Content of War and Warfare (J199/23)

The 'Content of War and Warfare' component of OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation (J199/23) explores how the Greeks and Romans conceptualised, experienced, and represented war. You will study a range of literary and visual sources, including Homer's Iliad, Virgil's Aeneid, and historical accounts by authors like Herodotus and Tacitus, alongside archaeological evidence such as the Alexander Mosaic and the Column of Trajan. The topic examines the causes of war, battlefield tactics, the role of leaders and soldiers, and the impact of conflict on civilians and society. Understanding these sources allows you to compare ancient attitudes to war with modern perspectives, highlighting timeless themes of heroism, suffering, and the cost of glory.

This topic is central to Classical Civilisation because warfare was a defining feature of both Greek and Roman cultures. For the Greeks, the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War shaped their identity and political structures, while for Romans, military expansion was the engine of their empire. By analysing primary sources, you will learn to evaluate bias, purpose, and audience—skills essential for the GCSE examination. The topic also connects to other components, such as 'The Homeric World' and 'Roman City Life', as war influenced art, literature, and daily existence.

To succeed, you must engage with both the content and context of each source. For example, when studying the Iliad, consider how Homer's portrayal of Achilles reflects Greek ideals of honour (kleos) and the brutality of war. Similarly, when analysing the Column of Trajan, think about its function as propaganda and its depiction of Roman military discipline. The examination will test your ability to interpret sources, compare different perspectives, and construct arguments using evidence. Mastery of this topic will not only boost your grade but also deepen your appreciation of how ancient societies understood conflict.