Questions and Answers
What is Stonehenge?
A prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones.
When were farming settlements established in Britain?
4000 BCE
What significant event occurred around 2500 BCE at Stonehenge?
Large blue stones were brought to the site.
More than 4000 years ago, people erected monumental circles of stones or wood in southern England.
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What are the two types of stone used at Stonehenge?
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What is the Stonehenge Cursus?
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What do the 'Folkton drums' indicate?
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What does the term 'Bluestones' refer to in the context of Stonehenge?
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What archaeological evidence was found associated with cremated human remains at Stonehenge?
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What culture is identified as the 'Bell Beaker' culture?
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What characterized Cahokia's rise?
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What significant structure is known as Monk's Mound?
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What were the main construction features of Angkor?
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What is significant about Ta Prohm?
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What is the approximate time frame of Zimbabwe's historical significance?
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Match the following civilizations with their characteristics:
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What architectural feature indicated the presence of the 'Mound Builders' in pre-Columbian America?
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Study Notes
Stonehenge and Early Settlements
- Stonehenge was constructed around 2500 BCE, marking a significant prehistoric monument in southern England.
- Farming settlements emerged in Britain around 4000 BCE, indicating the start of agricultural practices.
- The Stonehenge site, located on Salisbury Plain in the UK, featured an early circular earthwork around 3000 BCE, with timber posts added circa 2800 BCE.
- The construction of henges was prevalent in southern England, with numerous monumental circles of stones or wood established more than 4000 years ago.
- Other similar structures, referred to as "henges," were built between 2800 and 2400 BCE, showcasing a broader cultural phenomenon.
Stonehenge Construction Details
- The Stonehenge Cursus is a notable earthwork enclosure comprised of a rectangular shape extending 1.7 miles.
- The initial construction phase began around 3000 BCE, with Stonehenge evolving into a unique stone circle by 2500 BCE.
- A significant find at the Aubrey Holes included a stone macehead and bone pins, suggesting ritualistic activities linked to cremated remains.
- Fragments of cremated human bones discovered indicate that Stonehenge primarily served as a cemetery during its early history (circa 3000 BCE).
Material Sources and Transportation
- Two types of stones used in Stonehenge include larger sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, with the latter sourced from a location 155 miles away in Wales.
- Sarsen stones, a type of silcrete found in southern England, were confirmed to originate from West Woods in the Marlborough Downs.
- Evidence of megalith quarrying for sarsen stones in the Preseli Hills of Wales dates back to around 3000 BCE, suggesting extensive resource management.
- The transport of bluestones involved waterways and land routes, demonstrating sophisticated logistical capabilities in prehistoric Britain.
Cultural Context and Human Activity
- Durrington Walls, located 2 miles from Stonehenge, was a substantial settlement indicating a vibrant community linked to the stone circle.
- Archaeological findings at Durrington Walls included remains of feasting, such as cow bones and over 38,000 discarded animal bones, suggesting communal gatherings.
- Studies of various henges highlighted evidence of large-scale feasting, reflected in trash pits containing a significant number of pig bones.
Related Sites and Burial Practices
- Gobekli Tepe, dated to around 11,000 BP, shares cultural significance, suggesting complex societal developments in prehistoric times.
- Discoveries near Stonehenge, including graves of a young woman and a baby, indicate burial practices dating back to approximately 4500 years ago, around the time of the bluestones' erection.
Societal Evolution and Migration
- The Bell Beaker culture, which emerged between 2500 and 2000 BCE in Britain, describes indigenous Neolithic groups experiencing a drastic population decline.
- Pömmelte, a site in central Germany built around 2300-2000 BCE, exhibits connections with the Bell Beaker culture through its distinctive pottery and burial practices.
- Archaeological analyses revealed complex human remains at Pömmelte, suggesting social rituals involving dismemberment and burial practices.
Cahokia and Mound Builder Cultures
- Cahokia rose abruptly in 1050 CE, becoming a significant urban complex in the Mississippi River Valley with a population estimated at 500,000 to 1 million at its peak.
- Key features of Cahokia include Monk's Mound, one of the largest earthen mounds in North America, and Woodhenge, a solar calendar used to time agricultural events.
- Evidence indicates institutionalized violence in Cahokia between 900-1400 CE, reflecting the harsh sociopolitical dynamics of the time.
- The urban planning in Cahokia was meticulously aligned with solar and lunar cycles, emphasizing the city's role as a religious and cultural center.
Environmental and Sociopolitical Influences
- Major flood events in the Mississippi River valley correlated with the rise and decline of Cahokia, affecting its habitat and societal structure.
- The "wood-overuse hypothesis" explores the environmental impact of deforestation surrounding Cahokia, positing that it contributed to soil erosion and flooding.
Archaeological Discoveries in South America
- The Brazilian coast was settled by hunter-fisher-gatherers around 8700 BP, constructing sambaquis, or shellmounds, as ceremonial monuments across coastlines.
- Excavations at Montegrande revealed a long history of human occupation, with evidence of large-scale architecture dating back approximately 3000 BP.
- The Amazon Rainforest's transformation under human management practices suggests increased agricultural practices and shortened fallow periods.
Khmer Empire and Angkor Period
- The Angkorian Kingdom existed between the 9th and 15th centuries CE, showcasing monumental architecture and advanced urban planning.
- Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex, displays intricate carvings and alignment towards the celestial, reflecting the Khmer people's spiritual beliefs.
- The complex network of canals and roads in Angkor facilitated both agriculture and trade, showcasing sophisticated engineering abilities.
Nubian Civilization and Cultural Continuity
- The Nubian Kingdom of Kush, which conquered Egypt in the 8th century BCE, maintained a complex relationship with Egyptian civilization, evident in pyramid construction practices.
- Meroe served as the royal city of the Kush Kingdom from 400 BCE to 400 CE, highlighting its importance in regional trade and cultural exchanges.
Great Zimbabwe and Patterns of Trade
- Great Zimbabwe (1100-1450 CE) emerged as a hub of trade, connecting the Swahili Coast with regions as far as India and China, driven by long-distance trade networks.
- The term "Zimbabwe" stems from the Shona word meaning "venerated houses of stone," pointing to the significance of its ruins and structures in the historical narrative of the region.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the origins of civilization with this set of flashcards focusing on significant historical landmarks like Stonehenge and early farming settlements in Britain. Perfect for anthropology students seeking to understand prehistoric structures and their significance. Dive into key dates and facts to enhance your learning experience.
