Bunuel
An archaeological excavation team working on the site of an ancient Mesopotamian city found a temple structure theorized to have been a temple to the God Luga. The structure was located in the “low town” area, outside the raised and fortified “citadel” area, and built of mud bricks. The building also contained an altar on which were found the burnt remains of fish, most likely offerings to the concerned deity.
Select the proposition that, if true, would provide the strongest evidence
For the theory that the building was a temple to the God Luga, and select the proposition that, if true, would provide the strongest evidence
Against the hypothesis. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Let's take a look at each option:
Buildings were rarely constructed with mud bricks in ancient Mesopotamia.
-> This is not relevant to whether or not the building was a temple, it doesn't provide evidence for or against and is just a general claim.
Ancient Mesopotamian temples built in cities were almost always built in the “citadel”.
-> This would provide evidence
against the hypothesis since the temple in this case was found in the "low town" area, way from the "citadel", which would be unlikely for a temple.
Some Mesopotamian buildings outside the “citadel” were also heavily fortified.
-> This does not relate to the hypothesis as it talks about fortification, which is not related to the temple.
The altar was made of stone not commonly found in the region.
-> This is also irrelevant in determining whether or not the temple belonged to the God Luga so we can ignore this as well.
Fish were given as offerings almost exclusively to the God Luga.
-> Since there was evidence found of burnt fish remains, this is provides evidence
for the hypothesis as it links the burnt fish to the God Luga, suggesting the building was used as a temple.
Therefore, the answers are:
For: Fish were given as offerings almost exclusively to the God Luga.
Against: Ancient Mesopotamian temples built in cities were almost always built in the “citadel”.