How did either individuals or elite groups maintain power in the past? 30 marks

This question connects to AQA's A-level Archaeology course; unit 3, world archaeology.

Power can be maintained in many ways. An individual in the past could use depictions of themselves to do this whereas elite groups would use conspicuous displays of power to uphold their status.

The intimidation of the lower classes would be a suitable way of maintaining control in the past. A way of intimidating could be the building of structures such as motte and bailey castles. These structures would be built after the conquest of an area, it was a high standing castle on a mound overlooking the conquered land. An example of this would be a 12^th century Norman motte in Bickleigh, Devon. Another example of an intimidating structures is the Iron Age hillfort at Danebury, though the use of the hillfort was for protection and not maintaining power, any attacking enemies would have been intimidated.

If an elite group had control of important resources this would also give them a way to maintain power. An example of this could be food storage in Oaxaca valley, in Zone D with the storage of acorns. Iron Age hill forts can be an example power through control of resources also.

The inheritance of a social position from an elder to another person is a way of passing down and maintaining power within a family over generations. Ascribed status generally an accepted form of power for example the Egyptian pharaoh lineage with many leaders including Amenhotep IV.

Another way the elite would maintain power would be through conspicuous displays of power or consumption. This can include feasting or the movement of many people to build impressive monuments. The conspicuous consumption in Celtic Europe and Peru can be seen as an example of power maintenance.

Depictions of the elite would also help to maintain power in the past, as it would remind people of the wealth and authority of the elite for example depictions of Caesar on Roman coins.

The maintenance of power in the past is a difficult thing to find proof of because of the nature of the evidence needed. Also the fact that power is not a tangible thing so to find physical evidence of is difficult can limit the evidence an archaeologist can find. But through some examples such as the Vindolanda letters, of which few survived, evidence of elite power can be seen and inferences can be made.

Grade: B

Many valid points supported by examples. Need to develop conclusion for grade A.