Early Civilizations Unit Test
5 of 305 of 30 Items
Question
Which of the following most fully describes how art was used in river valley civilizations and classical civilizations?(1 point)
Responses
Art was created for aesthetic reasons, focusing on decoration.
Art was created for aesthetic reasons, focusing on decoration.
Art was used to communicate important religious ideas.
Art was used to communicate important religious ideas.
Art was used to legitimize religion and government.
Art was used to legitimize religion and government.
Art reinforced social hierarchy, power, and religious authority.
Art was used to communicate important religious ideas, to legitimize religion and government, and to reinforce social hierarchy, power, and religious authority.
The correct answer is: "Art reinforced social hierarchy, power, and religious authority."
To answer this question, we need to understand the role of art in river valley civilizations and classical civilizations. There are several ways to approach this question.
One way is to think about the purpose and function of art in these civilizations. In river valley civilizations, such as ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, art was often created for religious purposes. It served as a medium to communicate important religious ideas and beliefs. For example, sculptures and wall paintings in temples and tombs depicted gods, goddesses, and religious rituals. Art in these civilizations played a crucial role in expressing and conveying religious beliefs to the public.
In classical civilizations, such as ancient Greece and Rome, art continued to serve religious purposes, but it also took on additional functions. In addition to communicating religious ideas, art was used to legitimize religion and government. For example, statues of rulers or gods were often displayed in public spaces to emphasize their authority and power. Architectural structures, such as temples and monumental buildings, were designed to showcase the grandeur and influence of the ruling class.
Another aspect to consider is the role of art in reinforcing social hierarchy and religious authority. In both river valley and classical civilizations, art was often used to depict social hierarchies and distinguish different social classes. For instance, the pharaohs in ancient Egypt were depicted in art forms as larger and more majestic than ordinary people, reinforcing their status as divine rulers. Similarly, in classical civilizations, art often depicted gods and goddesses as more powerful and influential than mortal humans.
Taking all of this into consideration, the most comprehensive answer to the question would be: "Art reinforced social hierarchy, power, and religious authority." This answer encompasses the various functions and purposes of art in both river valley and classical civilizations.