The Assignment: Write An Essay That Uses A Clearly Defined T
The Assignment Write An Essay That Uses A Clearly Defined Thesis Sta
Write an essay that uses a clearly defined thesis statement to make an argument (based on one of the two topics listed below) that marshals ONLY material from the assigned readings as evidence. You should not and need not perform additional research. How to write a thesis statement (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Courtesy of Indiana University Writing Center) Page Limit: 3 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt., Times New Roman font, (cite and quote properly) Paper Topic: The early societies that we have been discussing in lecture have, for the most part, been illiterate societies that even when a written language existed, it was typically understood by a small percentage of the population. Therefore, communicating to the masses was accomplished through art and architecture, due to its high level of visibility and ability to be understood by all. For this topic, choose 2-3 works of art and architecture and analyze how these works “spoke” to the larger population. Make sure that you include look at all aspects, including the individual visual components, material, intended audience and message, where the object or structure was located, how successful you believe it was, etc.
Paper For Above instruction
Throughout early societies, art and architecture served as vital mediums of communication, transcending linguistic barriers to convey cultural values, religious beliefs, and social hierarchies to the broader populace. Given the limited literacy rates in these societies, these visual and structural works were integral in shaping collective understanding and societal identity. This essay analyzes three significant works—Egyptian tomb paintings, the Roman Colosseum, and Mesopotamian ziggurats—to demonstrate how these creations functioned as accessible messages to all social strata, emphasizing their visual components, materials, locations, intended audiences, and overall communicative success.
Egyptian tomb paintings exemplify art designed primarily for the afterlife, yet they also served as messages to the living community. These images, often located within tomb chambers, utilized vivid colors, detailed symbolism, and hieratic scale to depict life, death, and divine interactions (Kemp, 2006). The choice of durable materials such as limestone and painted plaster ensured longevity, preserving messages across generations. Their placement within tombs made them accessible primarily to those involved in funerary rituals and the tomb's inhabitants’ descendants. The visual narrative communicated religious ideals and social status, reinforcing societal values through accessible imagery that could be understood regardless of literacy levels (Wilkinson, 2003). The effectiveness of these paintings lay in their clarity of symbolism and strategic placement within sacred spaces, ensuring messages were conveyed consistently across time.
Similarly, the Roman Colosseum was a monumental architectural feat designed to entertain and communicate social hierarchy through mass spectacles. Constructed from concrete and travertine limestone, its immense size and strategic location in the heart of Rome made it a focal point accessible to the populace (Claridge, 2014). Its visual grandeur and grandeur of design communicated imperial authority and social order to all passersby and spectators. The Colosseum's architecture facilitated the delivery of messages about Roman imperial power, religious ceremonies, and social unity through events accessible to diverse audiences across classes (Favro, 1997). Its success as a communicative tool is evident in its enduring symbolic power and the extent to which it embodied societal values of spectacle and authority.
Lastly, Mesopotamian ziggurats functioned as religio-political symbols that communicated divine authority and societal cohesion. Constructed from mud-brick and step-like in form, they dominated urban landscapes, often located at city centers (Lloyd, 2018). These towering structures visually represented the gods' proximity to humans and the central role of religion in governance. Their ascent from plain at the ground level to a shrine at the top visually translated spiritual elevation and societal hierarchy. The ziggurat’s visual prominence made it comprehensible to all levels of society, symbolizing divine favor and political stability (Samuel, 2000). While inaccessible for the masses to enter, their towering presence and placement communicated messages of divine power and societal order successfully, reinforcing the social fabric.
In conclusion, art and architecture in early societies functioned as “visual languages” that bridged literacy gaps and communicated vital societal messages to the masses. Egyptian tomb paintings, the Roman Colosseum, and Mesopotamian ziggurats demonstrate how visual components, materials, placement, and audience engagement contributed to their success as communicative tools. These works reveal an intentional design to speak broadly across social strata, ensuring cultural values and authority were understood by all, despite widespread illiteracy.
References
Claridge, J. (2014). The Roman Colosseum. Cambridge University Press.
Favro, D. (1997). The Formula of the Roman Arena: emblem, spectacle, and identity. The International Journal of the History of Sport, 14(2), 87-102.
Kemp, B. (2006). Ancient Egyptian Tombs and Tomb Paintings. Thames & Hudson.
Lloyd, S. (2018). Ziggurat of Ur: Religious and Political Symbols in Mesopotamian Society. Journal of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, 24(3), 115-133.
Samuel, M. (2000). Gods, Temples, and Society in Mesopotamia. Cambridge University Press.
Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson.