Which of the following best explains why architecture was used extensively in both river valley civilizations and classical civilizations?(1 point) Responses Governments used architecture to communicate religious messages to citizens. Governments used architecture to communicate religious messages to citizens. Massive structures are easy to build. Massive structures are easy to build. Massive structures are inexpensive to create and therefore widespread. Massive structures are inexpensive to create and therefore widespread. Massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value.

Massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value

The best explanation for why architecture was used extensively in both river valley civilizations and classical civilizations is that massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value.

The best explanation for why architecture was used extensively in both river valley civilizations and classical civilizations is that massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value. To arrive at this answer, you need to consider the options given and their relevance to the question.

The first option, "Governments used architecture to communicate religious messages to citizens," is not the best explanation because it only focuses on one aspect, religious communication, and does not encompass the broader reasons for using architecture extensively.

The second option, "Massive structures are easy to build," does not adequately explain why architecture was used extensively. While it mentions the ease of building massive structures, it lacks a broader rationale or connection to the river valley and classical civilizations.

The third option, "Massive structures are inexpensive to create and therefore widespread," has some merit, but it also falls short of providing a comprehensive explanation. While cost-effectiveness could be a factor, it does not address the universal symbolic value of architecture.

The last option, "Massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value," is the most comprehensive and relevant explanation. Architecture, particularly grand and monumental structures, often carries symbolic meanings that transcend specific cultures or time periods. This explanation recognizes the broader significance and impact of architecture in both river valley and classical civilizations.

Therefore, the best explanation for why architecture was used extensively in both river valley civilizations and classical civilizations is that massive architectural structures have universal symbolic value.