What is the purpose of temples in ancient civilizations?

Temples in ancient civilizations primarily served as centers dedicated to the worship of deities and conducted religious ceremonies. They were not just architectural structures, but sacred spaces where community members came together to engage in rituals, offerings, and ceremonies that were integral to their spiritual lives. Temples often housed idols or representations of the gods and were designed to reflect the values and beliefs of the society. They played a crucial role in the communal life of these civilizations, reinforcing social cohesion and cultural identity through shared religious practices.

The other options suggest different functionalities that temples did not typically serve for their civilizations. Buildings for government meetings, marketplaces, or residential areas for priests, while important, were distinct from the primary purpose of a temple as a religious site. This distinction highlights the temples' essential role in shaping the spiritual landscape of ancient societies.