2024_OCR - GCSE Classical Civilisation
Myth and Religion
Merged Question Paper & Marking
Scheme
(Monday 13 May 2024 – Afternoon)
Code: J199/11
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Monday 13 May 2024 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Classical Civilisation
J199/11 Myth and religion
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
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• the Insert (inside this document)
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INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use the
lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer questions 1–18 and either Question 19 or Question 20.
• Use the Insert to answer all the questions.
• Do not send the Insert for marking. Keep it in the centre or recycle it.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• This document has 16 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
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,Oxford Cambridge and RSA - GCSE (9–1) Classical Civilisation Exam Overview
Exam Date: Monday, 13 May 2024 – Afternoon Session
Exam Code: J199/11 Myth and Religion
The GCSE Classical Civilisation J199/11 exam, Myth and Religion, assesses students' knowledge of
key aspects of ancient Greek and Roman mythological and religious practices. This exam explores
how mythology and religion were integrated into the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, focusing
on the significance of mythological stories, religious rituals, deities, and their influence on society, art,
and daily life.
Key Topics and Themes:
1. Greek and Roman Mythology
o Gods and Goddesses: Students will study the major gods and goddesses of Greek and
Roman mythology, such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Jupiter, understanding their
roles, relationships, and significance in myths and worship.
o Heroes and Heroines: Focus on legendary figures such as Heracles, Achilles, and
Perseus, analyzing their heroic deeds and the cultural values represented in their stories.
o Creation Myths: Understanding the origins of the world according to Greek and
Roman mythology, including the stories of Chaos, the Titans, and the Olympian gods.
o Myths of Mortals and the Underworld: Exploration of stories such as the Odyssey,
the Iliad, and the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, examining themes of fate, the
afterlife, and human interactions with the gods.
2. Religious Beliefs and Practices
o Religious Festivals: Knowledge of important religious festivals in ancient Greece and
Rome, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Panathenaic Games, and Saturnalia,
including their rituals, significance, and the role of the community.
o Temples and Worship: Understanding the role of temples in Greek and Roman
religion, including their architectural design and the rituals performed there, such as
sacrifices, prayers, and offerings.
o Priests and Priestesses: Exploration of the roles of religious leaders, such as the high
priests of Zeus or the Vestal Virgins in Rome, and their importance in maintaining
religious practices and influencing politics.
o The Role of Oracles: The significance of oracles, particularly the Oracle of Delphi, in
guiding individuals and states, and their influence on decisions in war, politics, and
personal life.
3. Mythology and Religion in Society
o The Relationship Between Gods and Humans: Students will examine how the
Greeks and Romans understood the relationship between gods and humans, including
themes of divine favor, punishment, and the role of humans in maintaining the will of
the gods.
o Moral and Ethical Lessons in Myths: The moral lessons imparted by mythological
stories, such as the consequences of hubris or the importance of hospitality, and how
these lessons influenced behavior in ancient societies.
o Religion and the State: The integration of religion in political and social structures,
including the role of the state in conducting religious rituals and the use of religion to
justify political power.
o Influence of Myth on Art and Literature: The impact of myths on classical art,
literature, and theater, including how these myths were depicted in sculpture, pottery,
and plays, and how they were used to reflect societal values.
4. The Impact of Myth and Religion on Culture
o Myth in Literature and Drama: Analysis of the use of mythology in ancient Greek
and Roman literature, such as in the works of Homer, Virgil, and Ovid, and in dramatic
plays by authors like Sophocles and Euripides.
, oReligious Influence on Roman Architecture: Exploration of how religious beliefs
influenced the design of public buildings, temples, and monuments in the Roman
world.
o Syncretism in Religion: The blending of different religious practices and deities,
particularly as Roman religion absorbed Greek gods and practices during the conquest
of Greece and the broader Mediterranean world.
5. Key Figures and Myths
o Prominent Mythological Figures: Understanding the roles of key mythological
figures such as Odysseus, Theseus, and Aeneas, and how their journeys and actions
reflect the values of their societies.
o The Trojan War: Study of the myth of the Trojan War, including the roles of figures
such as Helen, Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, and its lasting impact on Greek and
Roman culture.
o The Aeneid: Exploration of Virgil's Aeneid as both a mythological narrative and a
piece of political propaganda, reflecting the Roman ideals of duty and destiny.
Examination Skills
Critical Analysis of Texts: Students will demonstrate their ability to critically analyze
mythological and religious texts, identifying key themes, characters, and the cultural context in
which they were written.
Essay Writing: The ability to construct well-supported essays discussing key themes of
mythology and religion, drawing on specific examples and comparing different cultures'
religious practices.
Comparison of Myths and Religions: The exam will assess students’ ability to compare
Greek and Roman myths and religious practices, recognizing similarities and differences and
understanding their cultural significance.
This exam evaluates students' understanding of the role that mythology and religion played in ancient
Greek and Roman societies, focusing on key deities, religious practices, mythological stories, and the
broader cultural impacts of these traditions. It also examines how myths and religion influenced
literature, art, and the lives of people in the ancient world.
