Describe one strategy (ideological, political, or economic) for the consolidation of power in archaic states. Then briefly summarize archaeological evidence (discussed in lectures and/or readings) for the use of this strategy by the state or its leaders in two of the four regional case studies from Weeks 7 & 8 (Mesopotamia, China, Mesoamerica, Africa). For each case, make sure you discuss how the artifacts or structures in question were used or controlled by the state or its leaders to consolidate economic, ideological, or political power and why archaeologists think those artifacts or structures were associated with the state or its leaders. Over the quarter, we have discussed different forms of evidence for association, including iconography, ancient writing, and context. Make sure your essay describes ancient power strategies as well as why archaeologists think archaeological evidence for the use of those strategies is linked to the state or its leaders as opposed to the population of a region or city more generally.
