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Aerarium
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The Roman treasury |
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Ad Bestias
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'To the beasts' A form of execution performed publicly in the amphitheatre. The condemned was led into the arena and often tied to a stake. Then wild animals, mainly wolves, were released to rip the victim apart and eat him |
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Agger
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A flat area on either side of a Roman road which was between 30-40 ft (12-15 metres) wide |
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Ala
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A unit in the cavalry comprising 500 men |
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Alimenta
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A scheme devised to help the poor by providing allowances |
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Amica Principis
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A rank that was not actually official, but gave credence to friends of the emperor |
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Amphitheatre
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An open air arena surrounded on three sides by seating. It was used for the more violent blood sports and public executions |
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Amphora
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A large container made from clay that was used in the transport of wine, oil and non perishable items that could not be placed in a wooden case. It later became a unit of measure for liquids |
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Andabatae
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Gladiators who wore wore helmets without eye holes |
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Annona
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A form of taxation that was paid not by money, but in the form of grain. This was used to help supply the legions with basic rations";
case "Annona militaris |
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Antesignani
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One name for the light cavalry in a legion. The other name was Lancearii |
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Antoninianus
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A silver coin worth about 2 denarii |
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Aqueduct
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A channel that was built to carry water from springs and rivers to the towns |
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Aquila
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The standard that was carried into battle and was the symbol of the legion. It was highly honoured by the units and they would consider it a great disgrace to have it fall into enemy hands. The carrier of the standard was know as the Aquilifer |
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Aquilifer
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The soldier designated to carry the legion's standard (Aquila) |
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Augurate
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A distinction rather than a position of office |
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Augurs
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One of the four orders of priesthood |
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Augustus
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A distinction instigated by Octavius in 27BC and assumed by all subsequent emperors. Previously 'Caesar' had been the highest accolade |
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Aureus
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A gold coin that was superseded by the Solidus |
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Auxilia
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Auxiliary military units attached to the legions. There were about 150,000 soldiers serving a auxiliaries. They were not Roman citizens, but were granted citizenship on retirement |
