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Recommended: religion in ancient civilizations

The topic of kingship and religion goes hand in hand together because of their both significance in the ancient world. The only way historians can interpret the art that was done in the early ages is by looking at findings that represent symbolism. Based on the textbook and the varies difference sources it is apparent that religion and kingship were important part of people’s life. Varies rulers in the Mesopotamia, pharaohs in Egypt and kings in Aegean Crete were the powerful influence on people.
Based on the place of the habitat certain factors were more powerful than the others. Kings were favored over Gods at some point of the time in certain regions, where in some places Gods were the utter power. In Mesopotamia, particularly in the Assyrian period absolute kingship was practiced. (Assyrian Period, 2/10) The king was everything to the people. Exclusively a male was picked to be a ruler, it was unheard of for a female to be a ruler. In varies types of arts horns on the helmets indicated the divine. (Assyrian Period, 2/10)
The power and religion functioned together as a unit on Mesopotamia, Assyrian region. Looking at the famous citadel from that area shows the power of the ruler. The palace had a special section for the leader right in the middle versus the religious chapel, which indicates that the king is more important or as important as Gods. The people of citadel were rich and powerful, the lower class was living outside of the structure. The palace meant to serve as a place of habitat for a king, his family and other high ranking people. Also, it was a shield in a sense, the citadel was gated all around for protection from the outside threats. The citadel is a pronounced demonstration of king’s power. The lower class ...

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In summary, between the three regions discussed earlier the differences and similarities are colossal. In Mesopotamia, the idea of kingship absolutely outshine the religious aspect of life. King is the primary source of power, but deity is playing an important role as well. Looking at the great pyramids is it noticeable that pharaohs positioned themselves as gods. The concept of pharaohs and gods went together as a whole and no questions were asked. Aegean region’s society was purely concentrating their attention on mythology, the idea of god and a ruler was pure allegorical. The religion aspect was not surely known. The only evidence supporting the religion were images of priests and priestesses. The art consisted of a lot of animals possible playing a religious role in people’s lives.

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