Gods

In the OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation course, the topic 'Gods' explores the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on the Olympian deities, their myths, and their influence on daily life. This topic is central to understanding how the Greeks and Romans made sense of the world, from natural phenomena to human emotions, and how religion shaped their art, literature, and politics. Students will study key gods like Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, and Poseidon, examining their attributes, myths, and roles in society, as well as the rituals and festivals held in their honour.

The study of gods is not just about memorising names and stories; it reveals the values and priorities of ancient civilisations. For example, the prominence of Athena in Athens reflects the city's emphasis on wisdom and warfare, while the worship of Apollo at Delphi highlights the importance of prophecy and healing. By understanding these deities, students gain insight into how the Greeks and Romans viewed concepts like justice, love, and fate, and how they sought to maintain a harmonious relationship with the divine through sacrifice, prayer, and temple building.

This topic also connects to other areas of the Classical Civilisation course, such as 'Myth and Religion' and 'The Homeric World', as many myths involve interactions between gods and mortals. Additionally, it provides a foundation for understanding later cultural influences, from Renaissance art to modern literature. Mastery of this topic requires not only recall of key facts but also the ability to analyse sources, such as vase paintings and temple sculptures, to interpret how gods were represented and worshipped in different contexts.