Topic 1: The Gods

Greek and Roman gods, their responsibilities, symbols and artistic representation

GCSE Classical Civilisation - J199/11

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, you will be able to:

Explain the polytheistic nature of Greek and Roman religion and how it differs from monotheism
Identify all 14 Olympian gods (including Hades) in both Greek and Roman forms
Recognise the iconography and symbols used to represent each god in ancient art
Understand the anthropomorphic nature of ancient gods and their human characteristics
Analyse the transactional relationship between mortals and immortals
Use key religious terminology: hiera, religio, epithets, pantheon
Evaluate the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and its explanation of seasonal cycles
Compare and contrast Greek and Roman religious practices and adaptations

Prescribed Source

Homeric Hymn to Demeter

The myth of Persephone's abduction by Hades and Demeter's grief, explaining the origin of the seasons and the cycle of agricultural life central to ancient civilisation. This text demonstrates the Greeks' understanding of natural phenomena through divine narrative and illustrates the complex relationships between gods and mortals.

1.1

Introduction to Ancient Religion

Explore the fundamental concepts of Greek and Roman religion and how they differ from modern beliefs.

Covers: Polytheism vs monotheism, anthropomorphism, key terms (hiera, religio, pantheon, epithets), transactional worship, communal vs private religion

Start Topic 1.1

1.2

The Gods and Their Iconography

Meet all 14 Olympian gods, learn their Greek and Roman names, and discover how to identify them in ancient art.

Covers: All 14 gods, Greek vs Roman names, responsibilities and domains, symbols and attributes, artistic representation, epithets

Start Topic 1.2

1.3

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter

Analyse the prescribed source text and understand its religious and cultural significance for the ancient world.

Covers: Persephone's abduction, Demeter's grief, the pomegranate seed, seasonal cycles, religious significance, funerary art

Start Topic 1.3

Learning Objectives

Prescribed Source

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