Short definitions of the traits of a Roman hero.

1. ROMAN HEROES
CHARACTERISTICS OF A ROMAN HERO

2. • Today you will be learning about the famous heroes of
Rome and the characteristics which make them heroes.
One of the major characteristics on which you will be
focusing is “pietas”-one’s duty and need to do what is
right. However, for a Roman to be a true hero, he had to
display other qualities. The following slides are a list of
other virtues to which Romans tried to aspire.

3. AUCTORITAS
• Spiritual Authority- The sense of one’s social
standing, built up through experience, pietas, and
industria.

4. COMITAS
• Humour- Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and
friendliness

5. CLEMENTIA
• Mercy- mildness and gentleness toward others

6. DIGNITAS
• Dignity- A sense of self worth and personal pride

7. FIRMITAS
• Tenacity- Strength of mind and the ability to stick to
ones purpose

8. FRUGALITAS
• Frugalness- The economy and simplicity of style,
without being miserly

9. GRAVITAS
• Gravity- A sense of importance of the matter at
hand; responsibility and earnestness

10. HONESTAS
• Respectability- The image that one presents as a
respectable member of society

11. HUMANITAS
• Humanity- Refinement, civilization, learning, and
being cultured

12. INDUSTRIA
• Industriousness- Hard working

13. PIETAS
• Dutifulness- More than religious piety; a respect for
the natural order- socially, politically, and
religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and
devotion to others.

14. PRUDENTIA
• Prudence- Foresight, wisdom, and personal
discretion

15. SALUBRITAS
• Wholesomeness- Health and cleanliness

16. SEVERITAS
• Sternness- Gravity with self control

17. VERITAS
• Truthfulness- Honesty in dealing with others

18. WOULD YOU BE A HERO IN THE ROMAN WORLD?
• Go back over the slides one more time. How many
of these characteristics do you think you show? Are
you a hero or not? Reply below, listing all the traits
which you possess.