Historically, the main purpose of statues has been to commemorate rulers and other important individuals. Statues have served as enduring symbols of honor, remembrance, and cultural identity, often celebrating leaders, influential figures, and deities across civilizations from ancient Egypt and Greece to modern societies

. While statues have also been used to document events and serve religious or funerary purposes, their primary historical role has been to honor and memorialize significant individuals

. Therefore, the correct answer is: a. commemorate rulers and other important individuals.