Thematic summary question

Week 5 discussed Rome through Late Antiquity and week 6 discussed the Byzantines, Sassanians, and Islam empires. Art, politics and identity: The works of art and architecture examined during weeks 5 and 6 often held an underlying political or social meaning that emphasized or redefined individual or group identities. In some instances artists appropriated earlier styles that gave their works an historic pedigree. At other times artists broke with existing traditions to create something innovative and new. Discuss how artists and/or architects embraced or reacted against the art of earlier periods to create or restate political or social identities. Use five (5) specific and dated examples of works of art or architecture that support your discussion. These examples should be drawn from at least 3 different cultures or periods that we studied in weeks 5 and 6. The examples should be discussed fully within your narrative and not briefly addressed in a "bulleted list". You answer must be at least three pages in length. Your essay must be at least three (3) pages in length, must include properly cited peer reviewed references to support your statements and must be proof read for grammar and spelling. Make sure that you properly cite all references as plagiarized papers will result in a failing grade in the course.