Architecture of the Roman City — AS & A Level Classical Studies (9274) questions by topic
Identifying a Roman monument from a photograph, judging whether Pompeii's houses were grander than those of Herculaneum, weighing whether Ostia's public buildings were more practical than Rome's, and assessing whether Italian temples were built on a grander scale than temples elsewhere in the Roman world are this topic's essay debates, worth 25-mark answers across 15 real questions from 2023 and 2024 papers.
Identify, how far, state, discuss and to what extent are the leading command words, and identify from an image demands the correct specific monument and its context, such as who dedicated it and why, rather than a general architectural description. Examiners report names and dates from monuments frequently missed, so drafting an image-based answer and checking it against instant marking is a fast way to confirm those specific facts are secure.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is few candidates recognising the Arch of Constantine when it appeared as the set image.
- Examiners note very few candidates knew that the Senate and the people of Rome jointly dedicated the arch.
- Reports flag the date of the arch's dedication as eluding most candidates, along with its purpose commemorating Constantine's victory at the Milvian Bridge.
- A common error was not following the essay rubric requiring reference to at least two other temples besides the main example.
- Strong responses were generally positive and made sound points, though examiners note detailed factual knowledge of specific buildings was often not strong enough to reach the highest marks.
October–November 2024, Paper 21
Study the image and answer the questions. In which Italian city is this forum located?
Answer this question and get it marked →'The houses in Pompeii were built on a grander scale and were more lavishly decorated than the houses in Herculaneum.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your…
Answer this question and get it marked →'The public buildings in Ostia were more practical than the public buildings in Rome.' How far do the public buildings you have studied support this opinion? Explain your answer…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Study the image and answer the questions. What type of building is shown in the image?
Answer this question and get it marked →'The houses in Ostia were better constructed and more practical than the houses in Herculaneum.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer with reference to…
Answer this question and get it marked →'The temples in Italy were built on a much grander scale and were more lavishly decorated than the temples in other parts of the Roman world.' How far do the temples you have…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 23
Study the image and answer the questions. What was the function of this building?
Answer this question and get it marked →'The houses in Ostia were better constructed and much more practical than the houses in Herculaneum.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer with reference…
Answer this question and get it marked →'The temples in Italy were built on a much grander scale and were more lavishly decorated than the temples in other parts of the Roman world.' How far do the temples you have…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 21
Study the image and answer the questions. The image is a photograph of a large, well-preserved Roman triumphal arch with three archways - one large central archway flanked by two…
Answer this question and get it marked →Which do you think would have impressed an ancient visitor more, the houses from Herculaneum or the houses from Pompeii? In your answer, you should include discussion of at least…
Answer this question and get it marked →'The Pantheon – the most perfect of all Roman temples.' How far do you agree with this statement? In your answer, you should include discussion of the Pantheon and at least two…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 23
Study the image and answer the questions. The image is a photograph of a tall, three-tiered Roman stone bridge carrying a water channel across a river gorge: rows of arches rise…
Answer this question and get it marked →'All the same, but different.' To what extent do you think that this is true of houses from Herculaneum and Pompeii? In your answer, you should include discussion of at least four…
Answer this question and get it marked →'No imagination, no innovation.' How far do you think that this is true of the temples you have studied? In your answer, you should consider the design, construction and…
Answer this question and get it marked →Other AS & A Level Classical Studies topics
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- Themes in Greek Vase Painting (18)
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- Athens and Sparta (18)
- Homeric Epic (18)
- Emperors and Subjects (18)
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