| archaic |
of or pertaining to ancient times. [1/3 definitions] |
| archon |
a high-ranking magistrate in ancient Athens. [1/2 definitions] |
| ark of the covenant |
according to the Old Testament, the sacred chest in which the ancient Hebrews carried the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. |
| armillary sphere |
an ancient sighting instrument formed of rings that are arranged in the positions of the tropics, equator, and the like. |
| as2 |
an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to approximately twelve ounces; libra. [2 definitions] |
| Assyria |
an ancient empire in Southwest Asia between the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean, with an extension into Egypt. |
| Assyrian |
the ancient Semitic dialect of Assyria. [1/3 definitions] |
| astrolabe |
an instrument used by the ancient Greeks and medieval Arabs to determine the position of heavenly bodies, later replaced by the sextant. |
| Atlantis |
a mythical Atlantic island and ancient civilization west of Gibraltar that supposedly sank into the sea. |
| atrium |
an enclosed courtyard, esp. in ancient Roman houses or early Christian churches. [1/2 definitions] |
| augur |
one who predicts the future or tries to obtain hidden knowledge by interpreting signs and omens, esp. an ancient Roman religious official with such a duty; soothsayer. [1/5 definitions] |
| aureus |
an ancient Roman gold coin that was a monetary unit from the reign of Julius Caesar to that of Constantine I. |
| Baal |
any of various local deities, usu. fertility gods, worshiped by certain ancient Semitic peoples. [1/2 definitions] |
| Babylon |
an ancient city of southwestern Asia, on the Euphrates River. [1/2 definitions] |
| Babylonia |
an ancient empire of about 2800-700 B.C. in southwestern Asia at the head of the Persian Gulf. |
| bacchanal |
one who worships the ancient Roman wine god Bacchus or takes part in a celebration held by his cult. [1/3 definitions] |
| Bacchanalia |
an ancient Roman festival celebrating Bacchus, the god of wine. [1/2 definitions] |
| ballista |
an ancient military machine resembling a large crossbow, used to hurl stones and other heavy projectiles. |
| bard |
in ancient Celtic times, a person who composed and recited or sang epic poetry. [1/2 definitions] |
| basilica |
a large, oblong building of ancient Rome with a series of semicircular apses at one end, used as a public meeting hall or church. [1/2 definitions] |
| bireme |
a galley of ancient times, with two tiers of oarsmen on each side. |