What is the meaning of 'imperium'?
Command, power, empire.
What is the meaning of 'legio'?
Legion; a large unit of the Roman army.
What is the meaning of 'navis'?
Ship.
What is the meaning of 'proelium'?
Battle.
What is the meaning of 'virtus'?
Courage, virtue, manliness.
What is the meaning of 'consilium'?
Plan, advice, counsel.
What is the meaning of 'hostes'?
Enemies (often used in the plural).
What is the meaning of 'cohors'?
Cohort; a division of a legion.
What is the meaning of 'agger'?
Rampart, mound.
What is the meaning of 'ancora'?
Anchor.
Explain the rule for the ablative absolute.
A noun and participle in the ablative case, grammatically independent of the main clause, providing background information.
Explain the rule for indirect statement.
A subordinate clause reporting someone's speech or thought, using an accusative subject and infinitive verb.
Explain the rule for the subjunctive mood in purpose clauses.
Used to express the purpose for which an action is performed, often introduced by 'ut' or 'ne'.
Explain the rule for the genitive of possession.
Indicates ownership or belonging; the noun in the genitive case modifies another noun.
Explain the rule for the dative of agent with passive periphrastic.
Indicates who must perform the action in a passive periphrastic construction (gerundive + form of 'esse').
Explain the use of the imperfect subjunctive in contrary-to-fact conditions.
Used in the 'if' clause (protasis) and the 'then' clause (apodosis) to describe a situation that is contrary to reality in the present.
Explain the use of the pluperfect subjunctive in contrary-to-fact conditions.
Used in the 'if' clause (protasis) and the 'then' clause (apodosis) to describe a situation that was contrary to reality in the past.
Explain the rule for cum clauses.
Cum clauses can be causal, temporal, or concessive, indicated by the subjunctive mood of the verb.
Explain the use of the gerundive of obligation.
The gerundive (future passive participle) combined with a form of 'esse' expresses necessity or obligation.
Explain the difference between 'dum' + indicative and 'dum' + subjunctive.
'Dum' + indicative means 'while'; 'dum' + subjunctive often introduces a clause of expectation or purpose, meaning 'until'.
What was the Roman attitude towards 'barbarians'?
Romans often viewed non-Romans as uncivilized and inferior, but also acknowledged their potential military threat.
What role did 'auctoritas' play in Roman leadership?
'Auctoritas' (authority, influence) was crucial for a Roman leader, based on reputation, experience, and social standing.
What was the significance of Roman military standards (signa militaria)?
Military standards were sacred symbols of the legion and their loss was a major disgrace.
How did Caesar use his writings as propaganda?
Caesar presented himself as a brilliant and decisive leader, justifying his actions and promoting his political ambitions.
What were some common Roman military tactics?
Romans relied on disciplined formations, siege warfare, and engineering skills to overcome their enemies.
How did geography influence Caesar's campaigns in Britain?
The English Channel, tides, and unfamiliar terrain presented significant challenges to the Roman army.
What was the purpose of Caesar's expeditions to Britain?
Motives included exploration, resource acquisition, preventing British support for Gauls, and enhancing personal glory.
How did Caesar portray the Britons in Book IV?
Caesar depicted them as fierce warriors but also as somewhat disorganized and lacking in sophisticated military technology.
What role did Roman engineering play in Caesar's military success?
Roman engineers built bridges, siege engines, and fortifications, providing a crucial advantage in warfare.
What was the significance of taking hostages?
Taking hostages was a common practice to ensure the loyalty and compliance of conquered peoples.
