Question

why do you think the rich and powerful people get monuments and statues erected in their memory

Answer 1

the rich and powerful people get monuments and statues in their memory to show their wealth and also to increase their status in the eyes of posterity

Answer 2

the rich and powerful people get monuments and statues erected in the memory because on the one hand they want to make the ostentatious display of their wealth and on the other and they want to be remembered by the people for the long ages