Latin, the Roman language, is the basis for French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian. (English comes mainly from Germanic roots.) The Roman alphabet is the basis for the Western alphabet. These are a few of the words it helps to know in ancient Rome.

Augustus Although Octavian, who rules from 27 BC until AD 14, becomes known as Augustus, this is, in fact, a title rather than a name. 'Augustus' is closest to the modern term 'emperor', a title that is never used by the Romans.

Barbarian A Greek word adopted by the Romans to refer to any people who had not taken on the Roman way of life. It is said to have come originally from the sound 'bar-bar', which, according to the Greeks, was supposed to be the noise that people made when speaking in foreign languages.

Caesar Originally the family name of Julius Caesar, it is assumed by Augustus on his adoption by Caesar and then passed on, also by adoption, to Tiberius and Caligula. After that, it becomes a title denoting high status, second only to that of augustus (see above). In Diocletian's tetrarchy (see below), there is a system of two emperors, or augusti, and two junior emperors (and heirs) known as caesars.

Diploma After 25 years' service, soldiers in the Roman army were discharged with full citizenship and other privileges. They were given a diploma, an inscribed bronze tablet certifying their honourable discharge.

Eagle, or aquila The 'eagle' is the most important standard, or military ensign, carried by a Roman legion, usually made of silver to be visible from a distance. Losing the legionary eagle is as bad as losing a battle.

Fasces Senior officials of Rome are accompanied by a lictor, who carries the fasces, one of the most important symbols of authority and power. The fasces – a bundle of rods containing an axe – symbolises their power to execute or impose other punishments on people. The symbol is revived in the 20th century by Mussolini, whose followers become known as Fascists.

Frigidarium The cold room in a Roman baths, usually a plunge pool. The laconicum is the dry-heat room. The tepidarium is the warm room and the caldarium is where you'll find the hot baths.

Hypocaust Roman central heating system, which circulates hot air under floors and behind walls.

Imperium Supreme power, granted to the emperor and renewed at regular intervals by the Senate.

Laureate A wreath made of laurel leaves, as worn by the god Apollo and Roman emperors until the late empire. Originally preferred as an alternative to a crown, with its connotations of kingship.

Liberalitas A good one to know if you're short of cash. The liberalitas is a ceremony in which the emperor distributes coins to the citizenry, usually to curry favour with them.

Officium The Roman concept of 'duty', expressed in the word officium, includes a responsibility to perform to the best of your ability the functions that are expected of you according to your birth.

Pax romana The 'Roman peace', also known as 'Pax augusta'. It isn't a popular notion with everyone – see Imperium.

Pietas An important Roman concept from which we get 'piety'. It means respect for authority.

Praetorian Guard The bodyguard of the Roman emperors, formally organised by Augustus in 2 BC. They attend the emperor wherever he goes, have special privileges and, in times of trouble (of which there are many), chose the emperor. Constantine disbands them in AD 312.

SPQR, Senatus populusque romanus Found on coins, inscriptions, Roman legionary standards and much else besides, the well-known letters SPQR stand for the 'Senate and people of Rome'.

Stoicism The most important philosophy in Rome, appealing to the Roman stiff upper lip. It insists on the importance of accepting situations with virtus (see below), no matter how adverse.

Taberna Not to be confused with what we know as taverns, a taberna is a stall or shop where goods are sold and money exchanged. They can be found lining the north and south sides of the Forum in Rome.

Tetrarchy At the end of the 3rd century AD, the emperor Diocletian sets up the 'tetrarchy' to rule the empire. This is a system of four rulers to share the burden of government and secure the succession: two emperors, or augusti, with two junior emperors (and heirs), or caesars.

Via principalis The main street in a Roman fort.

Vicus A civilian settlement associated with a Roman fort.

Virtus Meaning toughness or manliness, virtus is seen as one of the most important Roman characteristics (see Stoicism).

Top