Question

Question 21. Which of the following statements is true of the funerary art and architecture of the Middle Kingdom period?

1. It reflects the Greek influence introduced by Alexander the Great following his conquest of Egypt
2.All of these
3.It was during this period that the largest funerary pyramids were built
4.Sculpture groups representing mercenary soldiers in the service of the pharaoh, intended to illustrate the pharaoh's military power and thus to strengthen the weakened political position of the ruler, would be found in royal tombs of this period It is the earliest period for which we have evidence for lower class tombs and funerary art

Answer 1

The most accurate answer among the options provided is option 4: Sculpture groups representing mercenary soldiers in the service of the pharaoh, intended to illustrate the pharaoh's military power and thus to strengthen the weakened political position of the ruler, would be found in royal tombs of this period. It is the earliest period for which we have evidence for lower class tombs and funerary art.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Middle Kingdom period in ancient Egypt (approximately 2055-1650 BCE) witnessed specific characteristics in its funerary art and architecture. Here's why option 4 is true:

1. Sculpture groups representing mercenary soldiers were indeed a feature of the funerary art during the Middle Kingdom period. These sculptures were included in royal tombs and served the purpose of illustrating the pharaoh's military might, aiming to strengthen the ruler's political position.

2. The inclusion of these sculptures in royal tombs highlights the significance of military power and the pharaoh's authority during this period.

3. The Middle Kingdom period also saw the construction of large-scale funerary complexes, but not pyramids. The Old Kingdom period (approximately 2686-2181 BCE) is known for the construction of pyramids, while the Middle Kingdom focused more on mortuary temples and rock-cut tombs.

4. Another notable development during the Middle Kingdom period was the evidence of lower-class tombs and funerary art. This indicates that not only the elite class but also individuals from lower social ranks had tombs and funerary art associated with them, reflecting changes in social dynamics.

To summarize, the funerary art and architecture of the Middle Kingdom period included sculpture groups representing mercenary soldiers to depict the pharaoh's military power. It also witnessed the earliest evidence of lower-class tombs and funerary art. However, there is no connection to Greek influence introduced by Alexander the Great (option 1) and the construction of the largest funerary pyramids (option 3) during this period.