Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE
Ancient History
H407 23 Macedon and the Greek world
*1846418932*
A Level
Tuesday 20 May 2025 – Morning
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers
must be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer four questions in total:
Section A: Answer Question 1 or Question 2 and answer Question 3.
Section B: Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 98.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an
asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [603/0805/9] DC (CJ) 354033/2
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
Section A: Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek
states, 492– 404 BC
Answer Question 1 or Question 2 and answer Question 3.
Answer either Question 1 or Question 2.
1* ‘The Persians were consistent in their policy and actions towards the Greek
states from 492–431 BC.’
, 2
To what extent do the sources support this statement?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as
your own knowledge to support your answer. [30]
2* How far would you agree that the Peace of Nicias of 421 BC was always the
most likely outcome of the first ten years of the Peloponnesian War?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as
your own knowledge to support your answer. [30]
Answer Question 3.
3 Read the interpretation below.
So the Megarian decree had economic effects, and was surely intended to. Of course 5
the Athenians took good care not to be wrongfooted morally: hence a religious aspect
was needed for the punishment of an ostensibly religious offence. … But the Megarian
decree was seen, with justification, as Athenian aggression, and Corinth, remembering
the 460s, must have thought Athens was up to her old intrigues. … It seems then that for
much of the 430s war looked imminent, and to that extent Thucydides, who under-
reports the earlier stirrings and expansion, should be corrected. But his general picture
of Athenian expansion, forcing the Spartans to war, stands.
S. Hornblower, The Greek World 479–323 BC (adapted)
How convincing do you find Hornblower’s interpretation of the Megarian
decree and the reasons for the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?
You must use your knowledge of the historical period and the ancient sources you
have studied
to analyse and evaluate Hornblower’s interpretation. [20] Section B: The
Rise of Macedon, c. 359–323 BC
Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
Answer Question 4.
4 Read the passage below.
© C Bradford Welles Translation, Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 16.89 , pages 85-87, Harvard University Press, 1963. From first line "In this year King Philip, proudly conscious of his victory at Chaeronea" to last line "This was the state of
affairs as regards Philip." Item removed due to third party cop
© OCR 2025 H407/13 Jun25
, 3
How useful is this passage for our understanding of Philip’s ambition? [1
Answer either Question 5 or Question 6.
5*
‘Philip’s reorganisation of the Macedonian army upon his accession was the most important
reason for his success.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowledge
to support your answer. [36]
6*
How far do you agree that up to and including the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC), Alexander’s
successes were based on his skill as a general?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowledge
to support your answer. [36]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 H407/13 Jun25
, GCE
Ancient History
H407/13: Macedon and the Greek world
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of
qualifications to meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. OCR qualifications
GCSE
Ancient History
H407 23 Macedon and the Greek world
*1846418932*
A Level
Tuesday 20 May 2025 – Morning
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers
must be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer four questions in total:
Section A: Answer Question 1 or Question 2 and answer Question 3.
Section B: Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 98.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an
asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [603/0805/9] DC (CJ) 354033/2
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
Section A: Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek
states, 492– 404 BC
Answer Question 1 or Question 2 and answer Question 3.
Answer either Question 1 or Question 2.
1* ‘The Persians were consistent in their policy and actions towards the Greek
states from 492–431 BC.’
, 2
To what extent do the sources support this statement?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as
your own knowledge to support your answer. [30]
2* How far would you agree that the Peace of Nicias of 421 BC was always the
most likely outcome of the first ten years of the Peloponnesian War?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as
your own knowledge to support your answer. [30]
Answer Question 3.
3 Read the interpretation below.
So the Megarian decree had economic effects, and was surely intended to. Of course 5
the Athenians took good care not to be wrongfooted morally: hence a religious aspect
was needed for the punishment of an ostensibly religious offence. … But the Megarian
decree was seen, with justification, as Athenian aggression, and Corinth, remembering
the 460s, must have thought Athens was up to her old intrigues. … It seems then that for
much of the 430s war looked imminent, and to that extent Thucydides, who under-
reports the earlier stirrings and expansion, should be corrected. But his general picture
of Athenian expansion, forcing the Spartans to war, stands.
S. Hornblower, The Greek World 479–323 BC (adapted)
How convincing do you find Hornblower’s interpretation of the Megarian
decree and the reasons for the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?
You must use your knowledge of the historical period and the ancient sources you
have studied
to analyse and evaluate Hornblower’s interpretation. [20] Section B: The
Rise of Macedon, c. 359–323 BC
Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
Answer Question 4.
4 Read the passage below.
© C Bradford Welles Translation, Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 16.89 , pages 85-87, Harvard University Press, 1963. From first line "In this year King Philip, proudly conscious of his victory at Chaeronea" to last line "This was the state of
affairs as regards Philip." Item removed due to third party cop
© OCR 2025 H407/13 Jun25
, 3
How useful is this passage for our understanding of Philip’s ambition? [1
Answer either Question 5 or Question 6.
5*
‘Philip’s reorganisation of the Macedonian army upon his accession was the most important
reason for his success.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowledge
to support your answer. [36]
6*
How far do you agree that up to and including the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC), Alexander’s
successes were based on his skill as a general?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowledge
to support your answer. [36]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 H407/13 Jun25
, GCE
Ancient History
H407/13: Macedon and the Greek world
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of
qualifications to meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. OCR qualifications
