Republic - Rome's political system for most of it's life was a republic.

Patrician - they were the wealthy groups of  powerful landowners who struggled for power against the Plebeians in ancient Rome.

Plebeians - the common farmers merchiants, and artisans who made up the majority of the population of Ancient Rome.

Tribunes - were assemblies formed by the Plebeians to protect their rights form the acts of the patrician officials.

consuls - Rome had two of them, they were like kings who commanded Rome's armies and directed the government.

senate - the aristocratic branch of Rome's government. It had legislative, and administrative functions in the REPUBLIC! Eventually Plebeians were allowed to have seats in the office.

A dictator - has absolute power over the people and government. Early Rome had several dictators.

legions - one of Rome's most effective formations used throughout their empire to conquer other lands and cities.

Punic Wars - the war between Carthage and Rome over control of land.

Hannibal - a brilliant Carthaginian military strategist who's goal was to avenge Carthage's earlier defeat.