History key terms

An architectural frame around the stage opening, separating the visible performance space from scenery and equipment concealed behind it.

Bringing a criminal accusation against someone through the courts; prosecution does not necessarily result in conviction.

A ritual of obeisance before a ruler. Some Greeks and Macedonians opposed its use before Alexander because they associated such honours with gods rather than human beings.

A person who searches for valuable mineral deposits, such as gold.

A system in which criminals demand payment from businesses, threatening damage or violence if they refuse.

The Nazi term for detention that allowed the Gestapo to send someone directly to a concentration camp without a trial or an effective right of appeal.

A person entrusted with protecting a monarch and governing on their behalf when they cannot rule personally. William Marshal held this role during Henry III’s childhood.

The system of government headed by a Lord Protector, first Oliver Cromwell from 1653 and then briefly his son Richard.

Action expressing opposition to a decision, condition or authority, often intended to bring about change.

A Christian belonging to a tradition that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation.

The political, economic and social dominance of the Protestant elite in Ireland, especially members of the Anglican established church.

A family of Christian traditions arising from challenges to the Catholic Church, rejecting papal authority and emphasising the authority of the Bible.

The background of a source: who created it, when and where it was produced, its intended audience and its purpose.

A territory under direct Roman administration, headed by a Roman governor.

The temporary government established after Nicholas II's abdication in 1917, intended to govern Russia until an elected assembly could decide its future.

An agreement imposed on Henry III in 1258 that increased baronial control over government and restricted the king’s freedom to make decisions.

An appeal to the Roman people against a magistrate’s exercise of punitive authority.

A conflict in which outside powers support opposing sides rather than openly fighting a war against each other.

The fifty members from one tribe who served in turn as the acting committee of the Athenian Council of Five Hundred.

One of the ten administrative divisions of the Athenian year, during which one tribe’s fifty councillors served as the council’s executive group.

A name indicating that a work has been attributed to Xenophon but is not accepted as his. The author of the work known as the Old Oligarch remains unidentified.

Overcoming an internalised sense of inferiority and recognising one’s own dignity and ability to act. Black Consciousness regarded this as essential to political liberation.

The royal family descended from Ptolemy I that ruled Egypt; Cleopatra VII was its last ruling queen.

A dynasty of Macedonian origin that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s death; Cleopatra VII belonged to this ruling family.

Measures taken to protect the health of a population, such as providing clean water, removing sewage and collecting rubbish.

A punishment that exposes an offender to shame and ridicule in front of other people.

An explanation presented publicly to justify an action, which may not reveal all the motives behind it.

The views held by people outside government about public affairs, which political groups may try to influence.

The identity a ruler presents publicly through titles, clothing, ceremonies and images, which may differ from their private character.

A fee-paying private school in Britain, such as Eton or Harrow; the term does not mean a state school.