Classics key terms

In the Odyssey, conduct that violates humane social obligations, especially cruelty, cannibalism and abuse of hospitality.

A poet-singer who performs stories for an audience, often with musical accompaniment.

The decisive naval battle fought off western Greece on 2 September 31 BCE, in which Octavian’s forces, with their fleet commanded by Agrippa, defeated Antony and Cleopatra.

A tendency to present a subject from a particular viewpoint, affecting what is selected, emphasised or omitted.

A portable, bed-like support used to carry a dead person's body.

Writing about a person’s life. Plutarch uses paired biographies to investigate character and moral behaviour.

A double-width seat awarded as a public honour for distinguished service.

An attempt to prevent supplies or reinforcements from reaching an enemy position, for example by controlling its sea routes.

A helmet incorporating pieces of boar’s tusk as protective material.

Property and valuables taken from a defeated enemy during war.

The half-human, fire-breathing son of Vulcan whom Hercules kills in Virgil’s Aeneid after he steals Hercules’ cattle.

Hermes’ messenger’s staff, also called a kerykeion.

Cleopatra’s son, regarded as the son of Julius Caesar. His connection to Caesar created a potential rival claim to that of Caesar’s adopted heir, Octavian.

A hot room in a Roman bath building, normally containing a hot-water bath.

An experienced professional officer responsible for organising a legionary fortress and supervising training.

The Field of Mars, an area of ancient Rome associated with military activity and elections, where the Ara Pacis originally stood.

The eating of human flesh; Polyphemus’ treatment of Odysseus’ companions makes him a cannibal.

The starting stalls whose gates released the chariots onto a Roman racetrack.

A secret political plot in 63 BC led by Catiline to seize control of Roman government, with Sempronia named by Sallust among its female supporters.

The tiered seating area of an ancient theatre, arranged around the performance space.

The main inner chamber of a temple, often housing its cult statue; also called the naos.

The principal Roman meal; an invitation to a cena could turn it into a social occasion with several courses and entertainment.

Petronius’ fictional dinner-party episode, also known as ‘Dinner with Trimalchio’, within the Satyricon.

A commemorative funerary monument that does not contain the remains of the person it honours.

A Roman magistrate responsible for reviewing the Senate’s membership, including removing members for dishonourable conduct.

An official registration of citizens, their families and their property, used to establish their position within Roman society.

A mythical creature with a human upper body and the body and legs of a horse.