A-LEVEL CLASSICAL CIVILISATION – YOU HAVE CHOSEN an AMAZING A-LEVEL! What Is Classical Civilisation?

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WELCOME TO A-LEVEL CLASSICAL CIVILISATION – YOU HAVE CHOSEN AN AMAZING A-LEVEL! What is Classical Civilisation?

Classical Civilisation is the study of ancient classical civilisations from the 7th Century BC to approximately the 5th Century AD. It is a unique A-Level because of its versatility covering all aspects of the ancient world including culture, religion, politics, society, literature, art, drama, philosophy and architecture. It involves the critical exploration of artefacts and what they reveal about the people that lived over two thousand or more years ago and considers what these can teach us about the modern world as well as what they reveal about the people and period in which they were created. It is a truly fascinating insight into worlds that are at once entirely different from our own and yet simultaneously the very foundation of Western Civilisation. Why Choose Classical Civilisation A-Level?

It is perhaps the most diverse of all the A-Levels that you could choose given the number of skills and subjects with which it could be linked. You will not only get to study the first great literary works, but also explore them in terms of their historical contexts and the monuments, vases and buildings which they inspired and in which they were performed. It is also one of the most highly respected A- Levels with the Russell Group labelling it an ‘informed choice’ for aspirational candidates. However, most importantly, it is a unique and engaging subject that will open up whole new areas of study that you will never have covered before. What will I be studying? MODULE ONE: THE WORLD OF THE HERO: 2 hour 20 min exam: 40%

You will study:

Homer’s ‘Odyssey’

Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’ and the contexts in which they were created. MODULE TWO: GREEK THEATRE: 1 hour 45 min exam: 30%

You will study:

Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus the King’ (a tragedy)

Euripides’ ‘Bacchae’ (a tragedy)

Aristophanes’ ‘Frogs’ (a comedy)

A range of artefacts depicting theatrical performances

The construction of ancient Greek theatres

The origins of Greek theatre and its links to religious worship and democracy

MODULE THREE: LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS: 1 hour 45 min exam: 30%

You will study:

A selection of poems by Sappho (Ancient Greece)

Ovid’s ‘Ars Amatoria book 3’ (Ancient Rome)

Plato’s philosophical teachings on love and relationships (Ancient Greece)

Seneca’s philosophical teachings on love and relationships (Ancient Rome)

Ancient ideas about: relationships between women and men; marriage; the family; same sex relationships; sexual freedom and what was considered good and bad conduct; adultery; the ideal man and woman; desire and moderation

This booklet is intended to give you a taste of what studying classical civilisation at A-Level will be like, as well as help you to prepare for your studies in September and hopefully get you enthused about some of the exciting topics you will be covering. Try to work through as many of the tasks as you can. (You will need to be logged onto your Queens’ School account to access many of the weblinks).

Who was Homer?

Homer is one of the most famous and influential authors in the Western tradition. He was born sometime between the twelfth and eight century BC and is most famous for writing the epic poems the ‘Iliad’ and the ‘Odyssey’, which have had an enormous impact on Western culture. However, Homer is an enigma with many disputing if he is one man or many particularly given the oral nature of storytelling at this time. However, his epic poems provide a unique insight into early human society and continue to have an impact on literature and culture today from Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ to the Simpsons.

Now watch the following video that explains a little more about Homer: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-vYxRmqM-vcrBV8PjdPhl2hDJ4Ysv-Ug

The Iliad:

This was Homer’s first epic poem and narrates the events that occurred in the tenth year of the Trojan War, (which began when Paris, Prince of Troy, stole Helen, the wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta). The epic relays the argument between the great hero, Achilles, and Menelaus, when Achilles’ war prize, a girl named Briseis, is taken from him. Achilles subsequently refuses to fight or allow his men to do so, but the consequences of his withdrawal prove disastrous for everyone…

Now watch the following video that gives you a humorous summary of the events of the Iliad:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bNU59ThtytbYJwFBkfBMXgDkFOaOJr_s

The ‘Odyssey’:

This is the text that you will be studying. The ‘Odyssey’ is in some sense a sequel to the ‘Iliad’. The ‘Iliad’ sets the stage for the ‘Odyssey’, not only because its events form the back-story, but the themes and settings of the ‘Odyssey’ form a contrast and counterpoint to those of the Iliad. Whereas the ‘Iliad’ is set in a society at war, the ‘Odyssey’ deals with peace-time; the Iliad is all heroic saga, whereas the ‘Odyssey’ has a great deal which comes from sailors’ fables and folk- tale elements. The ‘Odyssey’ begins ten years after the fall of Troy and focuses on Odysseus, one of the Greek heroes from the Trojan War, famed for his cunning even more than his prowess in battle, and his journey homewards to Ithaca after the Trojan War. The prologue tells us that although Odysseus longs for home, he has suffered numerous disasters, lost all his companions, and is languishing on the island Ogygia with the nymph Calypso.

The first four books are mostly about Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, who was born just as Odysseus was setting off. Now about twenty, he goes off to find news of his father. The situation on Ithaca is unhappy: Penelope, Odysseus’ faithful wife, is surrounded by arrogant suitors who want her to forsake Odysseus and marry one of them – meanwhile they have taken over Odysseus’ house and are living off his wealth.

At the same time, Athena, Odysseus’ divine champion, successfully persuades Zeus to allow Odysseus’ return. He is released by Calypso, but Poseidon shipwrecks Odysseus on the island of Scheria, where he is entertained at King Alcinous’ court. While there, he recounts the story of his journey from Troy to Ogygia, which makes up the bulk of the fantastic, weird and wonderful tales of the ‘Odyssey’.

The last part of the epic sees the hero’s return home. Initially disguising himself as a beggar on his arrival in Ithaca, he discovers the situation of the arrogant suitors and the plight of the faithful Penelope. Telemachus has returned from his travels, and in league with him, Odysseus reveals himself, kills the suitors and is reunited with his wife - at last.

TASK ONE: Write one paragraph explaining why you think studying the ‘Odyssey’ might be worthwhile

TASK TWO:

Read the following extract and have a go at answering the questions:

And all this time, in travail, sobbing, gaining on the This is an extract from book 12 of the ‘Odyssey’ where Odysseus and current, we rowed into the strait—Scylla to port and on his men are confronted by our starboard beam Charybdis, dire gorge of the salt Charybdis, a sea monster a little like seatide. By heaven! When she vomited, all the sea was a whirlpool that can suck a ship onto like a cauldron seething over intense fire, when the the rocks and on their other side, mixture suddenly heaves and rises. The shot spume Scylla, a many headed monstrous soared to the landside heights, and fell like rain. But female creature, who devours men. when she swallowed the sea water down we saw the funnel of the maelstrom, heard the rock bellowing all around, and dark sand raged on the bottom far below. My men all blanched against the gloom, our eyes were fixed upon that yawning mouth in fear of being devoured. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: Then Scylla made her strike, whisking six of my best men 1. What happens in from the ship. I happened to glance aft at ship and the extract? oarsmen and caught sight of their arms and legs, 2. How does Homer dangling high overhead. Voices came down to me in anguish, calling my name for the last time. make the events in this passage seem A man surfcasting on a point of rock for bass or frightening? mackerel, whipping his long rod to drop the sinker and the bait far out, will hook a fish and rip it from the 3. What might this surface to dangle wriggling through the air: so these episode reveal were borne aloft in spasms toward the cliff. She ate about what Ancient them as they shrieked there, in her den, in the dire Greeks believed grapple, reaching still for me— and deathly pity ran me about the sea? through at that sight—far the worst I ever suffered, questing the passes of the strange sea. We rowed on.

The rocks were now behind; Charybdis, too, and Scylla dropped astern.

How can I find out more about Homer and the ‘Odyssey’?

1. Listen to this retelling of the story of Odysseus’ journey home in twelve entertaining episodes:

http://classictales.educ.cam.ac.uk/stories/returnfro mtroy/index.html 2. Listen to ‘Trojan War’ the podcast by Jeff Wright

3. If you’re feeling brave, why not have a go at reading the ‘Odyssey’ for yourself. You can read a free translated version online at: http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/odyssey.html

Who was Virgil?

Publius Vergilius Maro, known to us as Virgil, was probably born around 70 BCE in Mantua. He is known for three major works of Latin literature, two cycles of shorter poems about the countryside, the ‘Eclogues’ and the ‘Georgics’, and the epic the ‘Aeneid’. He is traditionally considered to be ancient Rome’s greatest poet. His works have had a profound influence on Western culture, inspiring not just poetry but operas, novels, plays and art. In the medieval period his reputation was so great that his verses were believed to be magical. He was a friend of his fellow poet Horace, and enjoyed the enthusiastic favour of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. Tradition has it that he was a perfectionist who composed just three lines a day. On his deathbed in 19 BCE, he ordered that his draft of the ‘Aeneid’ should be destroyed. Thankfully Augustus intervened. Only a short time after his death the ‘Aeneid’ became a standard work for Roman schoolchildren, and it has remained so until the present day. What is epic poetry?

Like Homer, Virgil wrote an epic poem. Epic poems usually narrate the deeds of great heroes, war, dangerous journeys and adventures. They tend to be long (the ‘Aeneid’ is nearly 10,000 lines) and they tend to be written in dactylic hexameter. They are generally set in the past and often involve the gods as well as mortals. The Augustan Era:

Virgil lived through one of the worst periods of Civil War in Rome’s history, when rival generals tore apart the Republican system of government in their pursuit of power. Nearly every family in Italy was drawn into the conflict in some way, and countless young men were killed by their fellow-citizens. In 31 BCE – as Virgil was about to turn 40 – Julius Caesar’s great nephew, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (known to us as Octavian) defeated his enemy Mark Antony, and so was the last general standing. He took the new name Augustus, and became the first Roman emperor. Augustus reigned for thirty years, during which time Rome was rebuilt and recovered from the damage of civil war. In order to reinforce his own position and the era of peace, Augustus used traditional myths and legends as a way of uniting the Roman people. The Trojan hero Aeneas was well known before Virgil’s epic; he was believed to be a member of the Julian family and therefore an ancestor of

Augustus and his great-uncle Julius Caesar. Because the ‘Aeneid’s’ content chimes so closely with the cultural programme promoted by Augustus, it has sometimes unfairly been described as Augustan propaganda. The Aeneid:

The ‘Aeneid’ has been described as the Roman ‘national epic’, and it describes events leading up to the foundation of Rome. Virgil tells the story of the Trojan prince Aeneas. After Troy has been destroyed by the Greeks, Aeneas follows the instructions of the gods and leads the remaining Trojan population west towards Italy. For a while they settle in Carthage as the guests of Queen Dido, and Dido and Aeneas fall passionately in love. But Aeneas is compelled to follow his mission, and after the Trojans leave Carthage, Dido commits suicide. When they reach Italy, they are drawn into a war with the native Italian tribes, and the epic ends on an unsettling note, with Aeneas killing Turnus, an Italian prince, in single combat (it’s unclear whether this was Virgil’s decision, or whether he died before he could finish the last book.) After the close of the ‘Aeneid’, the story will continue with Aeneas marrying the Italian princess Lavinia, and founding Alba Longa, Rome’s mother city. His descendant will be Romulus, the founder of Rome. The ‘Aeneid’ is not a simplistic or triumphalist work. Although Rome’s destiny is not in doubt, throughout the poem Virgil raises great (and unanswerable) questions about the price of duty, the pitiful nature of war, and the nature of heroism.

If you want to find out more about Virgil and the ‘Aeneid’, the Open University offer a free

online course that includes a participation certificate:

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history -the-arts/introducing-virgils-aeneid/content- section-0?active-tab=content-tab

“I sing of arms and of the man, fated to be an exile” Virgil’s

‘Aeneid’

TASK THREE:

Read the summary of the opening of the ‘Aeneid’ Book One below and then have a go at answering the questions.

Summary of the first half of the ‘Aeneid’ Book One:

The narrator explains that Juno hates the Trojans and wants to QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: do everything she can to prevent them from reaching Italy and founding a new civilisation even though it is their destiny. She 1. In what ways do the persuades, Aeolus, god of the winds, to release the winds and gods involve create a storm to destroy Aeneas’ fleet that are currently sailing themselves in the towards Italy. A terrible storm arrives and is only stopped by lives of mortals? Neptune, god of the sea, who is angry at his sister Juno for intervening in his domain. Aeneas loses several men and the 2. How does Aeneas ships are separated and find themselves washed up on the show himself to be shores of Carthage. Aeneas tries to cover his fear and upset a hero? from his men. He rallies them and goes out to hunt seven stags in order to feed them and ensure they survive. Meanwhile, his 3. How might this be mother Venus visits Jupiter and begs to know why he is allowing read as propaganda Aeneas and his Trojans to suffer. Jupiter reassures her that for Augustus’

Aeneas will reach Italy, wage and win a great war and that his regime? descendants will found Rome and the Roman Empire, which will know no bounds. They will become rulers of the known world and will eventually have one of the greatest leaders of all time, Augustus, who will bring peace and prosperity.

Watch this video that explains why we should study the ‘Aeneid’: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh1qScs4YprjzxxkcebE0aaeOaUW1yLK/view?usp=sharing

How can I find out more about Virgil and the ‘Aeneid’?

1. This website provides a series of five minute videos that each address a different aspect of life in Ancient Rome: https://www.romansinfocus.com/ 2. Listen to the first book of the ‘Aeneid’ (there are audio versions of the other 11 books available on youtube): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHqbFp5NMaRT4ByNTpqPZkn3dC9m7zJ4/view?usp=shari ng 3. Have a go at reading a translation of the ‘Aeneid’ for yourself. There is a free downloadable version here: https://www.poetryintranslation.com/klineasaeneid.php 4. Listen to the podcast ‘Emperors of Rome’. Each episode narrates the story of a Roman Emperor or major historical figure in a really engaging manner. 5. Listen to these podcast episodes about the ‘Aeneid’ and Augustan Rome from the BBC: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pjw0QrFoehfPKvDF7AELdfHtu0gXjw9E and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8hCiNW7GC9TnZ1HKZgsMgEoHJ1b7cHC/view?usp=sharin g 6. Have a look at the Classics section on the SuperCurriculum page: https://sites.google.com/queens.herts.sch.uk/superenglish/click-me/classics

What was the Ancient Greek Theatre like?

Every year, the Greeks held several festivals in honour of Dionysus, the god of fertility, wine, rebirth and the theatre. The main festival occurred at the start of spring and was a huge event planned nine months in advance and funded by the senior men of the city. The main event was a drama competition. Over three days, each chosen tragic playwright would have three of their tragedies performed followed by a satyr play (a bit like a farce) all performed in a single day with a different playwrights’ works performed on each of the three days. On the fourth day, three comic playwrights would have a single play performed. There would then be a democratic vote and the winner would be announced and rewarded on the final day. Although not all plays have survived, we still have many of them.

Theatres were large: the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens could hold 15,000 and there was even a fund to help pay for poorer citizens to attend. They were specially designed with tiered seating and careful acoustics so that everyone could hear. At the front was an orchestra, (a central space usually circular in shape) where the chorus of between 12 and 15 male citizens who had been specially trained would have performed the role of the Chorus. Behind this, was the skene on which two or three actors performed (often playing more than one part). Actors wore elaborate costumes and masks and there were even some impressive stage effects including the use of a mechane (a kind of crane to lift actors) and an ekkyklema (a kind of machine to wheel things onto the stage). It would have been an exciting, celebratory occasion lasting all day with citizens from around the area as well as foreign tourists attending, (although scholars generally believe that women were not permitted to watch).

Watch this video that tells you a little more about Ancient Greek theatre: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh1qScs4YprjzxxkcebE0aaeOaUW1yLK/view?usp=sharing

TASK FOUR:

Write a paragraph imagining you are an Ancient Athenian citizen and describing your experience of the theatre OR write a paragraph explaining how the experience of going to the theatre in Ancient Greece would have been different fro10m today.

Ancient Greek Tragedy:

Ancient Greek tragedy was usually based on mythological or sometimes historical events. They were based on serious subjects and often taught a moral lesson such as about respecting the gods or warning against hubris. The tragic hero was always a character of high status, who fell from a great height and who suffered as a result often far more than was warranted by the original crime. The tragic hero frequently demonstrates a tragic flaw such as myopia or hubris or commits a tragic error (hamartia) and, as a result, brings about his own downfall. However, by the end of the play, he reaches a moment of anagnorisis where he realises the error of his ways too late. Tragic drama frequently involved death and violence, but this only ever occurred off stage and was reported by a messenger. There is also often a sense of tragic inevitability so the characters’ doom seems fated and often is as a result of divine intervention or prophecies. This then often generates a sense of dramatic irony as the audience, who would have been familiar with the myths that these plays retold, would have known more than the characters on stage.

The events of the drama occurred over a single day and in one outside place represented by the skene. The Chorus also had an important role: commenting on the action; delivering a moral message; engaging with characters on stage and guiding the view of the audience. They would have sung and danced in choreographed arrangements to music. This would have all created a dramatic and engaging performance intended to generate a sense of catharsis in the audience as they experienced pity and fear as a result of the events they witnessed even learning through the suffering of the characters on stage (pathei mathos).

Watch this video that tells you a little more about Ancient Greek tragedy:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rFXWpKa5nAcnK7T7vSa3M8JkvxOPV3jo

‘Oedipus Rex’ by Sophocles:

This is the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes. When a plague hits the people of his city, he is determined to find a cure. He is told by the oracle of Apollo that the only way to stop the plague is to discover the murderer of the former king, Laius. Despite the warnings of the blind seer, Tiresias, Oedipus pursues the case in order to serve his people, but the truth proves to be more surprising, more destructive and more terrible than he could ever imagine and, ultimately, brings about the desecration of his own family.

Why not read the play for yourself? You can access the etext here: http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/oedipus.html

‘Bacchae’ by Euripides:

Pentheus, the new King of Corinth, is horrified by the new Bacchic worship with which the women of his city and even his father have become involved. When Dionysus himself appears, disguised as a worshipper, Pentheus not only fails to recognise him, but orders his imprisonment and torture. Worse still, he determines to spy on the female worshippers on Cithaeron including his own mother. However, the consequences of his impious behaviour and rejection of Dionysus will literally tear him apart.

Why not read the play for yourself? You can access the etext here: http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/bacchan.html QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: This is an extract from Euripides’ ‘Medea’. Jason has betrayed his wife Medea with whom he has two children. 1. How does Medea He has abandoned her and married the Princess of Corinth. get her revenge on Medea therefore gets her revenge first by killing the Jason? princess and her father and then… 2. How are the gods

Chorus: Jason, you have yet to learn involved? How great your trouble is; or you would not have spoken so. Jason: What trouble? Is Medea trying to kill me too? 3. What is the role of Chorus: Your sons are dead. Their mother has killed both the Chorus here?

your sons. 4. For whom do you Jason: What? Killed my sons? That word kills me. Chorus: They are both dead. feel most sympathy Jason: Where are they? Did she kill them out here, or in this scene? indoors? Chorus: Open that door, and see them lying in their blood. Jason: Slaves, there! Unbar the doors! Open, and let me see Two horrors: my dead sons, and the woman I will kill. Jason batters at the door. Medea appears above the roof, sitting in a chariot drawn by dragons sent by her grandfather, the sun god, Helios, with the bodies of the two children beside her.

Medea: Jason! Why are you battering at these doors, seeking The dead children and me who killed them? Stop! Be quiet. If you have any business with me, say what you wish. Touch us you cannot, in this chariot which the Sun Has sent to save us from the hands of enemies. Jason: You abomination! Of all women most detested By every God, by me, by the whole human race! You could endure – a mother! – To lift sword against Your own little ones; to leave me childless, my life wrecked. After such murder do you out face both Sun and Earth – Guilty of gross pollution? May the God’s blast your life!

TASK FIVE:

Read the extract above and have a go at answering the questions. 12

Ancient Greek Comedy:

The intention of Greek comic writers was to cause laughter in a variety of ways: political satire; scatological innuendo; lampooning famous personalities; slap stick humour; rude jokes and language. As in tragedy, plays were performed by two or three actors whose costumes would have included large padded middles to enable the actors to engage in physical comedy. They would have worn large, laughing masks and often had a phallus on display. Stock characters such as the wily slave and boastful soldier were often used. The Chorus would have consisted of 12 to 15 individuals who could be dressed in elaborate ways or even as animals who, as in tragedy, would have sung,

danced and performed in conjunction with the actors on the stage.

Watch this video that tells you a little more about Ancient Greek comedy and Aristophanes: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dlJI6pPANfINXiu91XVPlP5C5E3Ugoz9

‘Frogs’ by Aristophanes:

‘Frogs’ sees the god Dionysus heading to the underworld with his clever slave, Xanthias, in order to retrieve the tragic playwright, Euripides, whom he believes will save Athens through his works. On the journey, many hilarious accidents and adventures occur before they finally find Euripides. However, Dionysus has changed his mind and Euripides is forced to compete with another tragic playwright, Aeschylus, in order to return to the land of the living. The outcome may surprise you…

TASK SIX:

Read the extract below and write at least one paragraph explaining what makes

it humorous.

‘Lysistrata’ by Aristophanes was written in 411BC during the Peloponnesian War. It is the tale of a group of women who decide to compel the men of Athens to end the war in which they have been engaged. However, the way in which they go about this, is particularly humorous:

LYSISTRATA Don’t you miss the fathers of your children when they go off to war? I understand you all have husbands far away from home. CALONICE My dear, it’s five full months my man’s been gone— off in Thrace taking care of Eucrates. MYRRHINE And mine’s been off in Pylos seven whole months. LAMPITO And mine—as soon as he gets home from war he grabs his shield and buggers off again. LYSISTRATA As for old flames and lovers—they’re none left. And since Milesians went against us, I’ve not seen a decent eight-inch dildo. Yes, it’s just leather, but it helps us out. So would you be willing, if I found a way, to work with me to make this fighting end? MYRRHINE By the twin goddesses, yes. Even if in just one day I had to pawn this dress and drain my purse. CALONICE Me too—they could slice me up like a flat fish, then use one half of me to get a peace. LAMPITO I’d climb up to the top of Taygetus to get a glimpse of peace. LYSISTRATA All right I’ll tell you. No need to keep quiet about my plan. Now, ladies, if we want to force the men to have a peace, well then, we must give up . . . MYRRHINE [interrupting] Give up what? Tell us! LYSISTRATA Then, will you do it? MYRRHINE Of course, we’ll do it, even if we have to die LYSISTRATA All right then— we have to give up all male penises. [The women react with general consternation]

“Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown,

ignorance can be educated, and

drunkenness sobered, but stupid lasts forever.” Aristophanes

“Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so

that I may wet my mind and say

something clever” Aristophanes

What will you be studying?

“Ideas about love and relationships are key aspects of the literature, thoughts, and ethics of any society. This component offers the opportunity for learners to recognise and relate to the passions, frustrations and delights of love in the ancient world. The ethical questions raised by these ideas continue to be wrestled over by successive generations and this unit will generate interesting and important discussions about love, desire, sex, sexuality and the institution of marriage. Ancient ideas about men, women and marriage enable learners to discuss the reality of love and relationships in everyday life, whilst study of Seneca and Plato provides a more conceptual approach. Throughout this material learners will be able to draw comparisons and make judgements about ideal and reality, and the nature of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to love or be loved. The study of poetry forms the second half of the unit. Sappho provides a link between the Homeric poems and the literature of 5th and 4th century Athens. She is one of very few female voices from the ancient world; the context of her life is fascinating, and her verse is powerful and evocative. Ovid offers a lighter presentation of relationships and concentrates on the fun and flirtation of budding romances.” From the AQA Specification Historical Context:

You will begin by exploring what life was like in terms of love and relationships in ancient Rome and Greece including ideas about ideal men and women, marriage, adultery, divorce, family, the status of women and men and attitudes towards sex and desire.

For example, one of the key institutions in Ancient Athens was marriage partly because of the need to produce children to maintain the family and family name and supply the city with men for the military. However, ancient Athenian ideas about marriage and the roles of men and women were very different from today’s society.

TASK SEVEN:

Watch the following video

https://drive.google.com/open?id=19uHSP3v1yDZz3vegSUB5ZyUAuvxefot4 and then, using as many of the technical terms below as you can, write a paragraph

describing what life might have been like for a young woman in Ancient Athens

Useful Key Words:

KEY WORDS DEFINITION DOWRY The amount of money or property provided by a woman’s father or guardian to her husband on marriage AGORA An open public space where men often exercised ANDRON The male area of the Greek home GYNAIKON The female area of the Greek home SYMPOSIUM Dinner parties KYRIOS A female’s legal guardian (usually her husband or father) EPIKLEROS An heiress OIKOS The name of the ancient Greek household

Who was Sappho?

Sappho was a famous female poet from the island of Lesbos. She was born between 600 and 615 BC. We know very little about her beyond the fact that she was married, had one daughter, Cleis, and three brothers. She wrote poems for a range of purposes: for public performances at events such as weddings; for private hearings and for individuals. However, almost none of these survive intact and so we are reliant on fragments of these poems to understand what she was saying. What makes Sappho so unusual, however, is that in an age when few women were educated, she was not only writing poetry, but highly respected and, more

importantly still, many of her poems are incredibly beautiful and provide us with a unique insight into the lives of women in the ancient Greek world.

If you want to find out more about Sappho, listen to this podcast: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AjZRqyexy8meQEgRev__tzIiZHqxhSVV/view?usp=sharing

TASK EIGHT:

Read through this poem by Sappho and have a go at answering the questions.

The most beautiful sight in the whole world

The most beautiful sight in the whole world Is, according to some, QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: A group of cavalry, Others say infantry. 1. What is the most And still others a fleet of ships. beautiful sight I think it is the one you love. according to the

speaker? It’s easy to explain So that everyone understands: 2. Who was Helen? Helen, the most beautiful woman on earth, 3. With whom is the Abandoned her husband, speaker in love? The most excellent of all men, 4. What is especially And sailed to Troy! unusual about the Without a thought for her daughter object of her Or her dear parents. affection? [...... ]* led her astray. 5. What might Sappho

Now I am thinking about Anactoria be saying about

Who is not here with me. love? I would rather see her lovely walk, And her gleaming face, Than look at all the chariots of the Lydians And the foot soldiers with their weapons!

Who was Ovid?

Publius Ovidius Naso (43BC – 18AD) was a famous Roman poet, who wrote a range of great works in his lifetime including the ‘Metamorphoses’ and the ‘Heroides’ as well as love poems and erotodidactic works. Although his father wanted him to follow a political career, Ovid rejected this in favour of poetry. However, Ovid’s unconventionality did eventually catch up with him. His poetry was often salacious and opposed to the Emperor Augustus’ traditional morals: at the time, Augustus was trying to instil the values of fides (faithfulness) and pudicitia (modesty and purity) in women and men and discourage adultery, even bringing in harsh laws to prosecute those who committed adultery (the Lex Iulia de Adulteriis). Eventually, Ovid was exiled to the island of Tomis and never allowed to return to his beloved Rome again supposedly for ‘a poem and a mistake’, although what his mistake was, has always been a mystery.

If you want to find out more about Ovid, watch this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IOifmE8u6gLrDH9 -XGsTmI9lyNJKeEr0/view?usp=sharing

TASK NINE:

Read this extract from Ovid’s ‘Ars Amatoria Book 3’. Why might it have been

considered ‘naughty’ and upset the Emperor Augustus?

I nearly forgot the skilful ways by which you can elude a husband, or a vigilant guardian. let the bride fear her husband: to guard a wife is right: it’s fitting, it’s decreed by law, the courts, and modesty. But for you too be guarded, scarcely released from prison, who could bear it? Adhere to my religion, and deceive! Though as many eyes as Argus owned observe you, you’ll deceive them (if only your will is firm). How can a guard make sure that you can’t write, when you’re given all that time to spend washing? When a knowing maid can carry letters you’ve penned, concealed in the deep curves of her warm breasts?

“Dignity and love do not blend well, nor do

they last long together.” Ovid

How can I find out more about Sappho or Ovid?

1. You could read the set poems in advance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPAajyqXlAKR1kw19viCqawA3nJT1zv5/view?usp=sharing 2. Read some of Ovid’s other works such as the ‘Metamorphoses’ or the ‘Heroides’ 3. Do some online research to find out more about Ovid and Sappho 4. Research some of the myths that Ovid refers to in the ‘Metamorphoses’

Who was Plato?

Plato was born in Athens in 429BC. He was familiar with politics coming from a wealthy family and served in the military. He was the pupil of the famous Socrates, who was forced to commit suicide in 399BC. Plato followed Socrates’ school of thought and Socrates frequently appears in his writing. Plato believed that he could bring justice and end political and civil strife through philosophy. He wrote 36 dialogues and 13 letters about his views on various subjects including love and relationship. He also founded the Academy in Athens, which was effectively the first university. His teaching continues to be influential today and are the foundation of philosophical thought.

If you want to find out more about Plato, watch this video:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S5_l79ofFPq9Cv26Tm-wCiIi6hbq2Njr

‘The Symposium’:

One of Plato’s most famous works is ‘The Symposium’. Essentially, a group of men get together for a dinner party and decide that they are going to talk about love and how best to view it and praise it. Each man present gives a different version and view of love.

TASK TEN:

Read Aristophanes’ story of the spheres from ‘The Symposium’. What do you think this says about love and what does it reveal about ancient Athenian

attitudes towards love? https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SZi583Gzehc4Ct7GztLPRRChdG_pZh KM

Who was Seneca?

Seneca was born in Cordoba in 4BC and educated in Rome although he spent some time in Egypt due to his ill health, (he suffered from asthma). He studied Stoic philosophy. He also pursued a political career and gained such an impressive reputation that he aroused the jealousy of the Emperor Caligula, who exiled him. He returned to Rome when Claudius became Emperor, but was again exiled and nearly executed supposedly for adultery. However, he was recalled to Rome by Claudius’ new wife, Agrippina, who wanted him to be a tutor to her son, Nero. When Nero became Emperor, Seneca became a chief advisor and political mover trying to curb the worst of Nero’s excesses, (although he failed to stop him from murdering his own brother and mother). Eventually, Seneca also fell out of favour partly because of his enormous wealth, partly because he opposed tyrannical government and partly because of his popularity. He was again exiled and eventually forced to commit suicide following the Piso Conspiracy. However, during his long career, (he was 69 when he died), he wrote numerous philosophical letters and dialogues as well as works on natural history and tragedies.

If you want to find out more about Seneca, watch this video:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hGl6F3BRlUQ0mfwJfXB80WmcOTj2v9XC

TASK TEN:

Have a look at these quotes from Seneca about friendship. What do you think

Seneca can teach us about friendship?

‘friendship creates a community of interest between us in ‘if you wish to be loved, love’

everything… No one can lead a happy life if he thinks only of Letters from a Stoic IX himself and turns everything to his own purposes. You should live for the other person if you wish to live yourself. The

assiduous and scrupulous cultivation of this bond, which leads ‘what is my object in making a to our associating with our fellow men and believing in the friend? To have someone to be able existence of a common law for all mankind, contributes more to die for, someone I may follow into than anything else to the maintenance of that more intimate exile, someone for whose life I may bond worth mentioning, friendship. A person who shares much put myself up as security and pay with a fellow human being will share everything with a friend.’ the price as well.’

Letters from a Stoic XLVIII Letters from a Stoic IX

TIPS:

 Twitter - follow writers and academics who blog about classics  Listen to some useful podcasts related to classics such as ‘Emperors of Rome’ or ‘The History of Rome’  Read a couple of the set texts over the summer – remember that, to be successful, you will need to read them a few times before the exams in order to have a really good understanding. Lots of them can also be accessed for free online – see the links above  Download audio versions of the plays and poems and listen to these  Have a look at the classics supercurriculum pages: https://sites.google.com/queens.herts.sch.uk/superenglish/click-me/classics  Visit some useful places in London (see below)  Use the library – Google books, school library, university libraries, local libraries  Listen to TED talks on ancient history and the classics to widen your understand of the subject. This enables you to see what other people’s perspectives are. You can listen to them online or download the app.  The open university offer some brilliant free online courses related to the classics and even learning basic Latin and ancient Greek: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history- the-arts  Find out about ancient myths. Stephen King’s ‘Mythos’ and ‘Heroes’ are a great place to start  Read some modern fiction related to ancient history and mythology such as: Madeline Miller’s ‘The Song of Achilles’ or ‘Circe’; Pat Barker’s ‘The Song of Achilles’; John Williams’ ‘Augustus’.  Watch the Netflix series ‘The Roman Empire’ or ‘Rome’.  If you’re really adventurous, visit Rome or Athens

A passion for the classics does not have to be confined to reading. There are a multiplicity of places you could visit to expand your knowledge of the classical world especially living near London!

London’s Roman Amphitheatre Underneath the Guildhall Art Gallery, lies the capital’s only Roman amphitheatre discovered in 1988. FREE City of London near Bank https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visit-the-city/attractions/guildhall- galleries/Pages/londons-roman-amphitheatre.aspx

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths Some wonderful ruins beneath London’s streets from the time of the Roman occupation. £9.00 per person for a tour. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/42810657-billingsgate-roman- house-and-baths-tour

Self-guided walk through Roman London Why not undertake a free walk through Roman London? The guide can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=11-HGTXZy_8aUnJVlZwht8JDbBKK5nS_Z

London Mithraeum The ruins of a Roman temple still on its original site. FREE Near Bank https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/45615751-london-mithraeum

The British Library An outstanding collection of books including some wonderful collections related to ancient Roman and Greek literature. Some free exhibitions; tours - £8.00; talks and events start at £7.00 Near Euston, London https://www.bl.uk/

The British Museum A superb collection of art and artefacts related to history, culture and literature over a vast period of time FREE to visit; exhibitions (many free for under 16s if accompanied by a paying adult) Bloomsbury, London https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Museum of London The Museum of London documents the history of the UK's capital city from prehistoric to modern times. They have a special section on Roman Britain. FREE Barbican, London https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london

A Roman wall in the heart of London, near the Barbican