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.
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
Myth and the City: Foundation Stories explores how Greek and Roman cities used myths of divine ancestry, heroic founders, and omens to assert identity and power. This OCR GCSE topic covers Athens, Rome, and other key cities, focusing on sources like Herodotus, Livy, and Virgil, and how foundation narratives shaped politics, religion, and culture.
Topic Overview
This topic explores how ancient Greek and Roman cities used foundation myths to explain their origins, justify their power, and promote a shared identity. For OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation, you will study the myths of Athens and Rome in depth, but also consider other cities like Corinth or Sparta. These myths often involve gods, heroes, and omens, and they were recorded by writers such as Herodotus, Livy, and Virgil. Understanding these stories is key to grasping how the ancients viewed their own history and destiny.
Foundation myths were not just entertaining stories; they served political and religious purposes. For example, Athens claimed to be autochthonous (born from the soil) to assert its ancient lineage and superiority over other Greeks. Rome's myth of Romulus and Remus, with its themes of fratricide and divine favour, explained the city's martial character and its destiny to rule. By studying these myths, you will learn how cities used the past to shape their present and future, and how mythology was intertwined with real-world politics and religion.
In the OCR GCSE, you will be expected to analyse sources, compare different myths, and evaluate their significance. You will also need to understand the historical context, such as how the myths were used in propaganda, art, and literature. This topic connects to other areas of Classical Civilisation, such as religion, politics, and daily life, making it a rich and rewarding area of study.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Autochthony: The belief that a city's inhabitants were born from the land itself, as in Athens, promoting a sense of unique identity and superiority.
- →Synoecism: The unification of smaller communities into a single city, often attributed to a hero like Theseus in Athens.
- →Omen and augury: Divine signs used to determine the will of the gods, such as the vultures in Rome's foundation myth, which legitimised political authority.
- →Divine patronage: The idea that a city was under the special protection of a god or goddess, like Athena for Athens, which influenced religious practices and civic pride.
- →Foundation hero: A mythical figure, such as Romulus or Cecrops, who was credited with founding the city and establishing its institutions.
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., Livy, Herodotus, Virgil) and quote or paraphrase them to support your points. This shows the examiner you have studied the original texts.
- 💡When comparing Athens and Rome, use a clear structure: point-by-point comparison, focusing on themes like divine favour, founder's role, and political significance. Avoid treating them as separate stories.
- 💡Use precise terminology such as 'autochthony', 'synoecism', 'augury', and 'pomerium' to demonstrate your knowledge and gain higher marks.
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: Romulus and Remus were twins who both founded Rome. Correction: Romulus founded Rome after killing Remus; Remus was not a co-founder.
- Misconception: The foundation of Athens was solely the work of Theseus. Correction: Cecrops was the first king and founder, while Theseus later unified Attica; the contest with Poseidon is often attributed to Cecrops or Athena herself.
- Misconception: Foundation myths are purely fictional with no historical basis. Correction: While they are mythical, they reflect real historical processes like migration, synoecism, and political propaganda, and they were believed by the ancients.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Read and take notes on the foundation myths of Athens and Rome from your textbook and primary sources (Herodotus, Livy). Create a timeline of key events and characters.
- 2Week 2: Focus on the significance of each myth: political, religious, and cultural. Make mind maps linking each myth to its purpose and context.
- 3Week 3: Practice comparing Athens and Rome using past paper questions. Write short paragraphs on themes like divine favour, founder's role, and omens.
- 4Week 4: Revise key terms and sources. Use flashcards for characters, sources, and concepts. Attempt full 6- and 8-mark questions under timed conditions.
- 5Week 5: Review your answers, identify weak areas, and re-read relevant sections. Do a final self-test with active recall prompts.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋1-2 mark questions: Define a key term like 'autochthony' or 'augury'. Be concise and accurate.
- 📋4-5 mark questions: Describe a myth or explain a concept, e.g., 'Describe the contest between Athena and Poseidon.' Include specific details and names.
- 📋6-mark questions: Explain the significance of a myth, e.g., 'Explain how the foundation myth of Rome justified Roman power.' Use sources and link to context.
- 📋8-mark questions: Compare or evaluate, e.g., 'Compare the roles of omens in the foundation myths of Athens and Rome.' Structure your answer with clear points and evidence.
Command Word Expectations (OCR)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of a myth or event, including key characters, actions, and outcomes. No analysis or evaluation is needed; focus on factual recall.
Provide reasons or causes for why something happened or why it was significant. Use 'because' and link to context, sources, and effects.
Identify similarities and differences between two myths or cities. Use a structured approach, e.g., point-by-point, and support with evidence.
Make a judgement about the importance or reliability of a myth or source. Consider different perspectives and come to a reasoned 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 the foundation myth of Athens reflects Athenian values and identity. Use sources such as Herodotus or the Parthenon sculptures in your answer. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Identify key elements of the Athenian foundation myth, e.g., Cecrops as autochthonous, the contest with Poseidon, or Theseus's synoecism.
- 2.Step 2: Link each element to Athenian values, e.g., autochthony promotes pride in being 'born from the land', the olive tree gift symbolises peace and prosperity, and Theseus's unification reflects democratic unity.
- 3.Step 3: Use a specific source, e.g., Herodotus's account of the contest (Histories 8.55) or the Parthenon west pediment, to support your points.
- 4.Step 4: Conclude by summarising how the myth reinforced Athenian identity as civilised, wise, and favoured by the gods.
Question: Compare the roles of omens and divine will in the foundation myths of Athens and Rome. (8 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Define the role of omens in each myth: for Rome, the augury contest between Romulus and Remus; for Athens, the contest between Athena and Poseidon.
- 2.Step 2: Explain the outcome and its significance: Romulus's twelve vultures vs Remus's six, showing divine favour; Athena's olive tree vs Poseidon's spring, showing wisdom over power.
- 3.Step 3: Discuss how these omens justified the founder's authority: Romulus's augury legitimised his kingship; Athena's gift established her patronage of Athens.
- 4.Step 4: Use sources: Livy for Rome (Book 1) and Herodotus or Apollodorus for Athens.
- 5.Step 5: Conclude with a comparison: both myths use divine signs to validate the city's foundation, but Rome's emphasises military and political power, while Athens's emphasises culture and wisdom.
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, especially the main gods and heroes.
- •Understanding of the historical context of ancient Greece and Rome, such as the rise of city-states and the Roman Republic.
- •Familiarity with the OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation specification and the types of sources used, such as literary texts and archaeological evidence.
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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