Classics key terms

A continuous decorative band on a building or monument, often containing sculpted figures.

An unheated room in a Roman bath building, containing a cold bath or plunge pool.

The practical role an object or building performed.

An association whose members made regular contributions towards funeral costs and support when a member died.

A structure of combustible material, such as wood, on which a dead person’s body is burned.

An object placed with a dead person as part of their burial, also called a grave good.

A ceremonial group accompanying a dead person's body to its place of cremation or burial.

Supernatural female figures associated with punishment, whose unprecedented tears show how deeply Orpheus’s song moves the underworld.

An intense, uncontrolled passion, such as rage, that can overwhelm judgement and drive destructive action.

An Athenian calendar month associated with weddings and sacred to Hera, the patron goddess of marriage.

Social expectations about the behaviour and responsibilities considered appropriate for men and women.

An annual Athenian festival honouring dead ancestors across the family line.

A category of literature recognised through shared conventions, such as satire or letter-writing.

A trained arena fighter who fought other gladiators using specialised weapons and defensive equipment.

A short, double-edged Roman sword particularly suited to thrusting in close combat.

Heated, softened glass material that can be shaped in a mould; it need not be completely molten.

Giving something praise, prestige or honour, making it appear especially worthy of admiration.

The presentation of warfare as admirable, noble or desirable, for example through praise of courage, beautiful imagery or promises of lasting fame.

Renown earned through exceptional deeds, especially fighting, which may preserve a warrior’s reputation after death.

An immortal supernatural being who can influence human lives and events; Homer’s gods also display recognisably human emotions and loyalties.

A mythical period of prosperity and harmony under Saturn, remembered as a time before the divisions of ordinary society.

Writing scratched into a surface, such as a plaster wall.

An advanced teacher in ancient Rome who taught Latin and Greek language and literature, including the interpretation and recitation of texts.

Decoration made by attaching groups of tiny gold balls to a surface.

Objects placed in a burial with the dead, including jewellery, weapons and vessels.

The larger Panathenaic festival held every four years in honour of Athena, combining contests with a procession, the presentation of a garment and sacrifice.

A piece of armour protecting the lower leg, especially the shin.