Assessment Questions 11.3

1. From the modern, economically rationalist perspective, what criticism does the passage make regarding the burial practices of ancient societies?

The passage criticizes the burial practices of ancient societies for seemingly wasting a significant portion of their wealth by burying valuable items like gold, silver, and precious stones in tombs, which takes wealth out of circulation in the economy.

2. According to the passage, what argument is presented against the economic and practical sense of constructing enormous burial monuments in ancient societies?

The argument against the economic and practical sense of constructing enormous burial monuments is that such practices don't contribute to national safety, security, or agricultural productivity. Instead, they provide a resting place for the remains of a deceased person.

3. What does the passage propose as a potential explanation for the seemingly wasteful practices of ancient elites in building extravagant structures and burying wealth?

The passage suggests that the seemingly wasteful practices of ancient elites, involving extravagant structures and burying wealth, may make political sense as they are driven by a cultural tendency toward excess, where elites flaunt their wealth and position through conspicuous consumption.