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.
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
Myth and Symbols of Power in OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation explores how Greek and Roman rulers used mythology, architecture, and iconography to legitimise authority. It covers key figures like Augustus and Alexander the Great, examining divine ancestry claims, triumphal imagery, and monumental building projects as tools of political propaganda.
Topic Overview
This topic examines how rulers in the ancient world used myths and symbols to project an image of power and authority. In the Greek world, figures like Alexander the Great claimed divine descent (from Heracles or Zeus) and used coinage, statues, and city foundations to spread their image. In Rome, Augustus masterfully employed mythology—especially the myths of Aeneas and Romulus—to legitimise his position as the first emperor after years of civil war. He also used visual symbols like the laurel wreath, the corona civica, and the shield of virtue to associate himself with peace, piety, and military success.
The study of this topic is crucial because it reveals how political propaganda worked in antiquity. It shows how rulers manipulated existing myths and religious beliefs to create a charismatic authority that transcended traditional political offices. For OCR GCSE, you need to be able to analyse specific sources (statues, coins, buildings) and explain how they communicate messages of power. You should also understand the historical context—for example, why Augustus needed to justify his rule after the assassination of Julius Caesar and the civil wars.
This topic connects to broader themes in Classical Civilisation, such as religion, society, and the role of the individual. It also encourages critical thinking about how images and stories are used to shape public opinion, a skill relevant today. By the end of this topic, you should be able to evaluate the effectiveness of different symbols and myths in legitimising power, and compare Greek and Roman approaches.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Divine ancestry: Rulers claimed descent from gods or heroes (e.g., Augustus from Venus via Aeneas; Alexander from Heracles) to justify their authority.
- →Propaganda: The use of art, architecture, and literature to promote a political message and shape public opinion.
- →Iconography: The visual symbols and motifs used in art to convey specific meanings (e.g., laurel wreath = victory, eagle = Jupiter/imperial power).
- →Patronage: The support of artists and writers by rulers to create works that glorify them (e.g., Virgil's Aeneid for Augustus).
- →Triumph: A ceremonial procession in Rome honouring a victorious general, which included symbols of power like the laurel crown and the chariot.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Understanding of temple layout including the naos/cella and cult statue
- Knowledge of the position and function of the altar
- Roles and responsibilities of Greek officials (hiereus, hiereia, mantis)
- Roles and responsibilities of Roman officials (Pontiffs, Pontifex Maximus, Augurs, Vestal Virgins, Haruspex)
- Understanding the purpose and process of animal sacrifice
- Ability to compare Greek and Roman temple use and religious practices
- Knowledge of specific prescribed temples: Parthenon, Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Pantheon, Temple of Fortuna Virilis
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡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
- 💡Always refer to specific sources (e.g., Prima Porta, Ara Pacis, Alexander mosaic) and use the 'describe, explain, analyse' structure. For higher marks, evaluate the effectiveness of the symbolism.
- 💡Use precise terminology: 'propaganda', 'iconography', 'divine ancestry', 'legitimacy', 'imperial cult'. This shows the examiner you understand the concepts.
- 💡When writing about myths, always link them to the political context. For example, explain why Augustus chose Aeneas over Romulus (Aeneas was a Trojan, not a Roman, so he was less controversial and could unite Greeks and Romans).
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- 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
- Misconception: Augustus was the first Roman emperor and he simply took power by force. Correction: While he did use military force, he carefully crafted a public image of restoring the Republic, using myths and symbols to make his rule acceptable.
- Misconception: The myth of Aeneas was a pre-existing Roman myth that Augustus simply used. Correction: The Aeneas myth was known, but Augustus and Virgil actively shaped it to emphasise Aeneas's piety and his role as ancestor of the Julians, making it a powerful political tool.
- Misconception: All symbols of power were invented by the rulers themselves. Correction: Many symbols, like the laurel wreath or the eagle, had long-standing religious or military significance; rulers appropriated and adapted them to their own ends.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on the Greek world. Study Alexander the Great's use of myth (e.g., his claim to be son of Zeus-Ammon) and symbols (e.g., his coinage, the Alexander mosaic). Make notes on how he used these to consolidate his empire.
- 2Week 2: Move to Rome. Study Augustus's use of myth (Aeneas, Romulus) and symbols (Prima Porta, Ara Pacis, Res Gestae). Compare his approach to Alexander's.
- 3Week 3: Practice source analysis. Look at images of the Prima Porta, Ara Pacis, and Alexander mosaic. Write short paragraphs analysing the symbols and their messages.
- 4Week 4: Revise key terms and concepts. Use flashcards for terms like 'divine ancestry', 'propaganda', 'iconography'. Then attempt past paper questions under timed conditions.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Source-based questions: You will be given an image (e.g., a statue or coin) and asked to explain how it shows power. Tip: Use the 'describe, explain, analyse' structure and mention specific details.
- 📋Knowledge-based questions: e.g., 'Explain how Augustus used the myth of Aeneas to justify his rule.' Tip: Include specific examples from literature and art.
- 📋Comparison questions: e.g., 'Compare how Alexander and Augustus used myth to legitimise their power.' Tip: Use a table to organise similarities and differences, and always refer to both.
- 📋Evaluation questions: e.g., 'How effective was Augustus's use of myth as propaganda?' Tip: Consider both the intended message and the audience, and give a balanced judgement.
Command Word Expectations (OCR)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of how and why something happened, using specific examples and reasons. For example, 'Explain how Augustus used the myth of Aeneas' requires you to describe the myth and then link it to Augustus's political aims.
Break down a source or concept into its component parts and show how they relate. For example, 'Analyse the symbolism of the Prima Porta statue' requires you to identify each symbol and explain its meaning and purpose.
Make a judgement about the value or effectiveness of something, considering both strengths and weaknesses. For example, 'Evaluate the effectiveness of Augustus's use of myth as propaganda' requires you to weigh up evidence for and against, and reach a conclusion.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: Explain how Augustus used the myth of Aeneas to justify his rule. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Identify the key myth: Aeneas, Trojan hero, son of Venus, fled Troy and came to Italy, ancestor of Romulus and the Julian family.
- 2.Step 2: Explain Augustus's claimed descent: He was from the Julian family (Iulius), which traced its lineage to Iulus (Ascanius), son of Aeneas, making him a direct descendant of Venus.
- 3.Step 3: Describe how he used this: In the Aeneid (commissioned by Augustus), Virgil portrays Aeneas as a pious founder, mirroring Augustus's own mission to restore Rome. Augustus also built the Temple of Mars Ultor and the Forum of Augustus, which included statues of Aeneas and his family, visually linking himself to the myth.
- 4.Step 4: Conclude with the purpose: This divine ancestry gave Augustus a unique status above ordinary mortals, legitimising his sole rule and presenting him as the destined leader to bring peace and prosperity to Rome.
Question: Analyse the symbolism of power in the statue of Augustus from Prima Porta. (8 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Describe the statue's overall composition: Augustus in a military pose (adlocutio), with a small Cupid at his feet, and a detailed breastplate.
- 2.Step 2: Explain the Cupid: Represents Venus, linking Augustus to divine ancestry (son of Venus), and thus divine favour.
- 3.Step 3: Analyse the breastplate: Central scene shows the return of the Roman standards from the Parthians, a diplomatic victory, symbolising Augustus's ability to secure peace and restore Roman honour.
- 4.Step 4: Discuss the pose and style: The pose is based on the Doryphoros (a classical Greek statue), conveying ideals of rationality, order, and authority, while the bare feet and raised arm suggest a heroic, almost divine status.
- 5.Step 5: Consider the dolphin at his side: Symbolises naval victory (over Antony and Cleopatra at Actium) and the support of the gods (Venus was born from the sea).
- 6.Step 6: Conclude: Every element is carefully chosen to project an image of Augustus as a divinely favoured, victorious, and civilising leader, justifying his unprecedented power.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology (e.g., the Trojan War, Aeneas, Romulus and Remus).
- •Understanding of the historical context of the late Roman Republic and the rise of Augustus.
- •Familiarity with key terms like 'emperor', 'republic', 'civil war', and 'propaganda'.
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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