The Rise of Rome Activities for vocabulary learned in Chapter 13 of the textbook. Houghton Mifflin- The Message of Ancient Days Tools A B omen a sign from the gods Senate A council of elders from Rome's leading families republic a form of government in which the citizens elect their representatives Cousul Leaders elected by a citizen assembly patrician members of a small number of wealthy Roman families plebeians ordinary Roman citizens debt bondage If someone could not pay back money borrowed, he would have to become a servant to the person from whom he borrowed the money. dictator A ruler with absolute power Julius Caesar a dictator of Rome aqueducts Aqueducts were bridge-like structures that carried water from the mountains to the nearby cities. Punic War A war fought between Rome and Carthage. Etruscans A powerful neighbor of the early Romans