The Nature of Power and Authority

3 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How can a dramatic text such as Sophocles' Antigone illuminate the nature of power and authority in an ancient society?

Use a major dramatic text to analyse the nature of power and authority in an ancient society

How a major dramatic text such as Sophocles' Antigone reveals ancient ideas of power and authority, covering the play, its Athenian context, source value and limits.

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How did ancient rulers use religion and ideology to make their power seem legitimate?

Analyse how religion and ideology were used to legitimise authority in an ancient society

How ancient rulers used religion and ideology to legitimise power, comparing pharaonic, Mesopotamian, Chinese and Roman models with their sources and limits.

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How did ancient rulers use propaganda, monuments and force to maintain control over their subjects?

Evaluate how propaganda, monumental building and coercion maintained authority in an ancient society

How ancient rulers maintained control through propaganda, monumental building and coercion, with archaeological case studies and the source problems they raise.

7 min read →