Classical Civilisation

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: OCR-GCSE-Classical-Civilisation

    The OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation specification covers 44 topics with 0 learning objectives (OCR-GCSE-Classical-Civilisation). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    44

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    176

    Exam Tips

    176

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation

    OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation offers a fascinating exploration of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, covering their literature, art, history, and social structures. This qualification is designed for students who wish to understand the foundations of Western civilisation through the study of myth, religion, warfare, city life, and the roles of women in antiquity.

    Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills by engaging with primary sources such as Homeric epics, Roman letters, and archaeological evidence. These skills are highly valued by employers in fields like law, journalism, education, and heritage management, as they foster the ability to interpret complex information and construct coherent arguments.

    The course provides a strong foundation for further study in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, or related humanities at A-Level and beyond. Career paths include academia, museum curation, teaching, and roles in the cultural sector, where understanding ancient societies offers unique insights into contemporary issues.

    Assessment Structure

    OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation is assessed through two written examinations, each worth 50% of the total GCSE. Component 1 (Myth and Religion, J199/11) and Component 2 (one of three options: Women in the Ancient World, The Homeric World, or Roman City Life) are each 1 hour 30 minutes long. Both papers consist of a mix of short-answer questions, source-based questions, and extended-response essays. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all assessment is external and based on prescribed source materials and topics.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • OCR offers a broad and balanced syllabus that covers both Greek and Roman civilisations, allowing students to compare and contrast different cultures.
    • The qualification emphasises the study of original sources (literary, visual, and archaeological), developing authentic historical and literary analysis skills.
    • OCR provides clear assessment objectives and a structured mark scheme, helping students understand exactly what is required to achieve top marks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    60%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • literature and visual/material culture from the classical world • how sources reflect their cultural contexts • possible interpretations of sources by different audiences and individuals

    AO2
    40%

    Analyse, interpret and evaluate literature and visual/material culture from the classical world, using evidence and producing coherent and reasoned arguments

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
    • •Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
    • •Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
    • •Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments
    • •Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
    • •Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
    • •Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
    • •Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
    • •Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
    • •Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
    • •Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice
    • •Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
    • •Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
    • •Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
    • •Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice

    Specification Topics

    44 topics

    Content of Roman City Life (J199/22)

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Satire and Fiction

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Warrior Women

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Experiencing Roman city life

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Tombs, graves and burial

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Content of War and Warfare (J199/23)

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Literary Context

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Pliny and his Letters

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Content of Women in the Ancient World (J199/12)

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Leisure and Entertainment

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Romans at War

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Roman Home and Family

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    'Improper' Women

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Roman Military in the Imperial Period

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Sparta at War in the 5th century

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Key Sites

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Heroes and Warfare

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Themes

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Young Women

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Content of The Homeric World (J199/21)

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Literary techniques and composition

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Decorative arts

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The portrayal of key characters

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Death and Burial

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Women of Legend

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Myth and Symbols of Power

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The character of Odysseus

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Festivals

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Women to be Feared

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Gods

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Religion and the City: Temples

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Content of Myth and Religion (J199/11)

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Women and power

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Universal Hero: Heracles/Hercules

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Life in the Mycenaean age

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Journeying to the Underworld

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Roman Housing

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Athens at War in the 5th century

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Relationships and Roman society

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Women in the home

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Society

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Characterisation

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Women and religion

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Myth and the City: Foundation Stories

    This topic explores the role of temples in ancient Greek and Roman religion, focusing on their layout, use, and the function of associated officials and rituals. It covers specific Greek temples (Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia) and Roman temples (Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Pantheon), alongside the roles of priests, priestesses, and sacrificial practices.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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    Classical Civilisation OCR GCSE Topics & Revision