monumental public works

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Monumental public works of the ancient world demonstrated an extraordinary degree of human organization and power in the absence of machinery or modern weapons used today to establish that power. Archaeologists recognize cities/states with the evidence of two essential characteristics in state development: increase in population density and monumental architecture, both tie in together. Religious, social, political, and economic reasons brought people of ancient civilizations to come together to form monumental works. Large human made structures of stone or earth commonly used as public buildings and spaces: monumental architecture. A key characteristic in the development of most, if not all civilizations. Structures constructed by a large amount of people and are either consensually or forced to. These buildings, temples, etc. are characterized in their elaboration of requirements that exceed the practical purposes a building is supposed to form. In early civilization, monumental architecture served as physical manifestations of social order usually associated with complex societies (Knapp). The purpose of monumental architecture in some civilizations was defined to reinforce the power and status of the rulers and the states, usually a seen as a personification of the power by the large population of individuals whom are low in status and the monumental structures emphasized their power; a form of propaganda. In other cases, monumental architecture was used for religious or ritual purposes or defensive purposes, and some unique cases of public use. Architectural complexes expresses certain meanings that help construct relationships of power and inequality. The expressing of elite identities and power relations through the use o... ... middle of paper ... ...uildings are the Great Bath a Mohenjo-Daro. The Great bath is a structure that was filed with water from a well and features a drain and a stairway on the north side where water was accessed from. This structure was encircled by a public Street. The water management systems was for all aspects of drinking water, irrigation and storm water management. Lastly fortifications were defensive structures for potential attackers. The Indus Valley contrast other areas whom have monumental works for the majority of religious and control purpose, rather for the essential and efficient use to maintain their society. Human labor, skilled knowledge, and materials combined by ancient builders to create something so extravagant. Major monumental buildings embody the people and experiences involved in construction, not just the earth and stone from which they were built (Knapp).

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