disease.

Metalwork decoration made by hammering a design out from the back of a thin sheet.

The Roman system of government established after the expulsion of the kings, in which public offices replaced rule by a king.

An audience’s emotional reaction to, or judgement of, a text, such as admiration, pity, pride or disapproval.

A lightly protected gladiator armed with a net, trident and dagger, whose fighting style depended on keeping an opponent at a distance.

Retaliation against someone for an injury or wrong suffered by oneself or others.

A performer who recites epic poetry; later Greek rhapsodes performed Homeric verse.

A teacher in ancient Rome who trained pupils in persuasive public speaking and argument.

The art of using language effectively to persuade an audience, especially through speeches and arguments.

A pouring vessel, often used for ceremonial offerings of liquid.

A legal status giving a person membership of the Roman state, with particular rights, protections and obligations.

A circular building or hall; the Pantheon’s rotunda is covered by a dome.

An offering made to a deity as an act of worship; in the Hymn to Demeter, famine threatens the gods’ receipt of gifts and sacrifices from humans.

A small defended exit through fortifications, allowing defenders to make a sudden counter-attack.

The formal morning greeting through which Roman clients visited and showed respect to their patrons.

An uneven surviving or studied selection of evidence that may not represent the whole society or activity being investigated.

A sacred area containing religious structures such as temples and altars.

A stone coffin, sometimes made of marble and decorated with relief sculpture.

Writing which exposes or mocks faults in people or society, often using exaggeration, humour and sharply drawn contrasts.

A Latin word associated with a mixture or medley, which became the name of the Roman literary genre of satire.

The Roman god associated with sowing and seed, believed to have ruled during the Golden Age.

A Roman festival in honour of Saturn, beginning on 17 December and involving sacrifice, feasting, gifts and temporary relaxation of social hierarchies.

A humorous mythological drama with a chorus of satyrs, the animal-featured companions of Dionysus, normally performed after a playwright’s three tragedies.

The architectural façade of a Roman theatre’s stage building, forming a permanent backdrop and providing doorways for performers.

A person trained to write documents and keep records.