ATAR Notes: Forum

HSC Stuff => HSC History => HSC Humanities Stuff => HSC Subjects + Help => HSC Ancient History => Topic started by: jamonwindeyer on March 16, 2017, 01:48:16 pm

Title: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jamonwindeyer on March 16, 2017, 01:48:16 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/FUrL2h2.png)

To go straight to posts from the new syllabus (2019+), click here.

What is this thread for?
If you have general questions about the HSC Ancient History course or how to improve in certain areas, this is the place to ask! 👌


Who can/will answer questions?
Everyone is welcome to contribute; even if you're unsure of yourself, providing different perspectives is incredibly valuable.

Please don't be dissuaded by the fact that you haven't finished Year 12, or didn't score as highly as others, or your advice contradicts something else you've seen on this thread, or whatever; none of this disqualifies you from helping others. And if you're worried you do have some sort of misconception, put it out there and someone else can clarify and modify your understanding! 

There'll be a whole bunch of other high-scoring students with their own wealths of wisdom to share with you. So you may even get multiple answers from different people offering their insights - very cool.


To ask a question or make a post, you will first need an ATAR Notes account. You probably already have one, but if you don't, it takes about four seconds to sign up - and completely free!

OTHER ANCIENT HISTORY RESOURCES

Original post.
Hey all! Just doing the rounds and I've realised there is no Question thread for Ancient History!

Let's make this the one stop shop for all your Ancient History queries. We've got a bunch of history experts around the forums, including several of our NSW lecturers who smashed the subject. So, pop your questions here and get some detailed answers!! ;D

If you want to ask a question, you'll have to register for a FREE account here!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: shamus.clarke on March 16, 2017, 04:15:20 pm
Hi ATAR Notes,

I have an ancient history assessment next week focusing on Augustus. I've looked around for resources on this topic, but mostly, Pompeii and Sparta are the subjects with the most focus. The question for the essay is "Evaluate the success of Augustus' reform program." I have two body paragraphs so far on social and political but I am worried if I should try to include religious and military as well. I can show you what I have so far if it's easier. Any advice would be so helpful!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 16, 2017, 10:52:35 pm
Hi ATAR Notes,

I have an ancient history assessment next week focusing on Augustus. I've looked around for resources on this topic, but mostly, Pompeii and Sparta are the subjects with the most focus. The question for the essay is "Evaluate the success of Augustus' reform program." I have two body paragraphs so far on social and political but I am worried if I should try to include religious and military as well. I can show you what I have so far if it's easier. Any advice would be so helpful!

Hey shamus :)

I unfortunately studied the topic that falls right after the Augustan Period (the Julio-Claudian dynasty) so in terms of content I'm not much help beyond a basic outline of Augustus' life and significance (part of the non-examinable content of our section). However, looking at the way that the question is structured (am I right in assuming it is quite general?) I'd say that the structure that you are using is perfect! I know that when i answered similar questions on the Julio-Claudian Princeps Claudius and Tiberius I wrote thematic essays, and yes I included paragraphs on the religious, militaristic/geopolitical (I merged these together as when it came to the Julio-Claudian Princeps a lot of the military stuff was directly linked to expansion and consolidation of the Empire - from what I can remember of Augustus, I'd say that'd be pretty relevant to him too!) and economic factors also :)

Hope this helps!

(P.S. more than happy to set up an essay thread for Ancient if that is a thing people think they would find useful!)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jenna.ridgway on March 16, 2017, 11:22:32 pm
Hi there,
I am currently studying The Fall of the Roman Republic. For my assessment this term, I have an essay asking me to "Explain the rise and the fall of the First Triumvirate"
I handed my teacher a practise paragraph, but he said it read to much like a description. I'll insert an excerpt what said I my paragraph:

According to historian Donald L. Wasson, Rome was in “dire straits” preceding the rise of the First Triumvirate. It is suggested that Roman political order was in chaos, resulting in street violence and rioting. A conspiracy to overthrow the Roman leadership, led by Lucius Sergius Catiline had recently been exposed, leading many to believe it was only a matter of time before the Republic would fall. This unstable pollical climate allowed the men the opportunity to seize control and eventually transform the government. According to Wasson, Marcus Licinius Crassus (115BCE – 53 BCE) was one of the “richest men in Rome.” In 71 BCE, Crassus led a victorious campaign against Spartacus, who had been rampaging his way across Italy for the past two years. Although the military praise should have gone to Crassus for his achievements, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (106BCE – 48BCE) stole most of the credit, despite only being involved in rounding up of the stragglers. Since Crassus “never forgot Pompey’s arrogance,” (Wilson) a rift between the two men was established from the very beginning, foreshadowing the eventual collapse of their liaison. Pompey himself was regarded as a great military leader, “He was awarded a triumph exceeding in brilliance” (Appian), having successfully defeated Sertorius, the Marian leader in 71 BCE. Although named pro-consul alongside Crassus, Pompey desired land for his veterans, however, standing in his way were the more conservative members of the Senate, who denied his request. At the same time, another general, Gaius Julius Caesar (100BCE – 44BCE) was “making a name for himself… as a popular figure with the common people of Rome” (David White)...

My teacher said it read like a description, or a timeline of the events, and I needed to make it more analytical.
So I was wondering, how do i go about an "explain" question without using too much description !?
Thanks heaps,
Jenna.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 17, 2017, 12:24:03 am
Hi there,
I am currently studying The Fall of the Roman Republic. For my assessment this term, I have an essay asking me to "Explain the rise and the fall of the First Triumvirate"
I handed my teacher a practise paragraph, but he said it read to much like a description. I'll insert an excerpt what said I my paragraph:

My teacher said it read like a description, or a timeline of the events, and I needed to make it more analytical.
So I was wondering, how do i go about an "explain" question without using too much description !?
Thanks heaps,
Jenna.

Hi Jenna!

I didn't study that topic, but like the question below I can defs still help with structure!
My comments are in bold :)

Spoiler
According to historian Donald L. Wasson, Rome was in “dire straits” preceding the rise of the First Triumvirate. Don't start a paragraph with a quote from a historian, but instead YOUR OWN judgement. The judgement can remain - "Rome was in a significantly negative political situation preceding the rise of the First Triumvirate" - but it has to be your own, then use the historian later when you want to back up why YOU have come to that conclusion. It is suggested that Roman political order was in chaos, resulting in street violence and rioting. Maybe you could bring your historian's quote here to establish this? A conspiracy to overthrow the Roman leadership, led by Lucius Sergius Catiline had recently been exposed, leading many to believe it was only a matter of time before the Republic would fall. This unstable pollical climate allowed the men the opportunity to seize control and eventually transform the government. Okay so it is at this point that you stop answering the question and slip into re-tell According to Wasson, Marcus Licinius Crassus (115BCE – 53 BCE) I mean like, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, like you probably won't lose marks, but you don't need to provide the DOB/DOD for every personality you mention, unless that date is specifically important. was one of the “richest men in Rome.” Nice integration of a quote In 71 BCE, Crassus led a victorious campaign against Spartacus, who had been rampaging his way across Italy for the past two years. Although the military praise should have gone to Crassus for his achievements, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (106BCE – 48BCE) stole most of the credit, despite only being involved in rounding up of the stragglers. Since Crassus “never forgot Pompey’s arrogance,” (Wilson) a rift between the two men was established from the very beginning, foreshadowing the eventual collapse of their liaison. You kind of briefly come back to your judgement here, but I can defs see what your teacher is saying - shall elaborate outside of the spoiler Pompey himself was regarded as a great military leader, “He was awarded a triumph exceeding in brilliance” (Appian), having successfully defeated Sertorius, the Marian leader in 71 BCE. What does this have to do with your judgement? Although named pro-consul alongside Crassus, Pompey desired land for his veterans, however, standing in his way were the more conservative members of the Senate, who denied his request. At the same time, another general, Gaius Julius Caesar (100BCE – 44BCE) was “making a name for himself… as a popular figure with the common people of Rome” (David White)...

Okay! So. As I said within the paragraph, I agree with your teachers assessment. Reading your paragraph, I felt like I was reading an outline of the event, and a description of the key players... because well... I was. But that's okay! It's early on in the year, and you have more than enough time to adjust your essay writing (you are by no means the only one with this problem - probably the most consistent issue that arises every year with HSC history, whether it be in Modern, Ancient or even Extension) :)

The reason it came across that way is you (sort of - see my comments) made a judgement at the beginning that stated that Rome was in a "dire" situation, and that the Roman political order was in chaos, and never really explained it. I can see where there can be a confusion in the wording of the question, but I don't think (in my limited knowledge of this period) that the question would be asking you to explain the chronological occurrences of the rise and fall of the first triumvirate, but moreso the themes that led to the rise and fall of the first triumvirate.

The information that you provide in regards to the various leaders is relevant in establishing political turmoil, but you need to draw it all back into one, driving concept or theme in order to analyse. From reading this I'd say that a big reason that such turmoil was caused was the different motives and aims of the various leaders, and their own power-hungry desires. So within your explanation, you could say "a significant contributing factor for this political turmoil were the conflicting aims and purposes of the various leaders, and their desire for individual power" Then, instead of just mentioning each as if you were writing a brief biography, use them instead as examples to back up this statement. For example:

"...this is evident through the conflict between Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, whereby the latter took credit for Crassus' military achievements in order to further advance his own political aims and influence... this is further established through Pompey's personal desire for land for his veterans, which resulted in a conflict between himself and the Senate, further contributing to overall political turmoil that defined the period, and led to the rise of the First Triumvirate"

Does this make sense (please let me know if it doesn't and I'll try and explain further  :))?

Also just another point, but your paragraph came across a little bit like a shopping list of historians. Historians are great! And the way you introduced a lot of them was smooth, but that is the thing... you mention A LOT of them. I think sometimes it would be better to maybe forget to use a quote here or there and instead explain why YOU feel a certain way, rather than just parroting a historians opinion.

I hope this helps/makes sense! A bit tricky when I haven't studied the topic. There were defs some instances where I was not sure if they were relevant to your argument when they absolutely might have been! In the end it is up to you to make the call :) but hopefully this gives you a bit of a leg up!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jenna.ridgway on March 17, 2017, 11:37:01 am
Thanks so much Susie, you comments really helped a lot! I'm going to try link back to the overarching question more and make all my info relevant so it doesn't read like a timeline. ... Also cut down on historians !  :P
Thanks again !!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 18, 2017, 04:43:45 pm
Hi Susie, can you check my intro/paragraph structure and whether I am using my quotes effectively etc.
Thanks!

Question: Explain the formation, role and breakdown of the First Triumvirate

At a time when Rome was in political upheaval, three most ambitious men joined together in a political alliance with aims to overthrow the Senate. In 60BC, Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompey and Marcus Licinius Crassus were fuelled by the desire to further their own personal successes that had become stagnant due to the Senate’s rejection of their requests. While their initial successes came from collective support and trust in one another, later tensions and jealousy between the men brought the First Triumvirate to an inevitable end.

The First Triumvirate was formed under the Senate’s disagreement with Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. Roman historian Titus Livy described the coalition as “conspiracy against the state,” where the three men were united by their common hatred towards the Senate for preventing them from further political success. According to Scullard, Pompey wanted the senate to approve his “double request that his eastern settlement should be ratified...land provided for his veterans.”While this request was highly common among successful military leaders, Appian notes, “A number of senators were jealous” and rejected his demands, perhaps due to Pompey’s  unconventional escalation to power despite his young age. As Pompey was a highly ambitious man who constantly desired more power, he was compelled to join the Triumvirate in order to overturn the Senate’s decision. The Senate had been wary of not only Caesar’s popularity with the people, but also as Suetonius suggests, “he was suspected of having made a conspiracy with Crassus,” hence making it increasingly difficult to be elected as consul of 59BC. Similarly, Scullard argued that Crassus’ supporters had been ‘economically raped’ during the Mithridatic Wars and in order for him to regain their respect, the Senate needed to grant compensation for the tax collectors. However Crassus’ request was also denied, causing him to turn to Caesar for help in fulfilling his promises to the people. Thus, the formation of the First Triumvirate was the three men’s reaction to the Senate’s rejection of their various commands.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 18, 2017, 05:24:27 pm
Hi Susie, can you check my paragraph structure and whether I am using my quotes effectively etc.
Thanks!

Sure thing Grace!

Edits on your paragraph can be found in the spoiler :)

Spoiler
The First Triumvirate was formed under the Senate’s disagreement with Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. Judgement? Your first sentence MUST always be a judgement, not just an explanation or description. Remember that this is an essay and not a narrative or outline, therefore you must construct an arguement. For example, (as someone who hasn't studied the unit and is basing this entirely around this statement), an effective judgement could look like - 'The formation of the first Triumvirate was primarily due to the Senates conflict with the three leaders, Ceasar, Pompey and Crassus. - This may look like I just said the same thing, but wording is important here, particularly the use of "primarily due to" - that is where the judgement is. Roman historian Titus Livy described the coalition as “conspiracy against the state,” where the three men were united by their common hatred towards the Senate for preventing them from further political success. Nice explanation and integration of quoteAccording to Scullard, Pompey wanted the senate to approve his “double request that his eastern settlement should be ratified...land provided for his veterans.” Was it really necessary that Scullard says this? Couldn't you just say it yourself in your own words? I always try and keep my use of historians to providing and justifying judgements, not for an outline or description of an event or factor. It just doesn't really add anything to your argumentWhile this request was highly common among successful military leaders, Appian A lot of historians in a very short amount of time notes, “A number of senators were jealous” and rejected his demands, perhaps due to Pompey’s  unconventional escalation to power despite his young age. As Pompey was a highly ambitious man who constantly desired more power, he was compelled to join the Triumvirate in order to overturn the Senate’s decision. The Senate had been wary of not only Caesar’s popularity with the people, but also as Suetonius suggests, “he was suspected of having made a conspiracy with Crassus,” hence making it increasingly difficult to be elected as consul of 59BC. Similarly, Scullard argued that Crassus’ supporters had been ‘economically raped’ a much more effective use of a quote during the Mithridatic Wars and in order for him to regain their respect, the Senate needed to grant compensation for the tax collectors. However Crassus’ request was also denied, causing him to turn to Caesar for help in fulfilling his promises to the people. Thus, the formation of the First Triumvirate was the three men’s reaction to the Senate’s rejection of their various commands.

First of all, I highly doubt you'd get an "Explain..." essay question in the HSC, as that is a lower order question in comparison to "Assess", "Evaluate", "Justify" or "To what extent." You can get this type of question as a short answer in Section I and II, or for part A of Section III, but never for a Section IV essay. Given how unlikely this is, I have been a bit tougher, and marked according to a structure that I believe will maximise your marks in the HSC.

As an explain question, your response is pretty good :) There is an overload of historians, but overall you have explained the event well and in detail :) Just make sure that your response is centered around your own understanding and judgement, rather than that of a historian. They shouldn't be the driving force behind your essay, but just as supplementory detail and justification for your own points.

Also be careful not to slip into narrative and re-tell. As an explain question this isn't too bad, but you'd be venturing into the danger zone for a higher order question. However this is easily fixed :) Just make sure that you are consistently referencing the question, and brining your points back to this. For example instead of this:

As Pompey was a highly ambitious man who constantly desired more power, he was compelled to join the Triumvirate in order to overturn the Senate’s decision.

You could try re-phrasing it like this:

The role of this senetorial conflict in the formation of the First Triumvirate is further evident through Pompey's attitudes towards power, whereby he was compelled to join the Triumvirate in order to overturn the Senate's decision.

In the second sentence, I am drawing upon and linking back to the question much more explictly, which will stop from slipping into retell :)

Hope this helps! Overall this was a good attempt, you clearly have a keen understanding of your topic in regards to detail which will definitely help a lot during your exams, just a few structural issues to iron out (the easy stuff  ;)). Good luck! If you need any more help please pop back here at any time and let me know :)

Susie


Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 18, 2017, 05:34:39 pm

Hope this helps! Overall this was a good attempt, you clearly have a keen understanding of your topic in regards to detail which will definitely help a lot during your exams, just a few structural issues to iron out (the easy stuff  ;)). Good luck! If you need any more help please pop back here at any time and let me know :)

Susie

If I could "like" this 10 times I would, your feedback is so good I want to cry!!! THANK YOU!

how many historians would you suggest putting in a paragraph? I sometimes feel like I'm writing an english essay and have to put in around 4...
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 18, 2017, 05:45:30 pm
If I could "like" this 10 times I would, your feedback is so good I want to cry!!! THANK YOU!

how many historians would you suggest putting in a paragraph? I sometimes feel like I'm writing an english essay and have to put in around 4...
Aw thank you! This makes me really happy, so glad that you found it helpful!  ;D

In terms of the amount of historians, I don't really think that there is a definitive answer here.

Though historians are comparatively more important in Ancient than in Modern History, its not really the fact that they are historians that is important, more that they are evidence. You DO want to be consistently using evidence to back up your points, and should really be used to back up almost any point you make. However evidence doesn't just encompass historians, but also archeological sources, statistics, etc. etc, and IMO archeological sources in particular are even better to use than historians! For example when I studied the Julio-Claudians, instead of using a quote from Scullard or Tacitus to suggest that Claudius' reign was dominated by the influence of Agrippina the Younger, I would specifically reference archeological evidence such as numismatic and statue depictions, that place her on an equal level to the Princeps (which was pretty crazy!).

You want to be using evidence to back up any point that you make, whether that is 2 key points per paragraph or 100 (though that'd be a pretty long paragraph)! And evidence most definitely can include historians! But if you feel like you're going a bit overboard, try and break up their use with other types of sources as well :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 18, 2017, 06:05:16 pm
Aw thank you! This makes me really happy, so glad that you found it helpful!  ;D

In terms of the amount of historians, I don't really think that there is a definitive answer here.

Though historians are comparatively more important in Ancient than in Modern History, its not really the fact that they are historians that is important, more that they are evidence. You DO want to be consistently using evidence to back up your points, and should really be used to back up almost any point you make. However evidence doesn't just encompass historians, but also archeological sources, statistics, etc. etc, and IMO archeological sources in particular are even better to use than historians! For example when I studied the Julio-Claudians, instead of using a quote from Scullard or Tacitus to suggest that Claudius' reign was dominated by the influence of Agrippina the Younger, I would specifically reference archeological evidence such as numismatic and statue depictions, that place her on an equal level to the Princeps (which was pretty crazy!).

You want to be using evidence to back up any point that you make, whether that is 2 key points per paragraph or 100 (though that'd be a pretty long paragraph)! And evidence most definitely can include historians! But if you feel like you're going a bit overboard, try and break up their use with other types of sources as well :)

Thanks! I'll try find some archaeological evidence then ;D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 21, 2017, 04:02:46 pm
Hi Susie, I have another question regarding the 'explain' question I had. Is there another way to include a judgement in the topic sentence without always saying it was "due to"?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 21, 2017, 08:00:20 pm
Hi Susie, I have another question regarding the 'explain' question I had. Is there another way to include a judgement in the topic sentence without always saying it was "due to"?

Do you mean another way to phrase the statement "The formation of the first Triumvirate was primarily due to the Senates conflict with the three leaders, Ceasar, Pompey and Crassus"?

"due to" --> "a result of", "contributed by", etc. etc.

If you're asking this question though in regards to varying your sentence formation throughout your response, you don't need to worry :) I know in English they can get really pissy over language choices, but when it comes to HSC history they really don't mind, and in my opinion its actually better to use consistent wording throughout, as it gives the marker less opportunity to see a split judgement (which you want to avoid at all costs!).
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 21, 2017, 09:32:22 pm
Do you mean another way to phrase the statement "The formation of the first Triumvirate was primarily due to the Senates conflict with the three leaders, Ceasar, Pompey and Crassus"?

"due to" --> "a result of", "contributed by", etc. etc.

If you're asking this question though in regards to varying your sentence formation throughout your response, you don't need to worry :) I know in English they can get really pissy over language choices, but when it comes to HSC history they really don't mind, and in my opinion its actually better to use consistent wording throughout, as it gives the marker less opportunity to see a split judgement (which you want to avoid at all costs!).


Yes! I was asking so that I could vary my judgement but if the markers don't mind than YAY!! Thank you  ;D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 22, 2017, 10:22:51 pm
Hi Susie, could you mark my essay please?  :-* Also, I know you didn't study my topic, but for the 'roles' part in para 3, would I have to go into specific details or is what I'm doing still ok?

Explain the formation, role and breakdown of the First Triumvirate.

At a time when Rome was in political upheaval, three most ambitious men joined together in a political alliance with aims to overthrow the Senate. In 60BC, Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompey and Marcus Licinius Crassus were fuelled by the desire to further their own personal successes that had become stagnant due to the Senate’s rejection of their requests. While their initial successes came from collective support and trust in one another, later tensions and jealousy between the men brought the First Triumvirate to an inevitable end.

The formation of The First Triumvirate was primarily due to the Senate’s disagreement with Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. Roman historian Titus Livy described the coalition as “conspiracy against the state,” where the three men were united by their common hatred towards the Senate for preventing them from further political success. Pompey’s rejected requests were according to Appian, due to the senators’ jealousy which was perhaps brought about by Pompey’s unconventional escalation to power, in particular his position as consul of 70BC despite his young age. As Pompey was a highly ambitious man who constantly desired more power, the senatorial conflict compelled him to join the triumvirate in order to overturn their decision. Similarly, Crassus’ supporters had been impacted by the Mithridatic Wars and in order for him to regain their respect, the Senate needed to grant compensation to these tax collectors. However Crassus’ request was also denied, causing him to turn to Caesar for help in fulfilling his promises to the people. The Senate, however had not only become extremely wary of Caesar’s popularity with the people, but also as Suetonius suggests, “he was suspected of having made a conspiracy with Crassus,” hence making it increasingly difficult for him to be elected consul of 59BC. Thus, the formation of the First Triumvirate was the three men’s collective reaction to the Senate’s rejection of their various commands.

The three men’s inclusion in the First Triumvirate was largely due to Caesar’s strategically built alliance whereby he combined Pompey and Crassus’s wealth and prestige to further his career and subsequently, theirs. Crassus was not only a friend of Caesar’s who had financially supported him in his previous position as Pontifex Maximus, but according to Sallust, “Tarquinius named Crassus, a noble of great wealth and of the highest rank.” Caesar clearly saw the benefit of inviting such a man into the alliance as he himself, had no wealth to gain him the power to the extent that he desired. Pompey on the other hand, was the most successful military general as verified by Appian in “gave him command of all forces...never been given to any one general before.” It is likely that Caesar saw that Pompey’s loyal veterans could ignite fear in the Senate – forcing them to abide by the three men’s wishes – hence he was also invited into the liaison. Hence it is evident that Caesar knew “without the aid of both...he could never come to any great power” (Cassius Duo). As such, Caesar extended the invitation to Pompey and Crassus to support him in his consulship in return for passing their rejected requests, and granting them commands over promising provinces.

It was largely due to Caesar’s later role as sole consul of Rome which aimed to surpass the power of the Senate to maximise the political careers of each man. Caesar’s strategic and power-hungry nature enabled him to push for illegal reforms that benefitted the members of the triumvirate. Yet the people’s approval of his bills was a result of his threatening actions as noted by Plutarch in “[Pompey] filled the city with his soldiers,” hence suggesting that the men used unconstitutional force to ensure that their laws were passed. This further confirmed the powerful role individuals played when they were backed by military strength, allowing them to force the Senate into inactivity. While this abuse of power contributed towards the men’s attainment of increasing military commands, it also interfered with Rome’s political climate. This is supported by modern historian Matthias Gelzer who argues that the men only considered “personal interests without regard for the organs provided by the constitution.” As a result, it is evident that the combined strengths of the men and their dynamic personalities enabled the First Triumvirate to become significant for its role to challenge and overturn the Roman constitution.

Although Crassus’ and Caesar’s daughter’s deaths were two reasons for the breakdown of the first triumvirate, ultimately it was due to the uneven strength of the three men which caused irrevocable political tensions. Caesar’s victories in Gaul created jealousy among the two other powerful men, hence threatening the unity of the coalition. It is also highly likely that Caesar’s method of passing Pompey’s previous agrarian law which according to Plutarch, “brought Pompey out openly in front of the people,” led the tribunes to believe that Pompey was hostile. This in turn, provoked Pompey’s resentment towards Caesar as he began to lose the people’s respect. Modern historian Christina Boggs similarly argues that the “insatiable thirst for power” suggests that while the political alliance was a mutual agreement, each man sought to achieve more popularity and power than the other without regard for their initial political agreement. This is reiterated by Suetonius who commented “he [Caesar] did very much as he pleased,” hence contributing to the rivalry between himself and Pompey. As a result of the arising jealousy, the later events of Julia’s and Crassus’ death cemented the end of the alliance. Plutarch confirms this in “could not satisfy the ambition of two men...they who were only two.” Since Julia served as the glue that forced Pompey and Caesar into a civil relationship, her death served as a catalyst for the inevitable collapse of the First Triumvirate.

Ultimately, the formation of the First Triumvirate was due to the Senate’s disagreement with Caesar, Pompey and Crassus which fuelled their desire to surpass their laws, and the Roman constitution itself. However, what once was a collective desire for success and power, was outweighed by each member’s personal interests to further their own reputation in the political arena. As such, jealousy towards another man’s popularity sought to break up the ‘triumvirates’.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 22, 2017, 10:44:20 pm
Hi Susie, could you mark my essay please?  :-* Also, I know you didn't study my topic, but for the 'roles' part in para 3, would I have to go into specific details or is what I'm doing still ok?

Hi Grace!

I'm going to have a look over your essay now :) I just now created an essay marking thread, so I will post your feedback there once it is done! Here is the link! (I'll send you a PM as well once I've gone through everything!)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: grace.estelle on March 22, 2017, 10:47:41 pm
Hi Grace!

I'm going to have a look over your essay now :) I just now created an essay marking thread, so I will post your feedback there once it is done! Here is the link! (I'll send you a PM as well once I've gone through everything!)

Susie

Ok thank you!!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 22, 2017, 11:30:27 pm
Ok thank you!!

No worries!

And to answer your specific question about going into detail on the roles of each of the members in paragraph 3, unfortunately I can't really say for sure as I haven't studied the option  :( To me that paragraph seemed really strong, but as I said in my feedback, I highly recommend giving your teacher a draft as well (if they accept drafts), as they'll be able to direct you much better than I can in regards to stuff like that  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jadelaishevsky on March 24, 2017, 09:58:50 am
Hi :) I have to write an essay on "How significant was the consulship of Pompey and Crassus in 70BCE on the developments of the late Republic?" and im really struggeling with an introduction, could you possibly give me any pointers? I aways struglle with history introductions because im never sure what to put in them becasue theyre not like english ones. Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 24, 2017, 01:55:39 pm
Hi :) I have to write an essay on "How significant was the consulship of Pompey and Crassus in 70BCE on the developments of the late Republic?" and im really struggeling with an introduction, could you possibly give me any pointers? I aways struglle with history introductions because im never sure what to put in them becasue theyre not like english ones. Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

Hey Jade! Unfortunately I didn't study that unit :( So content wise I'm pretty useless. However I can give you a few pointers in regards to structure!

First of all you MUST start with a judgement. If your first sentence is not a judgement then you will lose marks, because it means that you are not answering the question. Looking at your question, I'd say the phrasing of your judgement should look similar to this:

The consulship of Pompey and Crassus in 70BCE was highly/partially/to a limited extent (pick which one you agree with) significant to the development of the late Republic.

See how simple the judgement was? You don't want to be going overboard, just one simple statement will do :) Then you need to explain your judgement. In 1-2 sentences, briefly explain the context of your judgement (maybe what consulship is and why it can be impactful? Again I'm not familiar with the content so I can't really say for sure what this would include), and why you have made that judgement. Then you need to outline your argument. This is literally just a list of what your paragraphs are going to be on - this can be either factors based (ie. the specific and relevant events/people/issues that resulted in the development of the late Republic) or thematic (economic, political, social, religious themes etc.). Finally, you want to link back to your original judgement/thesis.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions let me know + feel free to post your intro here once you've written it if you'd like me to give it a look over so I can maybe be a bit more specific in my feedback :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 13, 2017, 08:58:36 pm
Hey!
I've got a question regarding exam responses. I've been doing a few past papers, specifically the Spartan society section, and I'm unsure whether I should include evidence for every point I make. For example some questions are quite short and only require around a paragraph (such as; "Outline the role of the gerousia in this period"). Would i really have to include a quote from a historian or provide archaeological evidence for such a short question? I understand the last question in the society questions will require your own sources, also would you do the same for the core topic as well?


Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 13, 2017, 09:17:23 pm
Hey!
I've got a question regarding exam responses. I've been doing a few past papers, specifically the Spartan society section, and I'm unsure whether I should include evidence for every point I make. For example some questions are quite short and only require around a paragraph (such as; "Outline the role of the gerousia in this period"). Would i really have to include a quote from a historian or provide archaeological evidence for such a short question? I understand the last question in the society questions will require your own sources, also would you do the same for the core topic as well?


Thanks!  :)

Hey! Well it really depends on how many marks the question is worth. 1-2 marks? Most likely the question is just asking you to identify something (eg. identify two responsibilities of the kings) - something like this does not require evidence. 3-4 marks? I'd want to include maybe one or two sources - literary or archaeological. Anything above 4 marks is where I would be really trying to back up all of my points with evidence. This evidence doesn't need to be discussed at length, you could just name drop a particular source or site, but if you want to get the most amount of marks possible then it should be included.

For Pompeii and Herculaneum? 100%. As it is a source based study they will almost always ask you to incorporate your own sources as well. The big thing here is to make sure that you have a source for both Pompeii AND HERCULANEUM (everyone forgets herculaneum  :'( ). You will lose marks if you don't reference both towns (unless the question explicitly asks for a discussion on only one). This may seem pretty daunting, but remember that a lot of the sources for Pompeii and Herculaneum can be used for multiple sections of the syllabus, and thus can be used for multiple questions. For example the Temple of Isis? Can be used as a source for a question on evidence provided for;
- The eruption
- Social structure
- Local political life
- Everyday Life
- Temples
- Religion
- Influence of Greek and Egyptian Cultures

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 13, 2017, 09:25:47 pm
Hey! Well it really depends on how many marks the question is worth. 1-2 marks? Most likely the question is just asking you to identify something (eg. identify two responsibilities of the kings) - something like this does not require evidence. 3-4 marks? I'd want to include maybe one or two sources - literary or archaeological. Anything above 4 marks is where I would be really trying to back up all of my points with evidence. This evidence doesn't need to be discussed at length, you could just name drop a particular source or site, but if you want to get the most amount of marks possible then it should be included.

For Pompeii and Herculaneum? 100%. As it is a source based study they will almost always ask you to incorporate your own sources as well. The big thing here is to make sure that you have a source for both Pompeii AND HERCULANEUM (everyone forgets herculaneum  :'( ). You will lose marks if you don't reference both towns (unless the question explicitly asks for a discussion on only one). This may seem pretty daunting, but remember that a lot of the sources for Pompeii and Herculaneum can be used for multiple sections of the syllabus, and thus can be used for multiple questions. For example the Temple of Isis? Can be used as a source for a question on evidence provided for;
- The eruption
- Social structure
- Local political life
- Everyday Life
- Temples
- Religion
- Influence of Greek and Egyptian Cultures

Hope this helps!

Susie
Thanks for the tips! :)

Poor Herculaneum :( , I find that even textbooks neglect it haha
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 13, 2017, 09:28:38 pm
Thanks for the tips! :)

Poor Herculaneum :( , I find that even textbooks neglect it haha

No worries! Yep, they definitely do :( Unfortunately there is just so much more evidence from Pompeii because more of it has been excavated - but as the topic is Pompeii and Herculaneum is really does need to be included :(
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 16, 2017, 12:39:32 pm
Hello again!  ;D
I've got a question regarding 'types of economic activity which took place in Pompeii and Herculaneum (2014 HSC past paper)
In my answer I spoke about tourism. For evidence I brought up the fact that the Amphitheatre of Pompeii can hold over 20,000 spectators (more than the citizen body) and for Herculaneum I spoke about the villa of the Papyri and how it was a mouseion used to show off a collection of art to the public.

Would tourism be a good example of economic activity? The markers didn't speak about it in the marking criteria nor is it in the syllabus however it kinda makes sense right?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 16, 2017, 12:50:49 pm
Hello again!  ;D
I've got a question regarding 'types of economic activity which took place in Pompeii and Herculaneum (2014 HSC past paper)
In my answer I spoke about tourism. For evidence I brought up the fact that the Amphitheatre of Pompeii can hold over 20,000 spectators (more than the citizen body) and for Herculaneum I spoke about the villa of the Papyri and how it was a mouseion used to show off a collection of art to the public.

Would tourism be a good example of economic activity? The markers didn't speak about it in the marking criteria nor is it in the syllabus however it kinda makes sense right?

Hey!

Technically yes, tourism does make sense, and the evidence you used is good - but I think there are better examples, and you would be better off sticking more closely to the syllabus, so look at trade, commerce, industry and occupation. Your answer is just too specific if you only focus on tourism. Though it is believed that tourism was a feature of the economy at that time, its a very small feature in comparison to the other four I mentioned (it would fall under an example for industry).

Another very minor point, but you don't want to initially confuse the marker as tourism (modern day tourism specifically) is on another section of the syllabus. Unlikely, as Pompeii and Herculaneum is the core, so anyone marking that section should be very comfortable with the content, but you can never be too careful - make the markers job as easy as possible.

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 16, 2017, 01:26:16 pm
Hey!

Technically yes, tourism does make sense, and the evidence you used is good - but I think there are better examples, and you would be better off sticking more closely to the syllabus, so look at trade, commerce, industry and occupation. Your answer is just too specific if you only focus on tourism. Though it is believed that tourism was a feature of the economy at that time, its a very small feature in comparison to the other four I mentioned (it would fall under an example for industry).

Another very minor point, but you don't want to initially confuse the marker as tourism (modern day tourism specifically) is on another section of the syllabus. Unlikely, as Pompeii and Herculaneum is the core, so anyone marking that section should be very comfortable with the content, but you can never be too careful - make the markers job as easy as possible.

Susie
Okay, better play it safe then. Thanks for the advice :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 22, 2017, 09:57:13 pm
Hello... I'm back (Ancient study got me asking alot of questions  ;D ;D)

Just a quick question, this seems a bit picky but I was doing a past paper (Spartan society section) and it involved a question where you had to discuss the role of the Perioikoi. I used a quote from Herodotus where he was explaining how at the 'battle of the Platae' 34,500 Perioikoi were involved as Auxiliary troops. This was a great example to use for the Perioikoi's role in the military however i only just realised that the battle took place in 479BC and the syllabus says; "Spartan society to the battle of Leuctra 371BC".   

Maybe I'm thinking too hard about this  :D but will the markers care if i use an example that is more than 100 years after the time period of the syllabus??
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 22, 2017, 10:28:12 pm
Hello... I'm back (Ancient study got me asking alot of questions  ;D ;D)

Just a quick question, this seems a bit picky but I was doing a past paper (Spartan society section) and it involved a question where you had to discuss the role of the Perioikoi. I used a quote from Herodotus where he was explaining how at the 'battle of the Platae' 34,500 Perioikoi were involved as Auxiliary troops. This was a great example to use for the Perioikoi's role in the military however i only just realised that the battle took place in 479BC and the syllabus says; "Spartan society to the battle of Leuctra 371BC".   

Maybe I'm thinking too hard about this  :D but will the markers care if i use an example that is more than 100 years after the time period of the syllabus??


Haha no worries! Loving all the questions, keep them coming!

479 BC is actually 100 years before the Battle of Leuctra, so that is an absolutely fantastic example to include within your response! Really easy mistake to make, just remember that when it comes to BC we count years backwards (a little bit like it was a negative number?). So 1BC is going to be a lot later than 400BC, etc, etc.

You are right to be concerned about including examples that are outside of the scope of the designated timeframe though! A little bit of detail might go unnoticed, but in general it is definitely something you want to avoid, because it means you aren't answering the question correctly.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 23, 2017, 01:25:05 am
Haha no worries! Loving all the questions, keep them coming!

479 BC is actually 100 years before the Battle of Leuctra, so that is an absolutely fantastic example to include within your response! Really easy mistake to make, just remember that when it comes to BC we count years backwards (a little bit like it was a negative number?). So 1BC is going to be a lot later than 400BC, etc, etc.

You are right to be concerned about including examples that are outside of the scope of the designated timeframe though! A little bit of detail might go unnoticed, but in general it is definitely something you want to avoid, because it means you aren't answering the question correctly.


..... oh god....


How embarrassing.... Obviously................. hahahah sorry my brain is literally dead being staying up till 2 am everyday this week.


Thanks for the advice :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 23, 2017, 01:35:26 am

..... oh god....


How embarrassing.... Obviously................. hahahah sorry my brain is literally dead being staying up till 2 am everyday this week.


Thanks for the advice :)

No need to feel embarrassed! A super easy mistake to make, even reading your question I had to do a double take haha. And oh god 2am nights (or mornings?). Definitely takes me back to last year :/ Try your best to avoid them though, especially when the term starts back up (I say at 1:30 am - but i'm in uni now so that's okay - right?)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 23, 2017, 01:47:35 am
No need to feel embarrassed! A super easy mistake to make, even reading your question I had to do a double take haha. And oh god 2am nights (or mornings?). Definitely takes me back to last year :/ Try your best to avoid them though, especially when the term starts back up (I say at 1:30 am - but i'm in uni now so that's okay - right?)

Susie
Yeah defiantly, I sleep in too late as well :D .... I kinda find working at night easier i dunno, but yeah since exams are generally early i should probably start sleeping earlier :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 26, 2017, 09:12:26 pm
Hey!  ;D
Just a quick question, should the last question (15 marker) in the ancient society section be answered in proper essay form? I find that I tend to write a bit of a hybrid essay (as in I don't really have a clear introduction that introduces my main point, I kinda make a general statement and then bring up all my evidence etc.)

For example this question:
"What does evidence reveal about the structure of Spartan society? In your answer, refer to Source P, other sources, and your own knowledge."

Thanks! (also sorry for the insane amount of questions haha)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 26, 2017, 09:18:03 pm
Hey!  ;D
Just a quick question, should the last question (15 marker) in the ancient society section be answered in proper essay form? I find that I tend to write a bit of a hybrid essay (as in I don't really have a clear introduction that introduces my main point, I kinda make a general statement and then bring up all my evidence etc.)

For example this question:
"What does evidence reveal about the structure of Spartan society? In your answer, refer to Source P, other sources, and your own knowledge."

Thanks! (also sorry for the insane amount of questions haha)

For a 15 marker I used proper essay structure, but my intro and conclusion were usually a bit shorter than a full essay. So not one sentence, but whereas in a 25 mark essay my intro would be roughly 100-150 words, for a 15 marker it'd be closer to 75-100 words :) So I'd still make a judgment, briefly explain my judgement and outline my argument.

And never apologise for asking questions! I'm here answering because I genuinely enjoy it haha (+ it's A+ procrastination for my citcomm essay ;) )
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on April 26, 2017, 09:25:01 pm
For a 15 marker I used proper essay structure, but my intro and conclusion were usually a bit shorter than a full essay. So not one sentence, but whereas in a 25 mark essay my intro would be roughly 100-150 words, for a 15 marker it'd be closer to 75-100 words :) So I'd still make a judgment, briefly explain my judgement and outline my argument.

And never apologise for asking questions! I'm here answering because I genuinely enjoy it haha (+ it's A+ procrastination for my citcomm essay ;) )
Thanks for the quick response :)
Haha so true so easy to procrastinate on forums
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: ninaangeline on May 21, 2017, 08:42:22 pm
Hi guys! :)

I need abit of help tackling this particular question in terms of my essay structure.
'Assess the political and religious significance of building programs in this period' (New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Thutmose IV)

Should I make separate paragraphs on each of the Egyptian pharaoh's contribution to the building programs, or make separate paragraphs demonstrating the different ideas of the building program's significance such as the promotion of Amun cult, ideology of kingship and the restoration of past cults, and make examples of the pharaohs's contributions that demonstrate those ideas? *

* I apologise if I am not wording that correctly!

Thankyou!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on May 21, 2017, 08:48:36 pm
Hi guys! :)

I need abit of help tackling this particular question in terms of my essay structure.
'Assess the political and religious significance of building programs in this period' (New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Thutmose IV)

Should I make separate paragraphs on each of the Egyptian pharaoh's contribution to the building programs, or make separate paragraphs demonstrating the different ideas of the building program's significance such as the promotion of Amun cult, ideology of kingship and the restoration of past cults, and make examples of the pharaohs's contributions that demonstrate those ideas? *

* I apologise if I am not wording that correctly!

Thankyou!

Hey! So just a heads up I didn't study this unit (part of me wishes I did though - Ancient Egyptian history is one of my fave!). However, we had a similar question for the Julio-Claudians once (pretty much the exact same hahaha). Personally I think the second structure that you mentioned would be more sophisticated, and you're less likely to start writing a description/narrative. The other essay structure is fine if you are struggling with the more thematic approach, but yeah personally I think focusing on the ideas will produce a much more sophisticated essay! Just make sure that you are still balanced in your discussion of each Pharaoh - you don't necessarily need to mention every single one in each paragraph (for Julio-Claudians i'd usually focus on two per paragraph), but you'll want to get them all in there to demonstrate a thorough and holistic understanding of the period!

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: leighshapiro on May 22, 2017, 09:05:57 pm
hi ATAR Notes, I have an essay on the Role of the Army in New Kingdom Egypt to the Death of Thutmose IV and i have no idea how to structure it!!! if anyone could please give me some advice as to some topics i should be discussing i would be extremely grateful :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on May 22, 2017, 09:57:53 pm
hi ATAR Notes, I have an essay on the Role of the Army in New Kingdom Egypt to the Death of Thutmose IV and i have no idea how to structure it!!! if anyone could please give me some advice as to some topics i should be discussing i would be extremely grateful :)

Hi leighshapiro! Unfortunately I didn't study this topic exactly :( However in my study of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty we often came across pretty much the exact same question :) Over the year I wrote two essays to this very question (obviously in relation to the Julio-Claudians) and both times I used a different structure.

The first time I wrote this essay, I structured my response around the role of the army under the different emperors, so a paragraph on the army under Tiberius, under Gaius, under Claudius and then under Nero, stressing the role of continuity and change. The second time I changed up my structure a bit, and instead looked at it thematically, having a paragraph on each "role" - eg. expansion of the Empire, Consolidation and defence of the Empire, power within the state etc. I'd then link two Emperors to each theme, discussing how they demonstrated (again) continuity and change throughout the period. I received a higher mark for the second essay - so this is the structure that I would recommend (however if you are really stuck, the first structure is still fine). Perhaps the themes I mentioned would work for your topic as well? Where there any significant wars that the army fought during the time that you think are worth a mention?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help content wise, hopefully another New Kingdom Egypt student will find this thread, and be able to help you out too - but I hope you find this useful nonetheless!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Angela Karanikolas on June 27, 2017, 02:26:07 pm
Hi All,
For a practise essay I have the question,
Account for the rivalry and civil war between Octavian and Marc Antony

It is not an assignment, but, it is for my class.
I am aware of their political tensions, Second Triumvirate and previous attitudes towards each other (those will be incorporated within my essay)
But I am unaware of what else I should incorporate into this essay.

Anything would be amazing,
Thank you,
Angela



Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Diala on June 29, 2017, 05:27:48 pm
Hi! I was hoping you could help me with a particular aspect of my historical period. I'm doing New Kingdom Egypt and my assignment is due tomorrow - yes I'm officially screwed - and there's one section where I have to talk about Thutmose III relation to Amun-Re. Now I have looked to the ends of the earth about this section and I can barely write a paragraph. It's worth 10 marks and my teacher's told us there's not a lot to write on it but I have no idea what to do! I have these sheets but they only talk about the priesthood of Amun-Re and the its importance, Hatshepsut's role etc I feel like if I mention those it wont answer the question directly.
Please help!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: bearbear on June 29, 2017, 05:52:11 pm
Hi All,
For a practise essay I have the question,
Account for the rivalry and civil war between Octavian and Marc Antony

It is not an assignment, but, it is for my class.
I am aware of their political tensions, Second Triumvirate and previous attitudes towards each other (those will be incorporated within my essay)
But I am unaware of what else I should incorporate into this essay.

Anything would be amazing,
Thank you,
Angela
Hi Angela, I think that covers it pretty well, this site might have some helpful info https://savemyatar.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/conflict-between-mark-antony-and-octavian/
Another thing you could mention is how both wanted individual power and how Octavian used Antony's relationship with Cleopatra to make him out as a political enemy, which he then used to strip him of his power.
Hope this helps!  :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Angela Karanikolas on June 29, 2017, 10:08:57 pm
Hi Angela, I think that covers it pretty well, this site might have some helpful info https://savemyatar.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/conflict-between-mark-antony-and-octavian/
Another thing you could mention is how both wanted individual power and how Octavian used Antony's relationship with Cleopatra to make him out as a political enemy, which he then used to strip him of his power.
Hope this helps!  :D

Thank you so much,
This website will work a charm. Thank you again for helping me out on this. This will totally come in handy,
Angela
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on June 29, 2017, 11:15:55 pm
Hi! I was hoping you could help me with a particular aspect of my historical period. I'm doing New Kingdom Egypt and my assignment is due tomorrow - yes I'm officially screwed - and there's one section where I have to talk about Thutmose III relation to Amun-Re. Now I have looked to the ends of the earth about this section and I can barely write a paragraph. It's worth 10 marks and my teacher's told us there's not a lot to write on it but I have no idea what to do! I have these sheets but they only talk about the priesthood of Amun-Re and the its importance, Hatshepsut's role etc I feel like if I mention those it wont answer the question directly.
Please help!
Hey! Sorry only just saw this question :( Unfortunately I didn't study this unit so I can't really help content wise! If it's not too late I'd have a little look around the notes section to see if any relevant notes have been uploaded. Though I don't know the content pretty much at all, what you were saying doesn't sound like it would be bad to mention? I mean when we did Agrippina relationship questions, we often spoke about similar stuff eg. role of Claudius/Nero/Pallas/Seneca etc. etc. If Thutmose III was critical to Amun-Re's priesthood, or it impacted their relationship in some way, then I think that would definitely be a great thing to mention!

So sorry that this was late, and that I couldn't offer that much constructive advice, however I hope this helps nonetheless! Good luck :D

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sl1402 on July 06, 2017, 11:11:39 am
Hey guys,

How many pages/words do you recommend to write for this section (10 marker and 15 marker)?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 06, 2017, 11:15:50 am
Hey guys,

How many pages/words do you recommend to write for this section (10 marker and 15 marker)?
Hey! The expectation is that you can write 1000 words (roughly 7-8 pages) in 45 mins. With that, a rough guide (because it can vary) would be 300-400 for the 10 marker, and 700-800 for the 15 marker :)

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Diala on July 09, 2017, 10:36:53 pm
Hi! I know this is a bit of a silly question, but when they ask "rise to prominence" is it only everything that leads up to the succession, or would you include their succession?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 09, 2017, 10:48:29 pm
Hi! I know this is a bit of a silly question, but when they ask "rise to prominence" is it only everything that leads up to the succession, or would you include their succession?
Not a silly question! Is this for the personality study? If so, "rise to prominence" includes everything under the syllabus dot point - nothing more nothing less :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sl1402 on July 13, 2017, 11:04:45 am
Hi Susie!
Just another quick question: In terms of the Julio-Claudian section, do we include the Year of the Four Emperors in our responses? Obviously I would include it if it asked to discuss this section specifically or if the essay was 'the impact of Nero's death' etc,  but if it were 'assess the significance of building programs in this period' or 'how did the role of the princeps change' would you include the Year of the Four Emperors?

Hope this isn't too confusing! Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 13, 2017, 07:40:01 pm
Hi Susie!
Just another quick question: In terms of the Julio-Claudian section, do we include the Year of the Four Emperors in our responses? Obviously I would include it if it asked to discuss this section specifically or if the essay was 'the impact of Nero's death' etc,  but if it were 'assess the significance of building programs in this period' or 'how did the role of the princeps change' would you include the Year of the Four Emperors?

Hope this isn't too confusing! Thanks!  :)
I get what you mean don't worry! Personally I never included the Year of the Four Emperors in those types of quetsions, I just stuck with Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius and Nero :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on July 16, 2017, 12:45:18 pm
Hi,
For the Historical Periods section of the paper, I've noticed that in past HSC papers, question A asks about the first half of the historical period that you're studying (ie; for me [I'm studying the Greek World 500-440BC] the question is always about the Persian Wars) and in question B, it asks about the second half of the historical period (for my topic, the question is always about the development of Athenian Democracy). I understand the Persian wars more than the development of Athenian democracy. So would it be better for me to just focus on studying on the Persian wars or study both topics just in case?? Thank you :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 16, 2017, 12:59:49 pm
Hi,
For the Historical Periods section of the paper, I've noticed that in past HSC papers, question A asks about the first half of the historical period that you're studying (ie; for me [I'm studying the Greek World 500-440BC] the question is always about the Persian Wars) and in question B, it asks about the second half of the historical period (for my topic, the question is always about the development of Athenian Democracy). I understand the Persian wars more than the development of Athenian democracy. So would it be better for me to just focus on studying on the Persian wars or study both topics just in case?? Thank you :)
In my opinion, you'd be taking a bit of a risk only studying the Persian Wars. Though the two questions are often from different areas of the syllabus to provide greater scope, there is nothing to say that they HAVE to do that. Plus, even if they did do that, what if, even though you understand the Persian Wars better, you get a question that is completely left field, and you don't know how to answer? Always safer to just study everything, and it'll put your mind at ease :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 18, 2017, 10:35:05 am
Hey Susie,
With your detail tables did you do one for each dot point for Pompeii, Sparta, Julio Claudians and Agrippina? Also, how much archeological evidence and ancient/modern quotes did you try to put in the tables? How many pages were the tables?
Also, how many past papers did you do for Ancient before the trials? Did you do full papers, or just essays? How did you motivate yourself to do this, because at the moment I haven't been able to write a lot of essays?
Thanks :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 18, 2017, 09:50:34 pm
Hey Susie,
With your detail tables did you do one for each dot point for Pompeii, Sparta, Julio Claudians and Agrippina? Also, how much archeological evidence and ancient/modern quotes did you try to put in the tables? How many pages were the tables?
Also, how many past papers did you do for Ancient before the trials? Did you do full papers, or just essays? How did you motivate yourself to do this, because at the moment I haven't been able to write a lot of essays?
Thanks :D
Hey Katie! Sorry I missed this question earlier - yes, one for each and every dot point! It varied dot point to dot point, but I tried to get as much as I could, so usually three for each minimum (that was the aim anyway). They ended up being roughly 8-10 pages per topic :)

Unlike Modern, where I focused my attention on writing full essays, as I found Ancient to be a lot more varied of a subject in terms of what they could ask, I mainly did essay plans, however I did do a lot of past papers as well - for Trials I think I did three full papers, however they weren't necessarily under timed conditions! So I might do an essay here, an extended response there - but it all totalled to 3 papers completed. For me, I think the motivation came from the fact that I genuinely enjoyed the subject, and found the content interesting, however setting goals for yourself is definitely a great motivator. I gave myself a minimum mark for each section, so like "I don't want to get lower than _____". I'm the type of person that HATES disappointing people and myself, so that really pushed me to work hard :)

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 18, 2017, 10:15:02 pm
Hey Katie! Sorry I missed this question earlier - yes, one for each and every dot point! It varied dot point to dot point, but I tried to get as much as I could, so usually three for each minimum (that was the aim anyway). They ended up being roughly 8-10 pages per topic :)

Unlike Modern, where I focused my attention on writing full essays, as I found Ancient to be a lot more varied of a subject in terms of what they could ask, I mainly did essay plans, however I did do a lot of past papers as well - for Trials I think I did three full papers, however they weren't necessarily under timed conditions! So I might do an essay here, an extended response there - but it all totalled to 3 papers completed. For me, I think the motivation came from the fact that I genuinely enjoyed the subject, and found the content interesting, however setting goals for yourself is definitely a great motivator. I gave myself a minimum mark for each section, so like "I don't want to get lower than _____". I'm the type of person that HATES disappointing people and myself, so that really pushed me to work hard :)
Hope this helps!
Susie
Thanks heaps Susie for all the help! Definitely going to try to do some detail tables, essay plans and past papers. :) :)   
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 19, 2017, 04:37:26 pm
Hey Susie,
I'm trying to start doing some detail tables and i'm a bit stuck because there is hardly any archeological evidence for Sparta. How did you find archeological evidence for each dot point? Do you have any suggestions for resources that I can use to find this evidence? I thought I had enough evidence but im realising that I need heaps more! Also did you put evidence in your detail tables that overlapped on syllabus dot points?
Thanks again !! :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 19, 2017, 07:25:42 pm
Hey Susie,
I'm trying to start doing some detail tables and i'm a bit stuck because there is hardly any archeological evidence for Sparta. How did you find archeological evidence for each dot point? Do you have any suggestions for resources that I can use to find this evidence? I thought I had enough evidence but im realising that I need heaps more! Also did you put evidence in your detail tables that overlapped on syllabus dot points?
Thanks again !! :)
Hey! Definitely really hard to find archaeological evidence for Sparta, I know I really struggled last year. I tended to use buildings (like the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia) a lot, as they tend to be the most prominent examples. I also got a tonne through watching Betany Hughes doco on Sparta (highly recommend watching it, not just for the sources, but because it is literally just amazing - like holy grail for Ancient students). Yes I did often have overlapping evidence within my detail! Like I went over during my lecture, I think it is very important to study smarter not harder, so I actually recommend finding one source that relates to multiple dot points, rather than just a tonne of different ones :)

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sarah.l on July 20, 2017, 12:54:36 pm
Hi! I'm trying to find quotes / sources that criticize Sara Bisel's creation of 'historical narratives' regarding the victims of Pompeii. Unfortunately I'm having some trouble, does anyone have anything that might be useful?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 20, 2017, 01:17:29 pm
Hi! I'm trying to find quotes / sources that criticize Sara Bisel's creation of 'historical narratives' regarding the victims of Pompeii. Unfortunately I'm having some trouble, does anyone have anything that might be useful?
Hey! In terms of sources, you can mention a photograph of a skeleton with golden bangles and rings (often called 'the ring lady') in National Geographic, were those rings were actually from a different find, but were put on the skeleton to make for a more interesting photograph. Another skeleton known as 'The soldier' is also a good example, as she created an elaborate backstory for him (and many other skeletons), based on little to no actual evidence.

I don't have much in the way of quotes I'm afraid - does anyone else have anything they think could help Sarah out?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: 12carpim on July 20, 2017, 07:24:49 pm
Hey!!

I need some help with studying techniques for Ancient in my trials. I don't know how to memorise all the content and sources because there is legit so much stuff to shove into my brain. Any strategies at all would help.

Thank you verry much!!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 20, 2017, 08:03:06 pm
Hey!!

I need some help with studying techniques for Ancient in my trials. I don't know how to memorise all the content and sources because there is legit so much stuff to shove into my brain. Any strategies at all would help.

Thank you verry much!!
Hey there! For me, the way that I mainly studied for Ancient was doing essay plans, and full practice papers (and getting them marked too!). In terms of memorising content, this guide was written for Modern, but the worksheets technique will still work really well for Ancient as well! I also recommend being strategic about what sources you memorising. Rather than trying to memorise a completely unique source for every syllabus dot point, try and find sources that work for multiple dot points instead - for example the Temple of Isis in Pompeii can work as a source for questions on Evidence for the Eruption, Social Structure, Religion, Greek and Egyptian Culture, Public Buildings (Temples), etc. etc. etc. :)

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sarah.l on July 20, 2017, 10:11:00 pm
Hey! In terms of sources, you can mention a photograph of a skeleton with golden bangles and rings (often called 'the ring lady') in National Geographic, were those rings were actually from a different find, but were put on the skeleton to make for a more interesting photograph. Another skeleton known as 'The soldier' is also a good example, as she created an elaborate backstory for him (and many other skeletons), based on little to no actual evidence.

I don't have much in the way of quotes I'm afraid - does anyone else have anything they think could help Sarah out?

Thanks so much! This really helps. If anyone has any good quotes that would be extra amazing :) :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 21, 2017, 04:20:50 pm
Thanks so much! This really helps. If anyone has any good quotes that would be extra amazing :) :)
Hey,
I found a quote it doesn't exactly criticise Sara Bisel, but it does talk about how historians have made up stories.
"Interpretation of the human skeletal remains from Pompeii and Herculaneum has been dominated by a storytelling approach."-from Estelle Lazer
Hopefully this helps :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: TheMC on July 30, 2017, 07:13:31 pm
Hey,

I've got my Ancient Trials on Friday, and we haven't done any work in class on how to respond for an essay on Agrippina. Has anyone already done their Personalities essay and have a few tips on what to include/not to?
We only got up to the second major dot point and I don't feel prepared for it.

Thanks! And good luck anyone else for Trials!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 30, 2017, 07:29:59 pm
Hey,

I've got my Ancient Trials on Friday, and we haven't done any work in class on how to respond for an essay on Agrippina. Has anyone already done their Personalities essay and have a few tips on what to include/not to?
We only got up to the second major dot point and I don't feel prepared for it.

Thanks! And good luck anyone else for Trials!
Hey,
I'm in exactly the same position as you. My class is doing Agrippina but are still only the the second dot point. My exams are about two weeks away for Ancient but my teacher told us the question will definitely be from the first couple of dot points from the syllabus. I think the questions (hopefully), shouldn't be as hard because we can't really evaluate anything from the last dot point (legacy, influence,etc.). I think because we haven't done a lot of the syllabus the questions might be easier 'describe' ones but i'm not too sure.
I'm sorry I can't really help heaps but Susie should have heaps of advice. :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 30, 2017, 07:46:32 pm
Hey,

I've got my Ancient Trials on Friday, and we haven't done any work in class on how to respond for an essay on Agrippina. Has anyone already done their Personalities essay and have a few tips on what to include/not to?
We only got up to the second major dot point and I don't feel prepared for it.

Thanks! And good luck anyone else for Trials!
Hey!! The questions can only cover the dot points that you have already studied - if they go beyond that, then you have every right to complain, because that'd be grossly unfair. For part A it is a lower order question, eg. describe, outline, explain, etc. Meaning that you don't need to make a judgement, and can sometimes even write in a more narrative form! Part B is analytical, but lucky for you guys the question for Agrippina never changes! It will always be on legacy and interpretations. With that in mind, I always constructed my Agrippina part B responses with a paragraph for each interpretation;

- The evil stepmother
- The sexual deviant
- The hyper-masculine woman commander
- The feminist icon

So I'd have a paragraph on each of these! Note that they all deal with her femininity as well - which is a great thematic through line that you can incorporate. Throughout the response, you assess how and why these interpretations were formed, and how they have contributed to the shaping of her legacy.

As you said you have not reached the final dot point yet, you may not even have to do this! But this is what it almost always is on the HSC exam. I've attached both a Part A and Part B response for Agrippina that I wrote last year which received full marks, if you want to have a look in terms of structure :D

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: TheMC on July 30, 2017, 07:47:40 pm
Hey,
I'm in exactly the same position as you. My class is doing Agrippina but are still only the the second dot point. My exams are about two weeks away for Ancient but my teacher told us the question will definitely be from the first couple of dot points from the syllabus. I think the questions (hopefully), shouldn't be as hard because we can't really evaluate anything from the last dot point (legacy, influence,etc.). I think because we haven't done a lot of the syllabus the questions might be easier 'describe' ones but i'm not too sure.
I'm sorry I can't really help heaps but Susie should have heaps of advice. :)

That's fine, thanks anyways mate :) Always good to have someone else give perspective on it.
Good luck for it Agrippina (and the rest of it)!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: TheMC on July 30, 2017, 07:54:29 pm
Hey!! The questions can only cover the dot points that you have already studied - if they go beyond that, then you have every right to complain, because that'd be grossly unfair. For part A it is a lower order question, eg. describe, outline, explain, etc. Meaning that you don't need to make a judgement, and can sometimes even write in a more narrative form! Part B is analytical, but lucky for you guys the question for Agrippina never changes! It will always be on legacy and interpretations. With that in mind, I always constructed my Agrippina part B responses with a paragraph for each interpretation;

- The evil stepmother
- The sexual deviant
- The hyper-masculine woman commander
- The feminist icon

So I'd have a paragraph on each of these! Note that they all deal with her femininity as well - which is a great thematic through line that you can incorporate. Throughout the response, you assess how and why these interpretations were formed, and how they have contributed to the shaping of her legacy.

As you said you have not reached the final dot point yet, you may not even have to do this! But this is what it almost always is on the HSC exam. I've attached both a Part A and Part B response for Agrippina that I wrote last year which received full marks, if you want to have a look in terms of structure :D

Susie

You are a godsend! Thank you! My next question was going to be about the required length that you would recommend :)

Just another question, would you avoid a particular POV of Agrippina? My teacher always shies away from the 'sexual deviant'  portrayal of Agrippina and doesn't recommend for us to do it.

Thanks for answering!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 30, 2017, 07:59:18 pm
You are a godsend! Thank you! My next question was going to be about the required length that you would recommend :)

Just another question, would you avoid a particular POV of Agrippina? My teacher always shies away from the 'sexual deviant'  portrayal of Agrippina and doesn't recommend for us to do it.

Thanks for answering!
No worries! Happy to help :) In terms of length, as much as you can write in 18 minutes for part A, and 27 minutes for part B (roughly)!

Personally I always mentioned the sexual deviant portrayal, and think that it is quite critical to Agrippina, as her supposed immoral sexual exploits, and the way in which she utilised her sexuality to secure power was a crucial way in which the Ancient historians attempt to shame her, and paint her in this negative light. Does your teacher provide any reason for not including it? For Trials, if they really don' like it, then don't use it as your teacher will be marking it - but in the HSC Agrippina was my best section (my school bought back my responses - close to full marks), and I definitely mentioned this perspective.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: TheMC on July 30, 2017, 08:04:33 pm
No worries! Happy to help :) In terms of length, as much as you can write in 18 minutes for part A, and 27 minutes for part B (roughly)!

Personally I always mentioned the sexual deviant portrayal, and think that it is quite critical to Agrippina, as her supposed immoral sexual exploits, and the way in which she utilised her sexuality to secure power was a crucial way in which the Ancient historians attempt to shame her, and paint her in this negative light. Does your teacher provide any reason for not including it? For Trials, if they really don' like it, then don't use it as your teacher will be marking it - but in the HSC Agrippina was my best section (my school bought back my responses - close to full marks), and I definitely mentioned this perspective.

I'll try to stick to that outline, thanks

She just avoids it, and always perseveres that she was an evil stepmother, and grasping for power. I wouldn't say that she dislikes it, just that she seems to avoid it whenever we come across it in the Ancient writers texts. I think that I may present it as a perspective if I need to buff up my response, but for Trials I may avoid it.

Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 30, 2017, 08:05:49 pm
Hey Susie,
For Agrippina, what types of archaeological evidence did you study? I know she is on coins, and statues but are more that I should use? Also are archeological sources as needed compared to other sections, because the longer essay is mainly on her legacy?
Last term for Julio Claudians I needed to do an essay on the changing role of the princeps, and my teacher said that some of my stuff wasn't really relevant to the dot point. What should I be saying if we have an essay on this dot point?
Thanks again Susie!! :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on July 30, 2017, 08:19:36 pm
Hey Susie,
For Agrippina, what types of archaeological evidence did you study? I know she is on coins, and statues but are more that I should use? Also are archeological sources as needed compared to other sections, because the longer essay is mainly on her legacy?
I used numismatic evidence (so coins) from gaius, claudius and Nero's reign, and statutes - in particular the sebasteon reliefs; the one where she is standing level with Claudius, and the other where she is literally crowning Nero. I think archaeological evidence is very significant for Agrippina, as it can be used to both support and contrast the "legacies" presented!

Last term for Julio Claudians I needed to do an essay on the changing role of the princeps, and my teacher said that some of my stuff wasn't really relevant to the dot point. What should I be saying if we have an essay on this dot point?
Thanks again Susie!! :D
So you can either answer this question by having a paragraph on each Princeps, or you can do it thematically - so how did their role change politically (I'd look at relationship to the Senate here, and also their level of activity and contribution), socio-culturally (I'd look at religion here!) and militarily (role of the army and expansion and consolidation!) :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: lucyjayne on August 03, 2017, 08:36:30 pm
Hey,

Is anyone else studying the fall of the roman republic?

If so, how would I go about answering the question 'outline the role military commands played in Roman Politics during the period of 78-31BC?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on August 04, 2017, 09:16:13 am
Hey,

Is anyone else studying the fall of the roman republic?

If so, how would I go about answering the question 'outline the role military commands played in Roman Politics during the period of 78-31BC?
Hey! So unfortunately I didn't study this topic, but I might be able to help a bit. That is a kinda weird question to get for an essay to be completely honest - I've never seen an "outline" question before, but no worries - the way I would go about structuring something like this if we got a similar question for the Julio-Claudian period would be to either a) have a paragraph each on different military commands and their effects, b) thematic essay, so paragraph on the political/social/economic/militaristic impact or c) a paragraph on each ruler, and how they commanded the military :)

Hope this helps!

Susie 
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on August 09, 2017, 07:41:07 pm
Hey   :D
I've got my Ancient trial exam on Wednesday and I'm pretty concerned about the historical period section.
I'm doing the Julio-Claudians at my school and I haven't really focused on any of the dot points besides the reforms and policies of the Julio-Claudian rulers. I had an assignment on this dot point and focused wayyyy too much on it and neglected studying the other dot points  :-\ :-\
What would be the best approach for study at this stage, I feel like I'm screwed haha. Should I just create like practice essays for each of other other dot points? Is there even time for that now??  I feel like there r literally soo many questions that could be asked and I'm only really prepared for one possible question....
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!  :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on August 09, 2017, 07:55:11 pm
Hey   :D
I've got my Ancient trial exam on Wednesday and I'm pretty concerned about the historical period section.
I'm doing the Julio-Claudians at my school and I haven't really focused on any of the dot points besides the reforms and policies of the Julio-Claudian rulers. I had an assignment on this dot point and focused wayyyy too much on it and neglected studying the other dot points  :-\ :-\
What would be the best approach for study at this stage, I feel like I'm screwed haha. Should I just create like practice essays for each of other other dot points? Is there even time for that now??  I feel like there r literally soo many questions that could be asked and I'm only really prepared for one possible question....
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!  :D
LITERALLY ME this time last year!! Don't worry, I think most schools are a bit unbalanced when it comes to this syllabus, and focus too much on the emperors, and not the Empire as a whole (ie. role of the army, expansion and consolidation etc. etc). I think writing essay plans would be a good way forward! That is what I did last year - trying to work out the links and patterns between your arguments, as I found that a lot of my policies and reforms points were transferrable! Focus more on the questions that look at the general scope of the period as well, rather than ones that look specifically at an emperor (ie. look at "Account for the role of the senate during the Julio-Claudian period" more than "To what extent was Claudius an effective Princeps".)

Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!!!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on August 09, 2017, 07:59:21 pm
LITERALLY ME this time last year!! Don't worry, I think most schools are a bit unbalanced when it comes to this syllabus, and focus too much on the emperors, and not the Empire as a whole (ie. role of the army, expansion and consolidation etc. etc). I think writing essay plans would be a good way forward! That is what I did last year - trying to work out the links and patterns between your arguments, as I found that a lot of my policies and reforms points were transferrable! Focus more on the questions that look at the general scope of the period as well, rather than ones that look specifically at an emperor (ie. look at "Account for the role of the senate during the Julio-Claudian period" more than "To what extent was Claudius an effective Princeps".)

Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!!!

Susie
This makes me feel soo much better haha ;D I'm glad you were in the same place last year ;D ;D
Sounds like a plan then, I'll start writing up some essay plans

Thanks! :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: TheG on September 18, 2017, 05:32:30 pm
Hi! I'm doing a Julio-Claudian essay with the question:
Analyse the development of the Imperial Cult during this period.
My thesis reads:
The development of the Imperial Cult was contingent on the Julio-Claudian's desire for political legitimacy.
I have points for all emperors but Nero, and I was wondering how you'd tackle it. Nero deified Claudius, only to then neglect it and encourage his own. I can't argue that he sought to legitimise his rule through Claudius because Claudius himself was seemingly very unpopular, and it's hard to argue that his own cult legitimise him both because he made many unhappy with his self deification AND because he was assassinated.
What would you do?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on September 18, 2017, 06:41:38 pm
Hi! I'm doing a Julio-Claudian essay with the question:
Analyse the development of the Imperial Cult during this period.
My thesis reads:
The development of the Imperial Cult was contingent on the Julio-Claudian's desire for political legitimacy.
I have points for all emperors but Nero, and I was wondering how you'd tackle it. Nero deified Claudius, only to then neglect it and encourage his own. I can't argue that he sought to legitimise his rule through Claudius because Claudius himself was seemingly very unpopular, and it's hard to argue that his own cult legitimise him both because he made many unhappy with his self deification AND because he was assassinated.
What would you do?
Hey! So been a while since I dealt with this topic so bare with me aha, but I believe you still could make the argument that Nero utilised his self-deification to legitimise his rule, whether or not that was successfully achieved! If your thesis is that it was contingent upon their "desire for political legitimacy" then you're more so focusing on aims rather than results. By deifying himself, and associating himself with the gods (particularly the sun god), he was strengthening his claim to Princepship. Furthermore, deifying Claudius also legitimised his rise to power, as perhaps it would have made people believe that their relationship was stronger (considering he was not the biological son of Claudius) - even if Claudius was unpopular, doesn't change the fact that the people with true power (Agrippina, Seneca and Burrus) didn't want the Julio-Claudian dynasty to end.

But yeah, thats really all I can remember I'm afraid! I know there are a few other people on here who study the Julio-Claudians though, so they may be able to help you out further!

Susie

Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on September 18, 2017, 08:45:25 pm
Hi! I'm doing a Julio-Claudian essay with the question:
Analyse the development of the Imperial Cult during this period.
My thesis reads:
The development of the Imperial Cult was contingent on the Julio-Claudian's desire for political legitimacy.
I have points for all emperors but Nero, and I was wondering how you'd tackle it. Nero deified Claudius, only to then neglect it and encourage his own. I can't argue that he sought to legitimise his rule through Claudius because Claudius himself was seemingly very unpopular, and it's hard to argue that his own cult legitimise him both because he made many unhappy with his self deification AND because he was assassinated.
What would you do?
Hey,
Welcome to the forums!  ;D
I agree with Susies points and I think that you can argue that through his self-deification and his deification of Claudius he was aiming to strengthen his political legitimacy.

I have a few things you may be able to add (although I think they are mainly more on results rather then his aims).
- Nero didn't contribute to the imperial cult/rather neglecting it and therefore it mostly remained dormant during his reign.
- However similarly to Caligula, he choose to be worshipped as a God himself (identifying himself with Hercules, Apollo and Helios). This is seen through the quote, “(Nero) insisted on his own divinity.”-Salmon. He was represented on coins as the ‘son of god’ or the new Agatho Daimon, the new protector of Alexandria and admitted to being a living God (which was previously rejected by Rome and the Imperial cult).
- Renamed the month to Nero Neuroneus.
- He travelled to Greece, to be accepted better as an oriental god-king.
- Mocked the imperial cult by deifying wife Poppaea and daughter Claudia (suggesting imperial cult had become more political then religious).
Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on September 26, 2017, 01:13:11 pm
Hey,
Not quite sure how to answer this question properly "What was the significance of the ‘inferiors’ in Spartan society?" (HSC 2015)
I just said that having this category rather than ostracising people entirely meant that Sparta could maintain their social order and prevent any revolts. Is there anything else I could say? It's also a three marker, do I need to add a source somewhere?
Thanks!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on September 26, 2017, 04:01:25 pm
Hey,
Not quite sure how to answer this question properly "What was the significance of the ‘inferiors’ in Spartan society?" (HSC 2015)
I just said that having this category rather than ostracising people entirely meant that Sparta could maintain their social order and prevent any revolts. Is there anything else I could say? It's also a three marker, do I need to add a source somewhere?
Thanks!
Hey! You could also talk about how the fact that they were not banished was perhaps as a warning or means of humiliation, and emphasised how steadfast the Spartan's were in their search for physical/emotional perfection (in a way it could be seen as like pruning a rose to help it grow stronger aha). And YES you definitely want sources for a 3 marker! Preferably you want sources/evidence for any point that you make :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: maddy359 on October 01, 2017, 09:10:26 am
Hey Everyone,

I was just wondering what everyones methods are for studying for the Ancient Exam, my internal mark is really good at the moment I really want that band 6 haha. I've been doing past papers both under and not under exam conditions and just revising all of my notes and will memorise majority of  my sources for each dot point. I have no idea if I should be attempting to memorise all of my sources or if there is any other great methods in learning all of the ancient content which really seems like an impossible task.

Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 01, 2017, 11:58:25 am
Hey Everyone,

I was just wondering what everyones methods are for studying for the Ancient Exam, my internal mark is really good at the moment I really want that band 6 haha. I've been doing past papers both under and not under exam conditions and just revising all of my notes and will memorise majority of  my sources for each dot point. I have no idea if I should be attempting to memorise all of my sources or if there is any other great methods in learning all of the ancient content which really seems like an impossible task.

Thanks in advance :)
Good work on maintaining a solid internal mark!!! That'll definitely set you up well for the exam :) Sounds like you are studying well so far! Past papers are definitely the best way to go :) In terms of memorising sources, remember that you can cut down your workload significantly by studying sources that relate to multiple syllabus dot points, rather than just one! For example, the Temple of Isis doesn't relate to just religion, but also evidence for;

- the eruption (repairs after the earthquake of 62AD)
- social structure (Cult of Isis = very inclusive, role of women)
- Public buildings (temple)
- Influence of Greek and Egyptian culture (statues of Hercules + architectural features = Greek, Egyptian cult + nialotic imagery = Egyptian)
- Religion (Temples + Influence of foreign cults)

Hope this helps! Good luck :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sl1402 on October 02, 2017, 07:47:10 pm
Hi guys,

So I was just looking at the marking guidelines for the 2016 Ancient exam historical period section, and I noticed that the Band 6 criteria says 'Supports the response with detailed and accurate information from relevant sources; may analyse and evaluate sources', how do you incorporate your evaluation of sources?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 02, 2017, 08:38:17 pm
Hi guys,

So I was just looking at the marking guidelines for the 2016 Ancient exam historical period section, and I noticed that the Band 6 criteria says 'Supports the response with detailed and accurate information from relevant sources; may analyse and evaluate sources', how do you incorporate your evaluation of sources?

Thanks!

Hey! That just means that if a source may be unreliable to some extent (as many ancient historians are) you preface this is some way :) For example, for my historical period study, the Julio-Claudians, lets say I wanted to use this quote from Suetonius about Claudius - "The vigour of both his mind and his body was dulled, and even when he reached the proper age he was not thought capable of any public or private business.” I'd bring up not only Suetonius' perchance for exaggeration and drama, but also Suetonius' negative perception of Claudius may be due to the fact that he is attempting to present a negative view of the Julio-Claudians in general, as an attempt to vicariously comment upon the problems of the Empire of his own context, without making any treasonous statements aha, which of course means that his statement may not be wholly accurate. So normally I'd phrase it like this;

"Despite assertions by ancient writers such as Suetonius, who are clouded by prejudice against the Julio-Claudian family and the Imperial system that 'the vigor of both his mind and his body was dulled, and even when he reached the proper age he was not thought capable of any public or private business,' Claudius was rather...(evidence that he was the opposite/different)"

Hope this makes sense :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Diala on October 03, 2017, 05:56:04 pm
Hi! I'm doing New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Thutmose IV for my historical period - which may not be the historical period you did - and its split into Internal developments and Expansions of boundaries, is it typically going to be a question from each one of the sections in the HSC or do you think they would do 2 questions based on one section?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 03, 2017, 10:21:13 pm
Hi! I'm doing New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Thutmose IV for my historical period - which may not be the historical period you did - and its split into Internal developments and Expansions of boundaries, is it typically going to be a question from each one of the sections in the HSC or do you think they would do 2 questions based on one section?
Yeah didn't do that topic but all gee :) I'd say it'd be quite rare for them to have two questions on one section, HOWEVER that is just an educated guess. There is no rule book saying they can't do that, I'd just assume that as the point of giving two questions is to let students choose what question they are most comfortable with, it would be a bit contradictory to give you two on the same area. I'd still make sure you have a solid understanding of both areas though, just in case!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on October 04, 2017, 08:53:25 pm
Hey Susie,
With your argument/interpretation tables what were your main arguments for Sparta within the Spartan mirage?
Thanks :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 05, 2017, 12:23:35 am
Hey!  :)
Just a quick question, this was in the 2014 ancient past paper:
(a) identify TWO examples of technology in this period

Unforutantely the answers that BOSTES provides only gives you the marking criteria for that question and doesn't list any examples.

For my response I wrote
- Hoplite spears
- Hoplon (shield made of wood covered with a sheet of bronze)

Would these be valid answers? And for this dot point 'technology' what exactly should you be referring to, would military equipment be classified under 'technology.' I feel like this dot point is a bit unclear.

Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 05, 2017, 10:25:38 am
Hey Susie,
With your argument/interpretation tables what were your main arguments for Sparta within the Spartan mirage?
Thanks :)
Hey! Unfortunately I didn't have a table for Sparta :( Only Agrippina and the Julio-Claudians, as they were the ones that I would actually have to make arguments for frequently, whereas with Sparta they were mainly lower order questions. However, if I were to write one, and keep in mind this is off the top of my head, I would definitely mention the fact that the majority of written sources are coming from an Athenian perspective, who didn't like the Spartans very much aha ;) I'd also probably mention the poetry of Alcman (not as much Tyrteaus as though it was very literary content wise does contribute to the Spartan mirage), who works are more about wonder and luxury :)

Hope this helps!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 05, 2017, 10:33:07 am
Hey!  :)
Just a quick question, this was in the 2014 ancient past paper:
(a) identify TWO examples of technology in this period

Unforutantely the answers that BOSTES provides only gives you the marking criteria for that question and doesn't list any examples.

For my response I wrote
- Hoplite spears
- Hoplon (shield made of wood covered with a sheet of bronze)

Would these be valid answers? And for this dot point 'technology' what exactly should you be referring to, would military equipment be classified under 'technology.' I feel like this dot point is a bit unclear.

Thanks!  ;D
Yes, those would both be valid answers! From memory, the technology dot point focuses mainly on military equipment, like the hoplite spear, the hoplon and the use of the Phalanx, and then pottery! I definitely remember being confused with this dot point as well, but basically I believe it means anything that the Spartans created/adapted (ie. there own form of spear, their own form/style of pottery, etc.) - a better word would probably have been "inovation".

Hope this helps,

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 05, 2017, 12:04:22 pm
Yes, those would both be valid answers! From memory, the technology dot point focuses mainly on military equipment, like the hoplite spear, the hoplon and the use of the Phalanx, and then pottery! I definitely remember being confused with this dot point as well, but basically I believe it means anything that the Spartans created/adapted (ie. there own form of spear, their own form/style of pottery, etc.) - a better word would probably have been "inovation".

Hope this helps,

Susie

Thanks for the clarification ;D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on October 08, 2017, 06:58:28 pm
Hey! This question from the 2013 completely threw me off and i'm annoyed at myself that I don't have notes on this section ;(

"Explain how Pompeii and Herculaneum were affected differently by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius"

So far I mentioned that P had 4 metres of ash, whilst H had 20m. Also mentioned how the Pompeiians and Herculaneans died. But I don't know what else to add. It's a six marker after all. What would be good evidence besides the ash and the bodies?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on October 08, 2017, 09:39:23 pm
Hey! This question from the 2013 completely threw me off and i'm annoyed at myself that I don't have notes on this section ;(

"Explain how Pompeii and Herculaneum were affected differently by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius"

So far I mentioned that P had 4 metres of ash, whilst H had 20m. Also mentioned how the Pompeiians and Herculaneans died. But I don't know what else to add. It's a six marker after all. What would be good evidence besides the ash and the bodies?

Thanks!
Hey,
- The first and second pyroclastic surge destroyed Herculaneum while the remaining four destroyed Pompeii. While the Plinian phase (ash/pumice/gas) mainly affected Pompeii, the Pyroclastic surges mainly affected Herculaneum (eventually burying it in 20m of ash)
- Due to the different volcanic experiences, whole two story houses and carbonised wooden features were preserved at Herculaneum. In Pompeii, I think that the weight of the ash and pumice caused the second story of buildings to collapse.
Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on October 08, 2017, 09:52:15 pm
Hey,
- The first and second pyroclastic surge destroyed Herculaneum while the remaining four destroyed Pompeii. While the Plinian phase (ash/pumice/gas) mainly affected Pompeii, the Pyroclastic surges mainly affected Herculaneum (eventually burying it in 20m of ash)
- Due to the different volcanic experiences, whole two story houses and carbonised wooden features were preserved at Herculaneum. In Pompeii, I think that the weight of the ash and pumice caused the second story of buildings to collapse.
Hope this helps :)

Thank you so so much!!!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: flashguts321 on October 18, 2017, 02:31:52 pm
Hi,

Just wondering what anyone's predictions are for the Spartan society section this year? I know we shouldn't rely on predictions but just curious as to what sections are more likely.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: gkim1 on October 19, 2017, 10:12:08 am
Hi! Does anyone have any solid New Kingdom Egypt to the Death of Amenhotep III notes?? I have notes of my own, but I really wanted to make sure I know everything because it was the one section that let me down in my trials :( There doesn't seem to be any notes here as the only notes available for New Kingdom to the death of Amenhotep III is an essay?

Please help a fellow ancient student out!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 19, 2017, 03:10:33 pm
Hi,

Just wondering what anyone's predictions are for the Spartan society section this year? I know we shouldn't rely on predictions but just curious as to what sections are more likely.

Thanks :)
Hey! I feel like something from Cultural Life could come up, as it hasn't for a long while! That was what I predicted last years question would be (and I was wrong), but still gunning that it'll have to show up at some point!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on October 19, 2017, 03:34:42 pm
Where can I find past papers without copyright blocks in them? Most of the sources have been blocked on the nesa website ;(
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 19, 2017, 07:58:42 pm
Where can I find past papers without copyright blocks in them? Most of the sources have been blocked on the nesa website ;(
Hey! I couldn't find them for all of the years, but here are the booklets for 2010 and 2011! Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: flashguts321 on October 20, 2017, 02:12:45 pm
Hey! I feel like something from Cultural Life could come up, as it hasn't for a long while! That was what I predicted last years question would be (and I was wrong), but still gunning that it'll have to show up at some point!

Thanks again Susie!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 20, 2017, 04:01:34 pm
What information and how much detail would you have to include in this personality question (part a) for Agrippina the Younger:

A) Describe Agrippina’s Julio-Claudian background.

In my practice response I mentioned how Agrippina's mother and father both have connections to Augustus. For her mother (Agrippina the elder) there is a direct lineage as she is Augustus' great-grand daughter whilst for her father (Germanicus) he was adopted by Tiberius who was adopted by Augustus. I also mentioned how her Julio-Claudian background had a major impact later in life. This only took me like one page though, so how much more would you have to include for the full 10 marks? Also how many quotes would you be expected to include for these questions.

Any help would be great,
Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: flashguts321 on October 21, 2017, 11:20:44 am
Hey just wondering whether anyone has any predictions for the P&H 10-marker plus any other short answer q's that the core section may ask?

Thanks for all the help!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 21, 2017, 11:59:30 am
What information and how much detail would you have to include in this personality question (part a) for Agrippina the Younger:

A) Describe Agrippina’s Julio-Claudian background.

In my practice response I mentioned how Agrippina's mother and father both have connections to Augustus. For her mother (Agrippina the elder) there is a direct lineage as she is Augustus' great-grand daughter whilst for her father (Germanicus) he was adopted by Tiberius who was adopted by Augustus. I also mentioned how her Julio-Claudian background had a major impact later in life. This only took me like one page though, so how much more would you have to include for the full 10 marks? Also how many quotes would you be expected to include for these questions.

Any help would be great,
Thanks!  ;D
Hey! Looks like you've got a pretty extensive response already :) The big emphasis is that she is connected directly to every single Julio-Claudian Emperor. You've got everything there that I would think to include, if you're concerned about time, it might just be a case of expanding what you have already through detail! Like maybe link how her connection to Germanicus afforded her respect from the Army/Praetorian Guard. You could have mentioned her connection to her brother Gaius as well.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 21, 2017, 12:01:37 pm
Hey just wondering whether anyone has any predictions for the P&H 10-marker plus any other short answer q's that the core section may ask?

Thanks for all the help!
Hey! As always take predictions with a grain of salt, and don't adjust your study pattern based on an uneducated hunch. Ancient is really hard to predict in terms of short answers, just because the syllabus is SO expansive. However, I feel like ethical concerns could maybe come up for the 10 marker :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 21, 2017, 02:09:34 pm
Hey! Looks like you've got a pretty extensive response already :) The big emphasis is that she is connected directly to every single Julio-Claudian Emperor. You've got everything there that I would think to include, if you're concerned about time, it might just be a case of expanding what you have already through detail! Like maybe link how her connection to Germanicus afforded her respect from the Army/Praetorian Guard. You could have mentioned her connection to her brother Gaius as well.
Thanks Susie! :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 22, 2017, 01:31:45 pm
Any predictions for the Agrippina the Younger personality questions (both part a and b)?
Last year they asked
a) Describe Agrippina's marriages
b) How has the image of Agrippina changed over time?

I'm so sad that those won't be our questions  :( last years paper would've been good haha 

 
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 22, 2017, 01:44:24 pm
Any predictions for the Agrippina the Younger personality questions (both part a and b)?
Last year they asked
a) Describe Agrippina's marriages
b) How has the image of Agrippina changed over time?

I'm so sad that those won't be our questions  :( last years paper would've been good haha 

 
Your part B question will be super similar - it hardly ever changes, always on either image/legacy! Part A I feel like maybe one on the basis of her power and influence?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: HamBurr17 on October 22, 2017, 06:32:05 pm
Okay I am seriously bad at ancient history exams and I really don't know how to study for the essay (Julio-Claudians).
Anyone have some pointers!? I don't know where to start :/

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on October 22, 2017, 11:12:32 pm
Okay I am seriously bad at ancient history exams and I really don't know how to study for the essay (Julio-Claudians).
Anyone have some pointers!? I don't know where to start :/

Thanks!

Best way to study for section 4 is to make essay plans. Grab all the essay questions from the past 5 years or so and make an essay plan for each question.

Make sure to include:
- What essay do you want to write? A factors essay? A thematic one? An events essay?
- A sample introduction (with your judgement)
- Your paragraphs. What main topic do you want for each paragraph? Include dot points of all the things you want you say. Make sure to keep relating all your points to your judgement. Do open book so that this part is easier :)
- Sources. Think about all the sources you think are appropriate. As my teacher would say, its best to have all WAMA (Written, archaeological, modern and ancient) sources. Archaeological evidence is definitely the go to. I don't do Julio-Claudians, but there should be some good archaeological evidence that you can use. But if not, there are always the written sources too. Have a mix of modern and ancient writers to beef up your response.
- If possible, try to link all your paragraphs together. You can have this plan within the paragraph plans or have a separate dot point.

Essay plans are meant to be short so this should take around 10-15 mins. This will make you more prepared for the exam. Typically the questions in section 4 are quite flexible.

Although, if possible try writing at least one full from one of your essay plans. Just to have an idea how long it is and see what areas you can improve on.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 22, 2017, 11:41:49 pm
Best way to study for section 4 is to make essay plans. Grab all the essay questions from the past 5 years or so and make an essay plan for each question.

Make sure to include:
- What essay do you want to write? A factors essay? A thematic one? An events essay?
- A sample introduction (with your judgement)
- Your paragraphs. What main topic do you want for each paragraph? Include dot points of all the things you want you say. Make sure to keep relating all your points to your judgement. Do open book so that this part is easier :)
- Sources. Think about all the sources you think are appropriate. As my teacher would say, its best to have all WAMA (Written, archaeological, modern and ancient) sources. Archaeological evidence is definitely the go to. I don't do Julio-Claudians, but there should be some good archaeological evidence that you can use. But if not, there are always the written sources too. Have a mix of modern and ancient writers to beef up your response.
- If possible, try to link all your paragraphs together. You can have this plan within the paragraph plans or have a separate dot point.

Essay plans are meant to be short so this should take around 10-15 mins. This will make you more prepared for the exam. Typically the questions in section 4 are quite flexible.

Although, if possible try writing at least one full from one of your essay plans. Just to have an idea how long it is and see what areas you can improve on.

Hope this helps :)
couldn't have said it better myself! Great work Beatroot!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: HamBurr17 on October 23, 2017, 12:11:06 pm
Best way to study for section 4 is to make essay plans. Grab all the essay questions from the past 5 years or so and make an essay plan for each question.

Make sure to include:
- What essay do you want to write? A factors essay? A thematic one? An events essay?
- A sample introduction (with your judgement)
- Your paragraphs. What main topic do you want for each paragraph? Include dot points of all the things you want you say. Make sure to keep relating all your points to your judgement. Do open book so that this part is easier :)
- Sources. Think about all the sources you think are appropriate. As my teacher would say, its best to have all WAMA (Written, archaeological, modern and ancient) sources. Archaeological evidence is definitely the go to. I don't do Julio-Claudians, but there should be some good archaeological evidence that you can use. But if not, there are always the written sources too. Have a mix of modern and ancient writers to beef up your response.
- If possible, try to link all your paragraphs together. You can have this plan within the paragraph plans or have a separate dot point.

Essay plans are meant to be short so this should take around 10-15 mins. This will make you more prepared for the exam. Typically the questions in section 4 are quite flexible.

Although, if possible try writing at least one full from one of your essay plans. Just to have an idea how long it is and see what areas you can improve on.

Hope this helps :)

Thank you so much!!! I'm going to do this now! :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: KeelzeyMac on October 23, 2017, 01:51:28 pm
Hello!
I have a question regarding NKE Society to Reign of Amenhotep III- I know it crosses over with my Historical Period component (To Reign of Thutmose VI)- but if we were asked a question specifically on tombs, what would we need to know? Sorry, it's a very vague question :/
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 23, 2017, 05:58:30 pm
Is it true that buildings in Herculaneum were mostly double story and in Pompeii were mostly single story, or the other way around?.... I feel like i read that somewhere, or am i wrong are they all different?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on October 23, 2017, 07:05:15 pm
Is it true that buildings in Herculaneum were mostly double story and in Pompeii were mostly single story, or the other way around?.... I feel like i read that somewhere, or am i wrong are they all different?


Yes you are correct. Pompeiian houses were one level and Herculanean houses had two levels. This is probably because Pompeii had bigger land (66 hectares), so they were free to have one story houses. Whilst Herculaneum was smaller (12 hectares), so they had to have smaller houses with a second level. Kind of like comparing the apartments in Sydney's CBD and the houses in the west.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Maraos on October 24, 2017, 05:33:42 pm
This isn't really a question, but I would just like to say thankyou to Susie and everyone else on this thread  ;D ;D, you guys have helped soo much this year, it has been great to go beyond my school and talk to others doing the subject on this forum. 
Best of luck with the rest of your exams!  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on October 24, 2017, 10:13:26 pm
This isn't really a question, but I would just like to say thankyou to Susie and everyone else on this thread  ;D ;D, you guys have helped soo much this year, it has been great to go beyond my school and talk to others doing the subject on this forum. 
Best of luck with the rest of your exams!  :)


Nawww Maraos <3 It's been so great working with such amazing students this year - particularly in the Ancient History thread :) Yes, we're small, but every single person here has been so dedicated, kind and helpful - I'm sure all of you absolutely smashed it today!

Good luck with the rest of your exams (particularly extension ;) )

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: cxtti on November 03, 2017, 09:34:55 pm
Hi ATARNotes! I was wondering what's the difference between the "Atrium House", "Atrium-Peristyle House" and "Creative Atrium-Peristyle House"
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on November 06, 2017, 10:06:29 pm
Hi ATARNotes! I was wondering what's the difference between the "Atrium House", "Atrium-Peristyle House" and "Creative Atrium-Peristyle House"
Hey,
Atrium house: Most common type of housing, the focus of the domus was the atrium (it was the first open space entered from the street). The atrium was the social and religious centre of the house and included the larium and was where clients met and paid respect to the patron. In Pompeii the houses were single story while in Herculaneum they had two stories.

Atrium-peristyle house: The peristyle was the centrepiece of a Roman house. In the House of the Vetti, guests would pass from the entrance to the peristyle, which also gave access to the triclinium (dining room-3 couches), and tablinium (study).

Going to admit I didn’t have a lot about this in my notes at all (and don’t have anything on the Creative Atrium-peristyle house) sorry!
Hope this helps  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on November 09, 2017, 07:01:24 pm
hey guys,

I have my first assessment task for Ancient History, its on Pompeii and Herculaneum. It will be about public buildings and its an in class writing task. We get two sources.

The only hint we've gotten is a list of things to know: the location, why was it built, role in society, relevance of location, how did people interact with it, other sources relating to public buildings.

 The public buildings given by my teacher include:Forum, Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Lares, The Temple of the Genius of Augustus, Macellum, The Edifice of Eumachia, Voting Hall, Municipal Offices, Basilica, Public Latrines, Palaestra, Theatres, Amphitheatres.

Can anyone give me some practice questions relating to the information I've just mentioned? My test is next week Friday.

Thank you guys!
From theyam
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 10, 2017, 12:07:14 pm
hey guys,

I have my first assessment task for Ancient History, its on Pompeii and Herculaneum. It will be about public buildings and its an in class writing task. We get two sources.

The only hint we've gotten is a list of things to know: the location, why was it built, role in society, relevance of location, how did people interact with it, other sources relating to public buildings.

 The public buildings given by my teacher include:Forum, Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Lares, The Temple of the Genius of Augustus, Macellum, The Edifice of Eumachia, Voting Hall, Municipal Offices, Basilica, Public Latrines, Palaestra, Theatres, Amphitheatres.

Can anyone give me some practice questions relating to the information I've just mentioned? My test is next week Friday.

Thank you guys!
From theyam
Hey! So obviously I'm not in your teachers head, so I'm not 100% sure how they plan on structuring this exam, but maybe you could try some of these?

1. Describe the religious significance of public buildings in Pompeii (sources: A a dedicatory plaque of the Temple of Isis. The plaque states that Numerius Popidus Celsinus provided the money to rebuild the temple after the earthquake., B the Temple of Jupiter.)

2. Outline the role and purpose of Public Buildings in Pompeii and Herculaneum (sources: C a plan of the Basilica in Pompeii, and D the palaestra of Herculaneum)

3. Describe the role of the Forum in Pompeii (sources: E, a plan of the Forum in Pompeii and Source B: Quote from Mary Beard; "Today Pompeii’s Forum is a rather barren and disappointing open space. In the paintings, we see it full of people about their business: a group of men consulting some (presumably) official notices; a schoolmaster who has installed his class under the colonnade (and is in the process of giving one child a very nasty beating); a family who seem to be choosing shoes from a cobbler’s stall; and a posh lady apparently giving some spare change to a beggar with a dog. It actually looks like a bustling city centre." )
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on November 10, 2017, 08:18:10 pm
hi guys i have a question about the julio-claudians and the roman empire

i have an essay and the question is "To what extent did the role and responsibilities of the Senate change under the Julio-Claudian rulers?"
how do you answer these types of questions, and also did the role and responsibilites change a lot or not too much? because some of the sources ive read contradict each other.

thank you!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 10, 2017, 09:51:15 pm
hi guys i have a question about the julio-claudians and the roman empire

i have an essay and the question is "To what extent did the role and responsibilities of the Senate change under the Julio-Claudian rulers?"
how do you answer these types of questions, and also did the role and responsibilites change a lot or not too much? because some of the sources ive read contradict each other.

thank you!

Hey! Good question! This was actually from the 2017 HSC! With a question like that, imo you have two options - either you approach it according to the emperors (so chronologically detail the relationship between the Emperor of the time and the Senate, and how that affected their role and responsibilities), or you structure it according to how the role and responsibilities changed (imo the best way to structure this would be; administrational role and influence, respect received from Emperors, etc. etc.).

I would say that their role and responsibilities fluctuated greatly. It wasn't one shift to the other across the period, it was unique to each emperor, and even within each emperors rule inconsistent. For the most part, it can be said that;

Tiberius
Initially attempted to work with the Senate, however became frustrated by their "ineptitude". Some suggest that he would often just expect things to be done, without verbalising his expectations, which of course could be a factor. This resulted in growing apathy for his position, culminating in his retire to Capri. This shook up the Senate, because they went from being a governing body that was highly dependant upon the Emperor (under Augustus), to one that essentially had to do everything on their own.

Gaius
Initially positive, as he told the Senate that he wished to repair the relationship, and reflect Augustus' leadership, however after his mysterious illness, he drastically decreases senatorial powers, and spends much of his time just mocking/abusing senators.

Claudius
Tries his best to work with the Senate, but after years of abuse they are obstinate. They are frustrated with the Principate, and want to return to a republic. Overtime, rather than just deal with this obstinancy, Claudius transitions from the Senate to the Imperial Bureaucracy of Freedmen (and later his wives as well) for counsel and the administration of the empire, which severely wounds the ego of many senators who resented their position being offered to former slaves.

Nero
Similar to Gaius - when he's under the control of Agrippina, Seneca and Burrus, Gaius is pretty nice to the Senators. However, once their influence is gone, he becomes a monster to pretty much everyone.

Hope this helps get you started!

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on November 11, 2017, 10:15:57 pm
Hey! So obviously I'm not in your teachers head, so I'm not 100% sure how they plan on structuring this exam, but maybe you could try some of these?

1. Describe the religious significance of public buildings in Pompeii (sources: A a dedicatory plaque of the Temple of Isis. The plaque states that Numerius Popidus Celsinus provided the money to rebuild the temple after the earthquake., B the Temple of Jupiter.)

2. Outline the role and purpose of Public Buildings in Pompeii and Herculaneum (sources: C a plan of the Basilica in Pompeii, and D the palaestra of Herculaneum)

3. Describe the role of the Forum in Pompeii (sources: E, a plan of the Forum in Pompeii and Source B: Quote from Mary Beard; "Today Pompeii’s Forum is a rather barren and disappointing open space. In the paintings, we see it full of people about their business: a group of men consulting some (presumably) official notices; a schoolmaster who has installed his class under the colonnade (and is in the process of giving one child a very nasty beating); a family who seem to be choosing shoes from a cobbler’s stall; and a posh lady apparently giving some spare change to a beggar with a dog. It actually looks like a bustling city centre." )

Hi Susie!
Thank you so much your practice questions! I never learnt the Temple of Isis tho o.0
From theyam
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 11, 2017, 10:34:23 pm
Hi Susie!
Thank you so much your practice questions! I never learnt the Temple of Isis tho o.0
From theyam
Oh really? That's interesting - it's quite an important public building! The Temple of Isis was the official place of worship for the Cult of Isis in Pompeii. What attracted many people to the Cult (and by extension, the Temple) was its inclusivity - slaves and women were invited to take part within their practices. The Cult is believed to be so significant, that after the earthquake of 62AD repairs began on the Temple of Isis before even the Temple of Jupiter!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: cxtti on November 16, 2017, 01:32:18 am
Hi all! How could I make "changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists " into 3 themes and "changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies" into another three themes. My teacher is telling my class to theme my 10 marker but I don't understand how. Help?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 16, 2017, 09:40:01 am
Hi all! How could I make "changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists " into 3 themes and "changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies" into another three themes. My teacher is telling my class to theme my 10 marker but I don't understand how. Help?
Hey! For 'changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists', your themes could literally be the ways that they contributed, in the broadest sense. Think of the positives and negatives of excavation over the years, the most common practices or discoveries, etc. etc. For example, some themes that I can think of would be (these are not all the themes that you could look at, just the ones off the top of my head);

1. Systematic practices (eg. Top-Down excavation, numbering of houses, catalogued artefacts, photography etc. etc.)
2. Dramatisation (How and why archeologists contributed to dramatisation, eg. Maiuri and Bisel)
3. Conservation and Restoration v. Excavation (looking at more modern archeological practices - Fausto Zevi)

For 'changing interpretations, impact of new research and technologies', you would want to be looking at exactly that; impact. What are the various ways that new research and technology has prompted a change in interpretations of Pompeii and Herculaneum? Think about the specific ways in which our understanding changed. Notice any patterns? Off the top of my head, here are some ideas :)

1. Understanding of the health of residents in Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. Understanding of public and private buildings
3. Impact of the inclusion of broader studies (eg. Volcanology)

Hope this helps!

Susie

Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: cxtti on November 16, 2017, 09:18:03 pm
Hey! For 'changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists', your themes could literally be the ways that they contributed, in the broadest sense. Think of the positives and negatives of excavation over the years, the most common practices or discoveries, etc. etc. For example, some themes that I can think of would be (these are not all the themes that you could look at, just the ones off the top of my head);

1. Systematic practices (eg. Top-Down excavation, numbering of houses, catalogued artefacts, photography etc. etc.)
2. Dramatisation (How and why archeologists contributed to dramatisation, eg. Maiuri and Bisel)
3. Conservation and Restoration v. Excavation (looking at more modern archeological practices - Fausto Zevi)

For 'changing interpretations, impact of new research and technologies', you would want to be looking at exactly that; impact. What are the various ways that new research and technology has prompted a change in interpretations of Pompeii and Herculaneum? Think about the specific ways in which our understanding changed. Notice any patterns? Off the top of my head, here are some ideas :)

1. Understanding of the health of residents in Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. Understanding of public and private buildings
3. Impact of the inclusion of broader studies (eg. Volcanology)

Hope this helps!

Susie



And so could I talk about
1. Systematic practices
- Top-Down excavations = Vittorio Spinazzola
- Numbering of Houses = Giuseppe Fiorelli
- Photography = Fausto Zevi

2. Dramatisation  —> Not really sure about what this means
- Amedeo Maiuri: Revealing as much as the site as possible but was destructive
- Sarah Bisel: ?
3. Conservation and Restoration v. Excavation
- Conservation:
    - International Cooperation = Having an emphasis on restoring and protecting areas of sites that are under close study
    - Fausto Zevi = Halting excavations and concentrated on restoring
- Excavation:
    - Carlo Bonnucci = Corrupt and incompetent, with no concern for the preservation but discovered the Forum and Stabian Baths, House of the Tragic Poet and Faun.
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 16, 2017, 11:38:16 pm
And so could I talk about
1. Systematic practices
- Top-Down excavations = Vittorio Spinazzola
- Numbering of Houses = Giuseppe Fiorelli
- Photography = Fausto Zevi

2. Dramatisation  —> Not really sure about what this means
- Amedeo Maiuri: Revealing as much as the site as possible but was destructive
- Sarah Bisel: ?
3. Conservation and Restoration v. Excavation
- Conservation:
    - International Cooperation = Having an emphasis on restoring and protecting areas of sites that are under close study
    - Fausto Zevi = Halting excavations and concentrated on restoring
- Excavation:
    - Carlo Bonnucci = Corrupt and incompetent, with no concern for the preservation but discovered the Forum and Stabian Baths, House of the Tragic Poet and Faun.
Pretty much! Systematic practices is fine. Dramatisation is they way to describe the way in which the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum have been dramatised - their is an emphasis on the narrative of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as they excavate with the intent on creating a good story. In terms of Maiuri, he did this to validate Italian exceptionalism, by creating a rich, exceptional history to aid Mussolini. Sarah Bisel was funded by the national geographic, and is responsible for making up backstories for human remains based upon little evidence (eg. ring lady). Both have been accused of tampering with evidence as well. Third one is fine, I might mention how they are utilising new technology such as x-rays and 3D animation to continue to "virtually" excavate, without actually touching/damaging the buildings.

Hope this helps :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on November 26, 2017, 10:56:31 am
hi,
im writing an essay on the julio claudians, and i need to include primary and secondary sources. Are quotes from tacitus, suetonius etc considered as primary or secondary sources?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 26, 2017, 03:51:02 pm
hi,
im writing an essay on the julio claudians, and i need to include primary and secondary sources. Are quotes from tacitus, suetonius etc considered as primary or secondary sources?
They are secondary sources, as they have been written many years after the events in question! Just because their ancient, doesn't make them primary sources - for those, you'd want to be looking at archeological evidence (eg. numismatic evidence, statues, art, official inscriptions, etc. etc. :) )
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on November 26, 2017, 05:33:13 pm
They are secondary sources, as they have been written many years after the events in question! Just because their ancient, doesn't make them primary sources - for those, you'd want to be looking at archeological evidence (eg. numismatic evidence, statues, art, official inscriptions, etc. etc. :) )

thank youu!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on November 27, 2017, 05:16:04 pm
another question-
how do you properly answer to what extent questions?
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on November 27, 2017, 10:40:16 pm
another question-
how do you properly answer to what extent questions?
With a "to what extent" question, you need to be answering just that! To what extent/how much was blah a critical factor, or contribute to change, or was significant etc. etc. What is important to note with this type of question, is that there is always an assumed degree of say significance. For example, with the question "To what extent was Claudius an effective Princeps", their is already an assumed degree of effectiveness, so saying "Claudius was effective" or "Claudius was ineffective" doesn't answer the question. Instead, you'd have to say "Claudius was highly effective" or "Claudius was effective to a limited extent", in order to properly answer a "to what extent" question!

Hope this makes sense :)

Susie
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on December 02, 2017, 06:56:56 pm
Hi guys!

Holidays are coming up soon and I was wondering whether I should be doing anything for Ancient History other than notes. Should I be doing some form of practice responses or?

Thanks guys~
From theyam
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on December 02, 2017, 07:21:12 pm
Hi guys!

Holidays are coming up soon and I was wondering whether I should be doing anything for Ancient History other than notes. Should I be doing some form of practice responses or?

Thanks guys~
From theyam

Yep definitely do notes and practice questions! Half yearlies occur around ~march next year. Don’t forget to brainstorm sources and quotes to beef up your responses. Though don’t overwork yourself during the summer holidays. Maintain balance between school work and your life :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on December 02, 2017, 07:47:00 pm
Yep definitely do notes and practice questions! Half yearlies occur around ~march next year. Don’t forget to brainstorm sources and quotes to beef up your responses. Though don’t overwork yourself during the summer holidays. Maintain balance between school work and your life :)

Hi beatroot!

Thank you for your quick reply! Oh god I still can't believe I'm doing my HSC course if I'm perfectly honest, how often should I be doing these practice responses?

From theyam
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on December 02, 2017, 08:59:08 pm
Hi beatroot!

Thank you for your quick reply! Oh god I still can't believe I'm doing my HSC course if I'm perfectly honest, how often should I be doing these practice responses?

From theyam

Coming from my own experience, I did around 1-2 practice responses per week for Ancient. I did this with all my notes infront of me so that I was sneakily studying my notes without just reading them on my own. Applying the notes into practice responses is a really effective way to study! Susie (the Ancient lecturer) didn't make ANY notes for Ancient during her HSC and still managed to get a Band 6 for the subject. Since you've only studied one topic so far, definitely focus on making practice responses for that particular topic. However, if you're feeling really inspired and motivated you might be able to do 2-3 practice responses per week (again this depends on what topic you studied this term! If you studied Pompeii and Herculaneum, you can easily get 2-3 exam papers done. But let's say you studied Historical periods or ancient societies, my best bet is doing 1-2 practice responses per week)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on January 09, 2018, 01:15:50 pm
hi,

how would you guys answer this question (topic is Julio-Cluaidns and the Roman Empire AD 14-69): Assess the effectiveness of the administration of the empire in this period.

thanks :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on January 09, 2018, 02:59:45 pm
hi,

how would you guys answer this question (topic is Julio-Cluaidns and the Roman Empire AD 14-69): Assess the effectiveness of the administration of the empire in this period.

thanks :)
Hey tina :)

With a question like that, the way that I would go about it (not that you have to do what I did!), would be to either structure it thematically, according to the ways in which administration of the empire was conducted (eg. maybe I'd have a paragraph on the role of the senate, or the imperial bureaucracy, etc. etc), or you could structure it according to the different emperors, so a paragraph on Tiberius, a paragraph of Gaius, a paragraph on Claudius, and a paragraph on Nero :) 

I'll let you fill in the blanks (ie what to put in each paragraph), if you need any more help please let us know.

Hope this helps!

Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Mada438 on January 09, 2018, 09:36:19 pm
hi,

how would you guys answer this question (topic is Julio-Cluaidns and the Roman Empire AD 14-69): Assess the effectiveness of the administration of the empire in this period.

thanks :)
Hey, i don't do ancient, but im gonna try and give a hand anyway!
Hey tina :)

With a question like that, the way that I would go about it (not that you have to do what I did!), would be to either structure it thematically, according to the ways in which administration of the empire was conducted (eg. maybe I'd have a paragraph on the role of the senate, or the imperial bureaucracy, etc. etc), or you could structure it according to the different emperors, so a paragraph on Tiberius, a paragraph of Gaius, a paragraph on Claudius, and a paragraph on Nero :) 

I'll let you fill in the blanks (ie what to put in each paragraph), if you need any more help please let us know.

Hope this helps!


Building on susie's answer, im going to say the second one may be more effective. Only because doing it thematically (focusing on certain aspects of the aministration) sounds to me (my opinion only) that you're assuming that each aspect of the administration (to take one for example, the senate) was run similarly over that entire period.
By doing it with paragraphs based on the leaders, you can look at the different ways, successes and faliures that were involved with each specific ruler.
Also, remember this is an assessquestion. Basically asses means "make a judgement based on criteria. So you need to look at everything those specific leaders did during their time in power, (everything they did, their successes and faliures are the criteria) and make a judgement about how effective or ineffective it that ruler was and their administration.

This is very rough, so i hope it makes sense!
It's also my opinion, and how i'd structure the response, you don't have to do it this way, but i hope it helps you decide!
Good luck!  :)
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tina1395 on January 19, 2018, 12:11:01 pm
Hey tina :)

With a question like that, the way that I would go about it (not that you have to do what I did!), would be to either structure it thematically, according to the ways in which administration of the empire was conducted (eg. maybe I'd have a paragraph on the role of the senate, or the imperial bureaucracy, etc. etc), or you could structure it according to the different emperors, so a paragraph on Tiberius, a paragraph of Gaius, a paragraph on Claudius, and a paragraph on Nero :) 

I'll let you fill in the blanks (ie what to put in each paragraph), if you need any more help please let us know.

Hope this helps!


Hey, i don't do ancient, but im gonna try and give a hand anyway!Building on susie's answer, im going to say the second one may be more effective. Only because doing it thematically (focusing on certain aspects of the aministration) sounds to me (my opinion only) that you're assuming that each aspect of the administration (to take one for example, the senate) was run similarly over that entire period.
By doing it with paragraphs based on the leaders, you can look at the different ways, successes and faliures that were involved with each specific ruler.
Also, remember this is an assessquestion. Basically asses means "make a judgement based on criteria. So you need to look at everything those specific leaders did during their time in power, (everything they did, their successes and faliures are the criteria) and make a judgement about how effective or ineffective it that ruler was and their administration.

This is very rough, so i hope it makes sense!
It's also my opinion, and how i'd structure the response, you don't have to do it this way, but i hope it helps you decide!
Good luck!  :)

thanks so much!
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on January 28, 2018, 10:54:40 am
Hello

For the dot point: changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum

My teacher gave us a document with works from Dr Estelle Lazer, Jaye Pont and Penelope Allison. But they're from the 21st century and the dot point says 19-20 century. The works of Estelle Lazer have been interweaved in dot point, appearances of the people but should I be taking notes about the other 2? Usually I wouldn't mind doing extra notes but theres just so many other people I need to know form the 19-20th century already, I don't exactly want to have spent so much time on people I wont need for an exam.

Thank you :)

From theyam
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on January 29, 2018, 09:19:29 pm
Hello

For the dot point: changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum

My teacher gave us a document with works from Dr Estelle Lazer, Jaye Pont and Penelope Allison. But they're from the 21st century and the dot point says 19-20 century. The works of Estelle Lazer have been interweaved in dot point, appearances of the people but should I be taking notes about the other 2? Usually I wouldn't mind doing extra notes but theres just so many other people I need to know form the 19-20th century already, I don't exactly want to have spent so much time on people I wont need for an exam.

Thank you :)

From theyam
Hey,
I don't think that you would really need to have extra notes on the other two (Jaye Pont and Penelope Allison). Especially because there are so many different people (from both the 19th & 20th Century) that you could also use in the exam. It's only an extended response and not a full essay anyway, so you wouldn't have the space to talk about too many different people.

For mine, I knew two people (one from 19th-Fiorelli, other from 20th C.-Maiuri ) in depth as I had done them for an in class assignment and then knew a few other people in less detail.

Hope this helps :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: maggiefox123 on February 03, 2018, 03:29:21 pm
Hey !!

I have an extended response due but I'm not sure what I should even talk about for 500 words?! Any help would be brilliant <3

"Discuss Agrippina the Younger’s relation to the Julio – Claudians (500 words)"
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on February 03, 2018, 08:24:51 pm
Hey !!

I have an extended response due but I'm not sure what I should even talk about for 500 words?! Any help would be brilliant <3

"Discuss Agrippina the Younger’s relation to the Julio – Claudians (500 words)"
Hey,
Welcome to Atar Notes!! :)
You could talk about how she is connected to both the Julio and Claudian bloodlines through her family members and marriages. Her ancestry, through the Julio-Claudian bloodline was the foundation of her power and influence.

She was the:
-   Direct descendent of Augustus (great granddaughter-Julio line).
-   Great grandmother Livia and father Germanicus (Claudian line)
-   Marries Claudius strengthening the Claudian bloodline, raising her position in society and giving her more influence in politics. Her son Nero is also adopted by Claudius into the Claudian family.

-   “Agrippina’s exceptionally illustrious birth is indisputable”-Tacitus
-   “Remains unique as the daughter of a great commander and the sister, wife and mother of emperors.”-Tacitus

Hope this helps :D
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on February 08, 2018, 08:29:31 pm
Hello,

I was wondering if it was possible if someone could de-construct the sample answer to the one of the 2017 HSC questions. I've looked at the marking criteria but I'm still not exactly sure what constitutes a 4 marker. Could someone help please?

Outline the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii. In your answer, refer to Source F and your own knowledge. (4 marks)

The Source is the Mosaic in the House of Faun, the one with the hippo in the Nile, but you probably already figure that out after you read the sample answer XD.

Sample answer on NESA:
Source F provides useful information about the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii. We
notice the depiction of an animal (the hippopotamus) which is associated with Egypt; we can
also discern vegetation (eg the papyrus reeds) which are also associated with Egypt; and, of
course, the body of water which comprises much of the mosaic would logically be the river
Nile. All of these elements strongly indicate to the viewer an Egyptian context. The fact that
this mosaic depiction is found in a private residence at the Roman colony of Pompeii (the
House of the Faun) reflects the impact of Egyptian artistic representation and style with
particular respect to the elite class.

Marking Guidelines:
"- Clearly outlines the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii
• Refers to Source F and own knowledge
• Uses historical terms and concepts appropriately "

Thank you
Title: Re: Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on February 08, 2018, 09:23:25 pm
Hello,

I was wondering if it was possible if someone could de-construct the sample answer to the one of the 2017 HSC questions. I've looked at the marking criteria but I'm still not exactly sure what constitutes a 4 marker. Could someone help please?

Outline the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii. In your answer, refer to Source F and your own knowledge. (4 marks)

The Source is the Mosaic in the House of Faun, the one with the hippo in the Nile, but you probably already figure that out after you read the sample answer XD.

Sample answer on NESA:
Source F provides useful information about the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii. We
notice the depiction of an animal (the hippopotamus) which is associated with Egypt; we can
also discern vegetation (eg the papyrus reeds) which are also associated with Egypt; and, of
course, the body of water which comprises much of the mosaic would logically be the river
Nile. All of these elements strongly indicate to the viewer an Egyptian context. The fact that
this mosaic depiction is found in a private residence at the Roman colony of Pompeii (the
House of the Faun) reflects the impact of Egyptian artistic representation and style with
particular respect to the elite class.

Marking Guidelines:
"- Clearly outlines the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii
• Refers to Source F and own knowledge
• Uses historical terms and concepts appropriately "

Thank you


Hey! I can't help but noticing my favourite question from the HSC 2017 Ancient Paper! I remember seeing this question during reading time and was relieved because I believe that this was the easiest syllabus dot point imo because there's so much to talk about.

Anyways,

Source F provides useful information about the influence of Egyptian culture in Pompeii. (Refers to Source F). We notice the depiction of an animal (the hippopotamus) which is associated with Egypt (mentions Egyptian culture and uses concepts appropriately [the use of the word depiction] ); we can also discern vegetation (eg the papyrus reeds) which are also associated with Egypt (mentions Egyptian culture); and, of course, the body of water which comprises much of the mosaic would logically be the river Nile (mentions Egyptian culture) . All of these elements strongly indicate to the viewer an Egyptian context. The fact that this mosaic depiction is found in a private residence at the Roman colony of Pompeii (the
House of the Faun) (mentions other sources and own knowledge) reflects the impact of Egyptian artistic representation and style with particular respect to the elite class (influence of Egyptian culture [Egyptian art was associated with the elite] in Pompeii, provides own knowledge and other sources and uses concepts [such as representation and style])

This sample answer is a very concise response to the /said/ question. The student has referred to Source F and other sources such as the House of the Faun and Egyptian artistic representations and styles. Not only did they mention the sources, but they elaborated further with using their own knowledge (ie; saying that Egyptian artistic styles were associated with the elite AND saying that the elements found in the mosaic is essentially a great depiction of the Egyptian vegetation and culture. In order to get 4 marks for this question (or any 4 marker in Ancient History really) is to acknowledge the source firstly in the first sentence and make a judgement. Then you go on and provide evidence whilst backing it up with other sources and/or your own knowledge. But don’t elaborate too much that it cuts time into your other questions.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: cxtti on March 18, 2018, 11:31:22 am
Hi All!
I'm currently going through past papers for the [Historical Period: Option J: Fourth Century Greece the Death of Philip II of Macedon] and I have no idea how to structure it. The question that I'm trying to do is "Evaluate the nature and impact of the Spartan Hegemony"

Any help would be greattt!!!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on March 18, 2018, 02:37:09 pm
Hi All!
I'm currently going through past papers for the [Historical Period: Option J: Fourth Century Greece the Death of Philip II of Macedon] and I have no idea how to structure it. The question that I'm trying to do is "Evaluate the nature and impact of the Spartan Hegemony"

Any help would be greattt!!!
Hey! So look - I didn't study this option, so when it comes to the specific stuff you want to be including, I'm not going to be much help.
However, gut reaction when looking at that question is that a thematic essay would work quite nicely - so how did Spartan Hegemony impact the political/social/economic/religious/miltaristic/cultural landscape of Greece at the time? (you don't need to do all of them - 3 or 4 of the most important ones would do!).

Does that sound like it could work, based upon the work you have done in class? :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: DarthSamurai on April 22, 2018, 08:34:27 pm
Hi i was doing my notes on Pompeii and Herculaneum(a bit late i know) and i normally do these with reference to a variety of notes from other people. I encountered an issue on the syllabus dot point private buildings.For it, i have seen people not only look generally at the features of Houses but some notes also make detailed notes about specific houses and villas, this is a lot of extra work, and i am curious on whether i should do it for myself. Will we ever need detailed examples on the contents of specific houses, like the house of the faun and tragic poet, or Villas, such as the villa of the papyri and Mysteries, or do you think generalized statements and whatever is shown in the sources will be enough to get me a good mark in the HSC?
Thank you so much to taking the time to read this, any advice/opinions are appreciated.
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 22, 2018, 10:08:48 pm
Hi i was doing my notes on Pompeii and Herculaneum(a bit late i know) and i normally do these with reference to a variety of notes from other people. I encountered an issue on the syllabus dot point private buildings.For it, i have seen people not only look generally at the features of Houses but some notes also make detailed notes about specific houses and villas, this is a lot of extra work, and i am curious on whether i should do it for myself. Will we ever need detailed examples on the contents of specific houses, like the house of the faun and tragic poet, or Villas, such as the villa of the papyri and Mysteries, or do you think generalized statements and whatever is shown in the sources will be enough to get me a good mark in the HSC?
Thank you so much to taking the time to read this, any advice/opinions are appreciated.
Hey! So the answer is kind of yes, kind of no.

You don't need to know the ins and outs of EVERY house in Pompeii and Herculaneum, but you should definitely know a few (from both towns). This is because they count as evidence, which is SUPER important for any history subject. Theres no point just providing generalised statements if you can't prove them, you need to back up all of your points, and that is going to be through knowing specifics. But yeah, long story short you don't need to go overboard and learn all of them, but at least a couple from each town would be really beneficial :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: DarthSamurai on April 23, 2018, 09:34:33 pm
Yo,
another question, how should i make notes for dot point: Changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies? Should I do it by listing and grouping New technologies or by doing specific projects. And what sorts of impacts should i write about, conservation/ analysis? Some specific advice would be nice or some notes.
Thank you so much in advance, for taking the time to read and answer this question
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sudodds on April 23, 2018, 09:44:26 pm
Yo,
another question, how should i make notes for dot point: Changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies? Should I do it by listing and grouping New technologies or by doing specific projects. And what sorts of impacts should i write about, conservation/ analysis? Some specific advice would be nice or some notes.
Thank you so much in advance, for taking the time to read and answer this question
Hey! So its a bit tricky for me to say how you should write notes, as thats quite an individual thing imo, but just make sure that you don't lump everything together. Like with all the other sections, evidence is important, so you want to make sure that for every "general fact" you have in your notes, you have a project to back it up :)

In terms of impacts, i'd mainly be looking at the changing interpretations of specific things, e.g. how old/healthy the people who died were, functions of rooms and public buildings, etc. etc.  :)

Hope this helps,

Susie
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: CBakes on June 01, 2018, 09:12:43 pm
Heya!
Quick question, in regards to the 15 mark mini essay for personalities, roughly how many points of evidence would you need in each of your paragraphs?
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on June 03, 2018, 08:40:28 pm
Heya!
Quick question, in regards to the 15 mark mini essay for personalities, roughly how many points of evidence would you need in each of your paragraphs?
Thanks in advance!

Hey there!

Just like any other essay in Ancient, you need evidence for EVERY point that you make! Best bet to make around 2-4 points per paragraph depending on how much you can extract from your evidence. Would be super great if you manage to include all WAMA evidence (WAMA meaning Written, Archaeological, Modern, Ancient) but for some personalities, not all of them have written, archaeological, modern or ancient sources. Usually the go to evidence would have to be archaeological (as it is from during the time and is the most "legit") but as well as modern perspectives that provide an integrated viewpoint between the past and the present.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on September 20, 2018, 06:39:12 am
Hello

Was just wondering if anyone could provide an outline of how they would answer this question: How did Hatshepsut’s background prepare her for her prominent role?

I tried answering it but I feel like I wouldn't have enough content to get 10 marks. I've only got her family background (Thutmose 1, Queen Ahmose, Amenhotep 1 and Thutmose 2)

Thank you
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on September 20, 2018, 05:59:01 pm
Hello

Was just wondering if anyone could provide an outline of how they would answer this question: How did Hatshepsut’s background prepare her for her prominent role?

I tried answering it but I feel like I wouldn't have enough content to get 10 marks. I've only got her family background (Thutmose 1, Queen Ahmose, Amenhotep 1 and Thutmose 2)

Thank you

Hey! I didn't study Hatshepsut for my personality study but 'how did X's background prepare X for their prominent role' is quite a flexible question for all ancient personalities.

Family is definitely a significant influence, as you mentioned. As for other factors, have you possible tried going down these routes?
- Egyptian political/social structures (can also link with Hatshepsut's family). Since her family is wealthy (I'm assuming is wealthy?- didn't study this personality as mentioned earlier), she would've at least have been taught by someone- allowing her to rise up the ranks since she had knowledge
- Egyptian concept of kingship/pharaoship (link back to family)
- Did her religious background help at all to her preparation to become a pharaoh?
- Administration of Egyptian empire?

I'm just translating my notes for Xerxes into Hatshepsut terms so please correct me if I'm wrong!

As for ten markers- yes family is definitely a huge factor for Hatshepsut's rise to prominence so don't be afraid to mostly write about this factor in the ten marker question. You can always bring in other factors such as social structure, religious background and administration of the Egyptian empire- but ultimately they will eventually lead back to Hatshepsut's family background.

Hope this helps in some way...
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on September 29, 2018, 09:06:08 pm
thanks beatroot!!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: theyam on October 01, 2018, 05:54:56 pm
Hey guys I was just wondering what you guys would talk about for this dot point for NKE: maintenance of the empire, amenhotep II and thutmose IV  We didn't really go through it in detail in class.

Thank you
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: laura.scott on October 09, 2018, 07:18:16 pm
Hi,
For personalities, I'm unsure what I am supposed to include in the "Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Julius Caesar"

Are we supposed to say:
"Gelzer interpreted Caesar as a political opportunist exploiting political chaos to impose his own will, due to Gelzer's context of rising dictators of WWII."
OR
"Gelzer writes that Caesar was a political opportunist and exploited the chaos to impose his own will." 

Hope this makes sense
Thank you
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jerryrocks on October 10, 2018, 01:06:29 pm
Hello,

Really need guidance to respond to this question: Describe Agrippina’s relationship with Nero.
Should I compare her relations before he ecame princeps and after (deteriorated relationship)?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on October 10, 2018, 11:18:20 pm
Hello,

Really need guidance to respond to this question: Describe Agrippina’s relationship with Nero.
Should I compare her relations before he ecame princeps and after (deteriorated relationship)?
Hey, Welcome to the forums!!  ;D

Because it’s a describe question it just needs to be in a narrative style setting out what their relationship was like. I think you could possibly split it into two different paragraphs: the initial very positive relationship and the deterioration of their relationship.

Some things you could talk about are:

Positive relationship:
- This could include prior to him becoming Princeps and the initial years of his reign.
- She was very influential in his ascension as Princeps: he was groomed for success since birth through her marriage to Claudius, the adoption of Nero by Claudius, & by placing Burrus/Seneca as advisors. Even going as far as murdering Claudius to place Nero on the throne (instead of Brittanicus).
- The password ‘Optima Mater’ (‘the best of mothers’) that he used with the Praetorian guards.
- Initially acted as a co-ruler: attended a senate meeting and had a say in some political affairs/imperial business.
- She is viewed with Nero on coinage in equal power. In one coin, she is pictured side-by-side with Nero and equal in height. Another coin in 54AD presents Agrippina as a co-ruler alongside Nero.  Similarly, the Sabasteion relief in Aphrodisias depicts Agrippina crowning Nero.

Decline in relationship:
- Nero wished to be free from her control over him both politically and personally.
- Seneca and Burrus gradually replaced Agrippina as chief advisors & took control of administration & affairs.
- She saw Poppea Sabina as a threat to her power.  Agrippina attempted to seduce Nero to gain control.
- He began to decrease her power by banishing her from the palace & removing her guards. He made attempts on her life and eventually murdered her.
- “Agrippina was gradually losing control over Nero … her opposition was fruitless”-Tacitus
- “He terminated her great receptions by giving her a separate residence”-Tacitus
- “Nero himself was interested in exercising his power unrestricted by his mothers control”-Alston

Hope this helps!! :D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jamonwindeyer on November 10, 2018, 04:55:46 pm
Hey! Just noting that the Ancient Course has now changed, so look back on previous replies with a grain of salt - The content may be a tad different. However, it is still very much the same course, so definitely still useful! ;D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: mariah_1101 on January 21, 2019, 02:18:24 pm
Hi ATAR Notes,

I wanted to practise answering some short answer questions for Ancient History and got a little confused as to how many sources to include depending on the amount of marks the question is worth... Do you have to include any sources for a 3 mark or 4 mark question? And for 6 markers and 8 markers, how many sources do you need?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: darcyynic on January 21, 2019, 03:18:34 pm
Hi ATAR Notes,

I wanted to practise answering some short answer questions for Ancient History and got a little confused as to how many sources to include depending on the amount of marks the question is worth... Do you have to include any sources for a 3 mark or 4 mark question? And for 6 markers and 8 markers, how many sources do you need?

Thanks :)

Hi there!

This is an excellent question and it was something I struggled with a lot during my HSC! I think this kind of thing is intuitive and totally depends on the question. For example, a Core question could ask you to specifically use two/three/four sources or it could also ask you to use one and your own knowledge, which obviously require different amounts of sources.

Generally speaking, a 3 marker requires you to make three points and a 4 marker requires four, etc. Each time you make a new point you need a source to back it up. That being said, you can also use the same source to make several points. In addition, you could also use a source to corroborate another which obviously leads to more sources being used but not necessarily more points being proven.

Honestly, I know this isn't what you want to hear, but there is no exact formula for Ancient History as the questions can vary greatly. Just make sure that for each new point you use at least one source and you should be fine! Try doing a few more short answer questions and get a feel of where you could possibly put them in.

Feel free to send me a practice response and I can review it for you and suggest where I'd put in the sources. :)

Darcy
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on January 23, 2019, 04:56:48 pm
Hey my Dudes!
I am recently learning about Akhenaten ( my teach accidentally gave us 100 q's on sparta as a mistake lol) a change of plans my teach has made.
I stumbled upon this and wanted to know what it was.. .... 'vows of royalty' according to an overview of the eighteenth century egypt?

pls reply by quoting me on this if you know:)
thanks,
Komal:)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on January 23, 2019, 05:00:06 pm
yall I also dont know what this is in terms of 'personalities in their times; Akhenaten':
who were the 'royal brothers'?
This is the whole sentence from the antiquity 2 textbook: 'The pharaoh corresponded with his neighbouring rulers and vassals, and even married foreign princesses to cement the deals brokered between the 'royal brothers' '.
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: tamsyc on January 27, 2019, 05:12:36 pm
Hi ATARnotes,

I'm just looking over some of my notes for Pompeii and I remebered that my lecturer for the most revcent ancient history ATARnotes lecture (Susie Dodds) mentioned something on "The Ringed Lady" and how theres a lot of controversy around it. I've tried googling it and I can only find resources praising it as amazing proof of ancient jewellry... Anyone have a good resource?

Thanks,
Tamsyn
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on January 27, 2019, 09:50:39 pm
Hi ATARnotes,

I'm just looking over some of my notes for Pompeii and I remebered that my lecturer for the most revcent ancient history ATARnotes lecture (Susie Dodds) mentioned something on "The Ringed Lady" and how theres a lot of controversy around it. I've tried googling it and I can only find resources praising it as amazing proof of ancient jewellry... Anyone have a good resource?

Thanks,
Tamsyn
Hey,
Because Sara Bisel worked for the National Geographic she is believed to have made narrative like stories about some of the skeletons of Herculaneum to flesh out her scientific techniques. There is a debate around the accuracy of the ring lady and if the rings were placed there to add to the 'narrative' and dramatisation of the two towns.

Don't have a specific resource at the moment, but this quote from Estelle Lazar says: ‘Interpretation of the human skeletal remains from Pompeii & Herculaneum has been dominated by a storytelling approach'.

Hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: jess_gyan on February 23, 2019, 11:12:26 am
Hi! Ok background info; I missed out a term and a bit in the prelims in A.H and missed the important skills in the beginning. it's starting to show because now I'm really struggling to hit a mid-B to low-A which is where I want to be; my critique in my essays seem to revolve around "Avoid story-telling", stronger and finer incorporation of authors and their sources (analysis) and linking back to my answer in the response. If anyone could give me examples of what does a response with no narrative tone/structure (what even indicates it has a NARRATIVE TONE???) and an properly incorporated author with source, analysis and links back to response, that would literally be a godsend :)
Thanks
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Gavan_Ja on March 09, 2019, 11:50:57 am
G'day my fellow comrades,

I've been doing some fortnightly essay tasks for the Fall of the Roman Republic and my teacher has been telling me that I need to be more direct in answering the question and that it is to be sustained throughout the entirety of my essay. Also, he also tells me that I need to think more critically when it comes to answering the question. Does anyone have any tips at to what I can do in regards to these areas for improvement- I know exactly what I need to improve on, I'm just struggling a little on how to put it into practice consistently!

Cheers
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: julz_roha on March 11, 2019, 06:13:32 pm
Hello ATAR Notes,
For Sparta, do you know where I can find modern writers? I have a lot of information for ancient writers but not for modern writers.
- Juliana
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Gavan_Ja on March 11, 2019, 07:31:56 pm
Hello ATAR Notes,
For Sparta, do you know where I can find modern writers? I have a lot of information for ancient writers but not for modern writers.
- Juliana
Hello Juliana,
I completed Sparta last term- interesting place indeed! For my modern authors I used Nigel Kennel, Paul Cartledge, and also Bradbury and Ken Webb (but never, ever quote Bradley nor Webb, they're textbook writers not actual historians- such fakes)
Hope this helps :)
- Jack
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: hums_student on March 11, 2019, 07:35:07 pm
Hello ATAR Notes,
For Sparta, do you know where I can find modern writers? I have a lot of information for ancient writers but not for modern writers.
- Juliana
Hey Juliana :)
I actually did VCE but I would assume the two can't be too different. When you say modern writers, do you mean modern historians who have researched / written books about Spartan history? If so, try The Spartans by Paul Cartledge or Ancient Greece (which would cover Sparta) by Pamela Bradley and Thomas Martin (two different books, same name - would recommend Martin over Bradley as hers is a textbook). Bettany Hughes also has a really good documentary on Sparta which I would recommend checking out. Donald Kagan is good if you want to read about Sparta and its relationship with Athens during the Peloponnesian War.
Hope that's relevant to what you're studying :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: julz_roha on March 11, 2019, 10:05:33 pm
Hello Juliana,
I completed Sparta last term- interesting place indeed! For my modern authors I used Nigel Kennel, Paul Cartledge, and also Bradbury and Ken Webb (but never, ever quote Bradley nor Webb, they're textbook writers not actual historians- such fakes)
Hope this helps :)
- Jack
Hello Jack.
Thank you \(^o^)/ Do you have the documents for the sources or no? My school and local library are pretty scarce on books for history.
If you do, will it be ok if I could have them?
- Juliana

Hey Juliana :)
I actually did VCE but I would assume the two can't be too different. When you say modern writers, do you mean modern historians who have researched / written books about Spartan history? If so, try The Spartans by Paul Cartledge or Ancient Greece (which would cover Sparta) by Pamela Bradley and Thomas Martin (two different books, same name - would recommend Martin over Bradley as hers is a textbook). Bettany Hughes also has a really good documentary on Sparta which I would recommend checking out. Donald Kagan is good if you want to read about Sparta and its relationship with Athens during the Peloponnesian War.
Hope that's relevant to what you're studying :)
Hello!!!
Yes, modern historian. I need to compare their views against the ancient ones. I just to find modern sources about Spartan life.
Thank you \(^o^)/
- Juliana

Mod Edit: Merged double post. Please use the 'Modify' button :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on March 11, 2019, 10:49:16 pm
Hello ATAR Notes,
For Sparta, do you know where I can find modern writers? I have a lot of information for ancient writers but not for modern writers.
- Juliana
Hey,
I should also have some quotes from modern historians about Sparta in my detail tables here
Hope they help! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: julz_roha on March 12, 2019, 07:05:27 am
Hey,
I should also have some quotes from modern historians about Sparta in my detail tables here
Hope they help! :)

Hello!!!
Thank you  \(^o^)/
 - Juliana
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: alyssastrebel on March 27, 2019, 10:00:24 pm
Hi Atar notes.

When you have a question for example:
"Assess the contribution of at least TWO Greek Leaders to the Greek Victory in the Persian wars."

Would you only talk about two leaders or talk about another in order to acheive a higher band response. Also, if I was to do so, how would I structure it out?
Thanks  :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: angewina_naguen on March 27, 2019, 10:07:47 pm
Hi Atar notes.

When you have a question for example:
"Assess the contribution of at least TWO Greek Leaders to the Greek Victory in the Persian wars."

Would you only talk about two leaders or talk about another in order to acheive a higher band response. Also, if I was to do so, how would I structure it out?
Thanks  :)

Hey, alyssastrebel!

I didn't do Ancient but since the question is asking for at least TWO Greek leaders, and not only TWO Greek leaders, I'd imagine that as long as you have the "at least", you can have as many leader case study examples as you wish  :) Having two or three does not guarantee a higher band response. If having two is enough for you to present a sophisticated and well-executed argument for your essay, then do two. If having three will give you more room for discussion and present an equally sophisticated and well-executed argument, then do three. It's definitely more about what you write about, as opposed to how much you write.

As for structure, I'd assume you would have each leader as one of your bodies and integrate historical evidence throughout the essay. Two bodies for two leaders, three bodies for three  :D Would be good if someone who did Ancient can confirm my answers  ;D Hope that helps!

Angelina  ;D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on March 27, 2019, 10:20:07 pm
Hey, alyssastrebel!

I didn't do Ancient but since the question is asking for at least TWO Greek leaders, and not only TWO Greek leaders, I'd imagine that as long as you have the "at least", you can have as many leader case study examples as you wish  :) Having two or three does not guarantee a higher band response. If having two is enough for you to present a sophisticated and well-executed argument for your essay, then do two. If having three will give you more room for discussion and present an equally sophisticated and well-executed argument, then do three. It's definitely more about what you write about, as opposed to how much you write.

As for structure, I'd assume you would have each leader as one of your bodies and integrate historical evidence throughout the essay. Two bodies for two leaders, three bodies for three  :D Would be good if someone who did Ancient can confirm my answers  ;D Hope that helps!

Angelina  ;D

Just to add onto Angelina's fantastic above, two will be the minimum amount of leaders you'll have to talk about! I actually did this topic during the HSC. You can potentially look into Leonidas and how he guided the 300 Spartans during the Battle of Thermopylae. Themistocles is a fantastic choice for the Battle of Salamis since he strategically planned the Greeks' moves whilst the Persians idiotically decide to look for the Greeks the night before the battle and worn themselves out before the battle even begun! Aristides did stuff for the Battle of Plataea as well since him and the Greeks pretty much annihilated the surviving Persians who escaped the Battle of Salamis. Miltiades set up the foundations at the Battle of Marathon (the very first Greco-Persian war from what I can remember) because of his fantastic tactics and maintaining the Greek morale while the Persians had no idea what they were doing most of the time.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: alyssastrebel on March 30, 2019, 03:18:32 pm
Hi Atar Notes,

When given a source quote from an ancient historian that needs to be reference in a 25 maker essay question, whats the best way of intigrating it into the essay along with your own sources and information?

Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on April 09, 2019, 01:10:44 pm
Hi Atar notes.

When you have a question for example:
"Assess the contribution of at least TWO Greek Leaders to the Greek Victory in the Persian wars."

Would you only talk about two leaders or talk about another in order to acheive a higher band response. Also, if I was to do so, how would I structure it out?
Thanks  :)

Here you need to judge / assess the contribution of the two leaders chosen first. Make sure to choose two which did assist in greek victory.

For a high band you will need to definitely talk about the two leaders succinctly with each other. For your next question i would structure it in a way that it answers the dot point related to the question. I would check the criteria for more information and use your PEEL/TEAL/TEEL/PEAL structure to write your response. Here your thesis will be the effectiveness of both leaders to greek victory. Was for example ( btw my class has just started this unit) Leonidas a great leader? Did he impact the agoge properly? What strategies or teachings led to this feat?

In order to ace ancient history ( btw not to show off but im a 5 to 6 band student in ancient history), you really need to cut out every piece of information you can possibly do so! You will need to make links to everything and show to the marker how great of a student and great knowledge you possess for the ancient history subject!

goodluck! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on April 18, 2019, 03:48:19 pm
Hey Guys! wanted thoughts on these q's and my answers: ( btw the questions are for note purposes only):


Summary:
What does the evidence reveal about life in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum? ( what does political life reveal?)

Political life reveals the structure of how Pompeii and Herculaneum were set out. Both followed political institutions of the comitum, magistracy and the ordo decurionium. Pompeii and Herculaneum both had aediles supervising markets and public works however there were only trace differences. Herculaneum had quaestors, individuals who manage the town's finances. Sources of local political life can be seen in programmatta, to be specific, they are seen in statue buildings such as the basilica noniana made in honour of Marcus Nonius Balbus. Another relationship both cities shared between the patron-client relationship. This relationship was a mutual obligation between a patron who is freeborn and a client who is a lower class individual. Both could support each other on campaigns and legal matters. A source which describes the relationship best is the statue of eumachia by the guild of fullers. The fullers were the clients and eumachia was the patron.


AND 2:


Summary:
What does the evidence reveal about life in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum?

The evidence suggests that both herculaneum and pompeii had devoted occupations towards sex, bakery, garum trading and oil trading however, Herculaneum was more lenient towards the fishing industry as compared to Pompeii more industrious image in all fields.

( this one is in relation to the economy)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Gavan_Ja on April 19, 2019, 06:49:05 pm
G'day everyone!

Obviously enjoying some Ancient as I type this! I just wanted to say, I'm a huge bookworm. On that note, I'm looking for a few books that I can get for each Ancient topic I'm doing. Does anyone have any good recommendations that are related to the new syllabus? (Bloody NESA) My topics are:
- SPARTA!!!!
- Fall of the Roman Republic (I've got Scullard and Shotter if that's enough)
- Julius Caesar (I have a fair few on him like Freedman, Goldsworthy, Suetonius and Plutarch but are there any other good books on him?)
- Cities of Vesuvius (I've got Bradley's textbook but she's not a historian)

Thank y'all  ;)


Anyone know any good podcasts for Sparta, Fall of the Roman Republic, Julius Caesar or Cities of Vesuvius?

Cheers, Jack

Mod edit: merged posts :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on April 19, 2019, 07:05:35 pm
G'day everyone!

Obviously enjoying some Ancient as I type this! I just wanted to say, I'm a huge bookworm. On that note, I'm looking for a few books that I can get for each Ancient topic I'm doing. Does anyone have any good recommendations that are related to the new syllabus? (Bloody NESA) My topics are:
- SPARTA!!!!
- Fall of the Roman Republic (I've got Scullard and Shotter if that's enough)
- Julius Caesar (I have a fair few on him like Freedman, Goldsworthy, Suetonius and Plutarch but are there any other good books on him?)
- Cities of Vesuvius (I've got Bradley's textbook but she's not a historian)

Thank y'all  ;)

Anyone know any good podcasts for Sparta, Fall of the Roman Republic, Julius Caesar or Cities of Vesuvius?

Cheers, Jack

Hey,
We have an Ancient History reading/resource guide here, and a huge list of podcasts here!!

Hope they help!!  ;D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: alyssastrebel on June 12, 2019, 08:05:52 pm
Hi Atar Notes,

Need some help with structuring a response to a question on Xerxes.

To what extent was Xerxes a successful ruler? -20 marks

Also wondering which dot points in the syllabus would be best to focus on.
thanks :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on June 12, 2019, 10:18:51 pm
Hi Atar Notes,

Need some help with structuring a response to a question on Xerxes.

To what extent was Xerxes a successful ruler? -20 marks

Also wondering which dot points in the syllabus would be best to focus on.
thanks :)

Hello!

You can go both ways with this question (though it is important to stick with one point of view). It's been a while since I've done the HSC so you'll just need to double check if my information is correct aha.

Why Xerxes was a successful ruler:
- Started the royal road
- Finished the buildings at Persepolis that his father started but never finished (building programme at Persepolis)
- Persian Empire was very organised, expanded the empire and military

Why he wasn't a successful ruler:
- Persian failure during Persian Wars (most especially the Battle of Salamis)= impacted how the Persians perceived Xerxes after the Persian wars
- Xerxes never participated during the war and sat back; unlike the Greek leaders who actually joined their soldiers on the battlefield.
- Revolts at Babylon and Egypt (as a result of the changeover from Darius to Xerxes)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 17, 2019, 02:39:10 pm
does anybody know why the ephorates were aged 30?

i mean had to be?

Mod edit: Merged posts :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: hums_student on June 17, 2019, 03:40:03 pm
does anybody know why the ephorates were aged 30?

The ephors didn't have to be 30, they just had to be at least 30 years of age or over.

I don't think there are any sources (that I know of) which precisely states the reason behind the age restriction, however the ephors were among the most powerful men in Ancient Sparta. They 'had control over the kings' (Herodotus), enjoyed 'supreme auhority' (Aristotle), and 'swore on behalf of the city' (Xenophon), so it would make sense for the Spartans to impose some form of criteria, in particular regarding age as it would be unwise to appoint someone with little to no political experience. Hope that helps!

By the way, might want to just modify your original post next time intead of making a new post. :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on June 17, 2019, 05:39:49 pm
does anybody know why the ephorates were aged 30?

i mean had to be?

Mod edit: Merged posts :)

Just adding onto hums_student's fantastic answer above- it does make sense for the Ephors to be at least 30 years of age because men finish the agoge at the age of 30 and that's when they become a full citizen (a homoioi) and can exercise their political rights however they want to.
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 17, 2019, 06:30:12 pm
The ephors didn't have to be 30, they just had to be at least 30 years of age or over.

I don't think there are any sources (that I know of) which precisely states the reason behind the age restriction, however the ephors were among the most powerful men in Ancient Sparta. They 'had control over the kings' (Herodotus), enjoyed 'supreme auhority' (Aristotle), and 'swore on behalf of the city' (Xenophon), so it would make sense for the Spartans to impose some form of criteria, in particular regarding age as it would be unwise to appoint someone with little to no political experience. Hope that helps!

By the way, might want to just modify your original post next time intead of making a new post. :)

Thanks and ps how do I modify?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on June 17, 2019, 06:31:51 pm
Thanks and ps how do I modify?
You need to press the modify button up near quote on your post. :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 18, 2019, 10:37:05 am
is this referring to ekklesia as the elders? : According to Plato, its combination with the kings’ arrogant rule, and the right to an equal vote on the most important matters, produced security and at the same time sound sense... by placing the office of the Elders in the middle as a kind of ballast, and thus striking a balance, it found the safest arrangement and organisation, with the twenty-eight Elders always siding with the kings when it was a matter of resisting democracy, yet in turn reinforcing the people against the development of tyranny.” (Plutarch, Life of Lycurgus, 5)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on June 18, 2019, 09:53:45 pm
is this referring to ekklesia as the elders? : According to Plato, its combination with the kings’ arrogant rule, and the right to an equal vote on the most important matters, produced security and at the same time sound sense... by placing the office of the Elders in the middle as a kind of ballast, and thus striking a balance, it found the safest arrangement and organisation, with the twenty-eight Elders always siding with the kings when it was a matter of resisting democracy, yet in turn reinforcing the people against the development of tyranny.” (Plutarch, Life of Lycurgus, 5)

Hey,
I'm pretty sure Plutarch is referring to the Gerousia in this quote.

The gerousia were the council of elders that were made up of 28 men over 60 years old, as well as the 2 Spartan kings. They were elected for life by the citizens of the assembly (the ekklesia). They had wide judicial power in serious criminal cases such as death, exile or disgrace. They could frame the wording of legislation and proposed laws that would be approved/rejected by the Ekklesia. They could veto any decision of the apella/general assembly and could also put the kings on trials.

Hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 23, 2019, 08:37:11 pm
Hey Guys! I needed a specific quote realting to what my teacher means here for governmental roles in sparta: You could also explain the impact of the gerousia having old men only- there is quote that detailed that age can effect the body AND the mind- not always good.

But i can't find it? If someone knows what quote this refers to please do not hesitate to quote my back with the quote:)
thanks,
Kombmail
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on June 23, 2019, 09:00:01 pm
Hey Guys! I needed a specific quote realting to what my teacher means here for governmental roles in sparta: You could also explain the impact of the gerousia having old men only- there is quote that detailed that age can effect the body AND the mind- not always good.

But i can't find it? If someone knows what quote this refers to please do not hesitate to quote my back with the quote:)
thanks,
Kombmail
Hey,
I found the quote!! Aristotle says that “the mind, like the body, is subject to old age”.

Hope this helps!! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 24, 2019, 08:17:06 am
Hey,
I found the quote!! Aristotle says that “the mind, like the body, is subject to old age”.

Hope this helps!! :)

Omg thankyou THANKYOU soooo much!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 24, 2019, 06:17:54 pm
Hey,
I found the quote!! Aristotle says that “the mind, like the body, is subject to old age”.

Hope this helps!! :)

Quick question but how would I decode this quote in reference to gerousia ?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on June 24, 2019, 06:30:46 pm
Quick question but how would I decode this quote in reference to gerousia ?
The gerousia were elected for life and Aristotle doubts whether they should be (elected for life/while they are really old) as they determine important judicial trials and legislation. He beleives that their mind and ability to determine trials/laws can deteriorate as they age and may not be as strong as when they were first elected.

Hope this helps!! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on June 24, 2019, 07:09:16 pm
The gerousia were elected for life and Aristotle doubts whether they should be (elected for life/while they are really old) as they determine important judicial trials and legislation. He beleives that their mind and ability to determine trials/laws can deteriorate as they age and may not be as strong as when they were first elected.

Hope this helps!! :)
Yes it did! if someone could give feedback on this please do not hesitate. Its for a 7 minute speech.
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on July 07, 2019, 06:45:26 pm
Guys can someone help me decode this quote please? this is in relation to the greek world 500 - 440 BC : ‘ It was easier to deceive 30 000 athenians than one spartan’
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Gavan_Ja on July 22, 2019, 06:44:08 pm
Hello,

Does anyone have a generic plan for the Mithridatic/Parthian Wars dot-point on the Fall of the Roman Republic section?

Thanks a lot!  :D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on July 22, 2019, 07:10:05 pm
Hello,

Does anyone have a generic plan for the Mithridatic/Parthian Wars dot-point on the Fall of the Roman Republic section?

Thanks a lot!  :D
Hey,
I didn't study this this option, but have you checked out these notes.

Hope they help :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on August 07, 2019, 08:28:30 am
Guys how many significant sites should you revise for Sparta to the battle of leuctra?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on August 07, 2019, 07:43:51 pm
Guys how many significant sites should you revise for Sparta to the battle of leuctra?
Hey,
I think I had 2 or 3 pieces of evidence for the significant sites dot point.

Its easier if you try to have evidence that overlaps with several of the dot points so you need to try to memorise as much for the exams.

Hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Kombmail on August 19, 2019, 05:25:03 pm
How do you write a paragraph describing the heretic or revolution of Akhenaten anyone? I mean Assess the impact of Akhenaten’s religious reforms.

anyone?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: beatroot on August 19, 2019, 10:19:32 pm
Guys who have done the Persian wars 500-440 BC how did you revise for events but at the same time keep in mind greek victory and Persian imperialism? any tips?  :'(

It's best just to study the Persian Wars in order. Split them in two categories: the first and second invasions. The first invasion included Marathon on its own. The second one included Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, Plataea and Mycale. Best to note who actually won each battles and which significant individuals actually led their team to victory/failure.

As for Persian imperialism- most of the origins are well before 500BC (outside your topic limits since the case study is only between 500BC to 440BC) The Persians were powerful between the 6th and 4th century. The first 3 satrapies were established by Cyrus the Great in west Asia minor (modern day Turkey). The most important thing to note in regards to Persian imperialism (that's actually relevant in the 500BC-440BC period) is the Ionian Revolt, which was one of the triggers for the Greco-Persian wars.
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: twelftholmes on October 12, 2019, 05:26:52 pm
Hey!!
Am new here so I'm still trying to figure out how to navigate these forums haha..

But I just wanted to ask if there is any resource or any place online where someone has compiled or made-up practice HSC questions for the new Ancient History syllabus? I know that some questions from the old papers are still relevant but I'm not sure how to know which ones? I start year 12 in a few days so I want to try to start early if I can.

Also, if there are can I post my answers to questions here and maybe someone will reply to give feedback? I'm not really sure how that works?

Thanks for any help!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: katie,rinos on October 12, 2019, 08:29:35 pm
Hey!!
Am new here so I'm still trying to figure out how to navigate these forums haha..

But I just wanted to ask if there is any resource or any place online where someone has compiled or made-up practice HSC questions for the new Ancient History syllabus? I know that some questions from the old papers are still relevant but I'm not sure how to know which ones? I start year 12 in a few days so I want to try to start early if I can.

Also, if there are can I post my answers to questions here and maybe someone will reply to give feedback? I'm not really sure how that works?

Thanks for any help!
Hey,
Welcome to AN!!  :D
If your confused about how to use the forums there's some more info here!!

NESA's released a sample paper here which has some questions you could use for the new syllabus. I don't think a lot has changed between syllabuses though-I'm pretty sure the core content (Pompeii and Herculaneum) is almost exactly the same.

You can definitely post answers to your questions and I or someone else can try and give you feedback. If you have any longer responses, you can post them here.

Hope this helps!!  ;D
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: twelftholmes on October 20, 2019, 06:34:15 pm
thanks so much!!
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: twelftholmes on September 29, 2020, 04:46:02 pm
could the statue of Marcus Nonius Balbus be considered evidence for local political life in Herculaneum even though he wasn't technically a decurion or magistrate (aedile or dummvir)?
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: Fozia on October 04, 2020, 10:44:56 am
Hey,
So I noticed that the syllabus only asks for sources specifically for the Core Study but not for the Option topics. Does this mean we don't necessarily need sources for the Option topic?

Thanks ;)
Title: Re: HSC Ancient History Question Thread
Post by: sharlt on November 04, 2020, 12:44:10 am
Hey,
So I noticed that the syllabus only asks for sources specifically for the Core Study but not for the Option topics. Does this mean we don't necessarily need sources for the Option topic?

Thanks ;)

Hey there! In the exam you get given a source booklet for the Core Study, so you'd need to specifically refer to those sources (and others!) for that section. You'd definitely need other sources (so things like historian's quotes and archaeological evidence) for the other sections as well! :)