Politics
Someone appointed to sit on the senate. Usually an older male, usually Patrician, and usually head of their Familia.
Senator
The authority needed for command. Praetors and Consuls had this, enabling them to command armies. Later becomes associated with the Emperor.
Imperator
Being officially Roman. You needed to be male and not a slave. Most are born one because their father was one. Could also be granted for public or military service.
Citizen
A slave trained to fight in the arena. Like sportspeople today, could become very wealthy and renowned (if they survived).
Gladiator
An army commanded by a consul. Usually a significant force numbering several legions.
Consular Army
A political office. Someone given near complete control over the republic during a time of crisis (eg: invasion). Appointed by the Senate.
Dictator
A political body which served an "advisory" role for the Consuls and other magistrates. Had certain powers over the state, e.g: interpretation of law, and the selection of provinces for Proconsuls/Propraetors
Senate
“Family”. Like Greece, the eldest male was the central figure, so could also include grown sons and their wives/children.
Familia
Formally making someone a part of your familia (and therefore, gens). Often used as a method of social advancement for wealthy plebeians.
Adoption
The main meeting place, market and administrative center of a city.
Forum
Top official in the Roman Republic. Two were elected per year and shared power.
Consul
An area outside Rome, but controlled by the Romans. Administered by either a Proconsul (former consul) for wealthy ones, or a Propraetor (former praetor) for smaller/poorer ones.
Province
Latin name for the republic. Literal translation is "Public affairs"
Res publica
Upper-class Roman citizens. Associated with Gens of original founders/powerful families of Rome.
Patrician
A group of around 5500 soldiers. The largest unit of military organization. Commanded by a Legatus (Legate).
This was made up of around 11 Cohorts (c. 500 soldiers).
Each Cohort is made of 50 Centuria (c. 10 soldiers).
Legion
Second rank in the republic below consul. Commanded armies and had various official duties.
Praetor
Like a Plebeian senate, but with significantly less power. Could appoint the Tribune of the Plebs.
Assembly
Precident
Lower class Roman citizens. Mostly poor, wealthy ones would try to seek marriage/adoption by an upper class family for social advancement.
Plebeian
A group of three. Usually refers to a powerful political alliance, eg: Julius Caesar, Pompey Magnus and Crassus.
Triumverate
An official elected by the plebian assembly. Has the power of veto over other officials (including the Consul and Senate).
Tribune of the Plebs
Elected official, responsible for the organization public buildings and games
Aedile
Often translated as “tribe” a group of Romans who share a common ancestor. Often represented together in the senate/assembly.
Gens
The personal connection between more and less important Romans. Less important Romans would show appreciation for and accomplish tasks for more important Romans. More important Romans would help the less important Romans advance socially, economically or politically.
Client/Patron Relationship
Literally “Path of Honour”. The process/series of political ranks that lead to consul. Usually one needs to have served in a lesser office to be considered for a greater one.
Cursus Honorum