Mortuary practices in early states were used to establish power and help communities become civilizations. The power accumulated through these practices was a combination of political, social, and ideological power. Mortuary rituals performed by rulers of cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia helped unify people and solidify the authority and legitimacy of the state.

1. Broader and Cumulative Themes
. Each should be the equivalent of 1-1.5 pages typed (or 250-400 words when double-
spaced, 12 pt. font, and with 1-inch margins) You will have a choice as indicated from the
question pools below. Be sure to develop an argument and provide specific examples or
evidence from assigned readings, lecture, and recitation to support your claims. Apply dates
where appropriate.Question:A key theme in the first part of this course is how mortuary
practices in early states are performances used as one mechanism to establish enough
power in a community to become the rulers of a civilization. In your opinion, what is the
nature of the power that they are accumulating? Is it political, social, ideological, or a
combination? Be sure to reference at least two cultures in your answer.