Classics key terms

A simplified, repeated representation of a group, which may reveal social assumptions rather than accurately describe individuals.

A pointed writing tool used to scratch letters into a wax-covered tablet; also spelt ‘stylus’.

The regular salary paid to a Roman soldier.

A vessel with a double, stirrup-like handle above a closed central feature and a separate functional pouring spout.

A recognisable character type used repeatedly in plays, with familiar traits such as cleverness, greed or boastfulness.

A narrow stretch of sea between areas of land. At Salamis, restricted sea-room helped prevent the larger Persian fleet from using its numerical advantage.

One of the ten Athenian generals elected each year (plural strategoi).

The arrangement of archaeological deposits into layers and phases, used to establish the sequence in which activities occurred.

A curved scraper used to remove oil, sweat and dirt from the skin.

The arrangement and treatment of a building or artwork’s features, such as its architectural form, decoration or lettering.

A representation simplified into recognisable shapes or patterns rather than shown entirely realistically.

A pointed writing implement used to inscribe wax tablets.

A payment made to support another ruler or state. Roman annual payments to Dacia formed part of the peace arrangement inherited by Trajan.

A man seeking to marry a woman; in the Odyssey, the suitors seek Penelope’s hand while occupying Odysseus’ household.

A person who formally appeals for protection or mercy. In the prescribed passages, such appeals invoke obligations towards both other people and the gods.

An appeal for protection or mercy, often expressed in the Odyssey by clasping another person’s knees.

The uneven survival or discovery of evidence, which means that surviving sources may not represent the whole ancient population or its activities.

A written sign representing a syllable, such as ‘ti’ or ‘po’, rather than a single alphabetic letter.

An ancient Greek drinking party, usually following a meal, where male guests drank, talked and enjoyed entertainment.

Combining evidence from different sources to develop an overall interpretation, while taking account of their dates, purposes and limitations.

Spartan communal dining groups in which adult male citizens ate together and were required to contribute supplies; the singular is syssition.

A room in a Roman house used for business or reception, commonly situated beyond the atrium.

An ancient unit of weight used to express monetary sums.

A Mycenaean human figurine type with folded arms arranged at right angles to the upright body, giving an outline resembling the Greek letter Τ.

A warm room in a Roman bath building, providing a gentler temperature than the hot room.

Clay hardened by firing, used to make pottery and figurines.

A close formation in which Roman soldiers held shields in front, at the sides and overhead to provide collective protection.