OCR GCSE History: Ancient History specification (J198)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE History: Ancient History exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE History: Ancient History specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE History: Ancient History (J198) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Ancient History introduces learners to the fascinating world of ancient Greece and Rome. The specification encourages students to develop a critical understanding of historical events, individuals and societies in their broader context. Through engaging depth and period studies, students explore military, political, social, religious and cultural themes using both literary and archaeological sources. The course fosters analytical thinking, substantiated historical argumentation, and an appreciation of how scarce evidence shapes our understanding of the ancient past:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Greece and Persia (Component J198/01)
Persian period study (compulsory)
- Rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Darius I and Xerxes I (559–465 BC)
- Key themes: territorial expansion, intercultural contact, kingship, religion, architecture
Greek depth study (choose one)
From Tyranny to Democracy, 546–483 BC
- Athens under Peisistratids; fall of Hippias
- Cleisthenes’ reforms and democratic development
- Themistocles, Ionian Revolt, ostracism, Battle of Marathon
Athens in the Age of Pericles, 462–429 BC
- Ephialtes’ and Pericles’ reforms; democratic institutions
- Athenian-Spartan tensions, Delian League
- Cultural life: Acropolis, festivals, women in society
Alexander the Great, 356–323 BC
- Alexander’s upbringing, character, Persian campaigns
- Major battles, leadership style, treatment of army
- Legacy, death and diverse ancient portrayals
Rome and its neighbours (Component J198/02)
Roman longer period study (compulsory)
- Foundations of Rome: from kingship to republic, 753–440 BC
- Myth and history of Rome’s founding
- Etruscan kings, early Republic, plebeian-patrician conflicts
- Political, military, and religious transformation
Roman depth study (choose one)
Hannibal and the Second Punic War, 218–201 BC
- Causes of war, Hannibal’s tactics, Roman counter-strategy
- Battle of Zama, Scipio Africanus, Carthaginian defeat
Cleopatra: Rome and Egypt, 69–30 BC
- Cleopatra’s reign, alliances with Caesar and Antony
- Battle of Actium, propaganda, her death and legacy
Britannia: from conquest to province, AD 43–c.84
- Claudius’ invasion, Romanisation, local resistance (e.g. Boudicca)
- Governors, economic and cultural impact on Britain
Assessment structure
Component 1: Greece and Persia (J198/01)
- 2-hour written exam
- 105 marks (incl. 5 SPaG)
- Section A: Persian period study (60 marks + SPaG)
- Section B/C/D: Greek depth study (choose one; 45 marks)
- 50% of GCSE
Component 2: Rome and its neighbours (J198/02)
- 2-hour written exam
- 105 marks (incl. 5 SPaG)
- Section A: Roman longer period study (60 marks + SPaG)
- Section B/C/D: Roman depth study (choose one; 45 marks)
- 50% of GCSE
Question types
- Factual recall
- Source-based inference and evaluation
- Conceptual analysis (e.g. cause, change, significance)
- Extended essays using ancient sources
Assessment objectives
- AO1: Knowledge – 45%
- AO2: Explanation and judgement – 25%
- AO3: Source evaluation – 30%
Other key features
- 200 total marks plus 10 additional for SPaG (5 per paper)
- Synoptic assessment integrated via essays
- Total qualification time: 140 hours (incl. 120–140 guided hours)
- No coursework; exams only:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE History: Ancient History isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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