Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE
Ancient History
H407/12: Athens and the Greek world
*1845624448*
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) 354031/4
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.
Adapted from Simon Hornblower, The Greek World 479 - 323 B ,p 92, Methuen, 1985. Item removed due to third
party copyright restrictions.
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.
Section B: The Culture and Politics of Athens, c.460–c.399 BC
Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
Answer Question 4.
4 Read the passage below.
© Plutarch; Ian Scott-Kilvert, The Rise and Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives, pp 221-222, 1960, Penguin Classics, 1960. From first line " At first the people were delighted and treated the result as a great joke." to last line "a relative of the tyrant
Pisistratus, had been the first." Item removed due to third pa
© OCR 2025 H407/12 Jun25
, 3
How useful is this passage for our understanding of the importance of ostracism and
its use
during this period?
Turn over
Answer either Question 5 or Question 6.
5* ‘The buildings and monuments constructed by the Athenians on the Acropolis and elsewhere
were all part of one programme.’
How far do the sources support this view?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowled
to support your answer. [36]
6*
‘The majority of Athenians maintained a consistent attitude towards religion throughout this
period.’
To what extent do you agree with this view?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowled
to support your answer. [36]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 H407/12 Jun25
, GCE
Ancient History
H407/12: Athens 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
H407/12: Athens and the Greek world
*1845624448*
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) 354031/4
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.
Adapted from Simon Hornblower, The Greek World 479 - 323 B ,p 92, Methuen, 1985. Item removed due to third
party copyright restrictions.
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.
Section B: The Culture and Politics of Athens, c.460–c.399 BC
Answer Question 4 and answer Question 5 or Question 6.
Answer Question 4.
4 Read the passage below.
© Plutarch; Ian Scott-Kilvert, The Rise and Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives, pp 221-222, 1960, Penguin Classics, 1960. From first line " At first the people were delighted and treated the result as a great joke." to last line "a relative of the tyrant
Pisistratus, had been the first." Item removed due to third pa
© OCR 2025 H407/12 Jun25
, 3
How useful is this passage for our understanding of the importance of ostracism and
its use
during this period?
Turn over
Answer either Question 5 or Question 6.
5* ‘The buildings and monuments constructed by the Athenians on the Acropolis and elsewhere
were all part of one programme.’
How far do the sources support this view?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowled
to support your answer. [36]
6*
‘The majority of Athenians maintained a consistent attitude towards religion throughout this
period.’
To what extent do you agree with this view?
You must use and analyse the ancient sources you have studied as well as your own knowled
to support your answer. [36]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 H407/12 Jun25
, GCE
Ancient History
H407/12: Athens 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
