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Cybele
History verifies the importance of religion not only on a society's development but also on its survival; in this respect the Romans were no different than other ancient civilizations. During the formative years of the Roman Republic, especially...
Definition
Edessa
Edessa (modern Urfa), located today in south-east Turkey but once part of upper Mesopotamia on the frontier of the Syrian desert, was an important city throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages. A city within the Seleucid Empire, then capital...
Definition
Aedile
The aedile was an official of the Roman Republic who maintained Roman roads, supervised the grain and water supply, and provided the city's citizens with games among other duties. Initially, they were plebeian and elected annually by the...
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Copper Coin Depicting Roma
A copper coin depicting the goddess Roma, a personification of Rome, or the war goddess Bellona on the obverse. On the reverse, the prow of a ship and the title "ROMA". Minted in Rome c. 217-215 BCE. (British Museum)
Video
Gypsies, Roma, Travellers: An Animated History
Europe is home to 10-12 million Roma, yet many Europeans are unable to answer the basic question, “Who are the Roma?” The remarkable history of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers in Europe, beginning over 1,000 years ago, tells a story of diversity...
Definition
Romani
Romani is an umbrella term used to describe a diverse ethnolinguistic group of people with a historical presence in Europe and West Asia. The historically common term 'Gypsy' is based on the myth that they came from Egypt. In reality, the...
Video
How the Ancient Roman Government Worked
Western Civilization is forever indebted to the people of ancient Greece and Rome. Among the numerous contributions these societies made are in the fields of art, literature and philosophy; however, perhaps their greatest gift to future generations...
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Coin of Roma or Bellona
Silver denarius minted by M Servilius depicting the goddess Roma or Bellona on the obverse. On the reverse are two soldiers, with their horses in the background. c. 100 BCE. Rome. (British Museum)
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Temple of Venus and Roma, Rome
The Temple of Venus and Rome (Templum Veneris et Romae) is thought to have been the largest temple in Ancient Rome. The architect was the emperor Hadrian and construction began in 121 CE. It was officially inaugurated by Hadrian in 135 CE...
Definition
Suetonius
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (c. 69 – c. 130/140 CE), better known simply as Suetonius, was a Roman writer whose most famous work is his biographies of the first 12 Caesars. With a position close to the imperial court he was able to access...