Ancient Rome important definitions

• Republic - A form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders.
• Patrician - The wealthy landowners who held most of the power in the early republic of Rome.
• Plebeian - The common farmers, artisans, and merchants who made up the majority of the population.
• Tribune - Representatives who protected the rights of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials. 
• Consul - Two officials who commanded the army and directed the government, but had limited power.
• Senate - The aristocratic branch of Rome's government that exercised great influence over both foreign and domestic policy. 
• Dictator - A leader who had absolute power to make laws and command the army.
• Legion - A large military unit.
• Punic Wars - Three wars fought between Rome and Carthage.
• Hannibal - A brilliant military strategist and general who wanted to avenge Carthage's earlier defeat in the Punic Wars.