Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:

Life vs. Death – this is a concept based on the changing worldview of ancient man/woman and commonly depicted in the art and architecture of these various cultures.  Death and the afterlife was a significant concern for a variety of cultures as was the pursuit of civilized society in life.  Man began to see himself as a significant factor in the success of his culture as well as in control of his eternal resting place.  This transitioning appreciation for the role of man/woman in his/her life and death is the topic for this response essay.  In a concise and well written essay discuss the various cultural worldviews in regards to accomplishments in life as well as preparations for death as seen in the various cultures we have looked at (Prehistoric – Ancient Roman).  Think about the elements of civilized society and how the different cultures developed their own interpretation of what it means to be civilized.  How did they fit within the Mediterranean world at the time? How did this role connect to the afterlife? Be sure to include works of sculpture, painting and architecture and discuss how each object relates to your topic of death and the afterlife.  Be sure to fully identify (title, date, stylistic period) all of the works referenced, use specific terminology, and elaborate on how the objects relate to the topic.  



Your essay is limited to three pages (10 - 12 pt. font, double spaced, typed, 1 inch margins, etc.)  Information exceeding the third page will not be considered.  Part of the assignment is to limit your writing to information packed prose – not glitzy and elaborate description.