Prehistoric Architecture Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a dolmen?

Two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal slab (correct)

A stone circle with three or more upright stones

A Sumatran house built of timber and palm leaves

An earthen mound used for burials

What distinguishes a Tumuli or 'Barrow' from a dolmen or a stone circle?

It is a Sumatran house for several families

It is an enclosure formed by huge stones planted on the ground in circular form

It is built of timber and palm leaves

It has a corridor inside leading to an underground chamber (correct)

What is the defining characteristic of Cromlech/Stone Circles?

They are earthen mounds used for burials

They are enclosures formed by huge stones planted on the ground in circular form

They have three or more upright stones capped by an unchain flat stone (correct)

They are two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal slab

What materials were typically used to make huts in early dwellings?

Reeds, brushes, and wattles Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'monolith' also known as in the context of religious structures?

Menhir Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'menhir'?

Memorial of victory over one tribe Signup and view all the answers

Which type of early dwelling is described as a conical tent with wooden poles as framework?

Wigwam or Tepee Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Stonehenge as described in the text?

To function as an ancient solar observatory Signup and view all the answers

How were the large stones at Stonehenge transported to the site?

By sea or river, then hauled on land with sledges and rollers by hundreds of people Signup and view all the answers

What materials were used in the construction of Stonehenge?

Animal skins, wooden frames, and animal bones Signup and view all the answers

What was the architectural character of Stonehenge?

Megalithic monolithic monument Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Megalithic Structures

A dolmen is a type of megalithic structure consisting of three or more vertical stones supporting a large flat stone on top.

Tumuli and Dolmens

A Tumuli or 'Barrow' is distinguished from a dolmen or a stone circle by its earthen mound covering a burial site.
Dolmens and stone circles are above-ground structures.

Cromlech/Stone Circles

The defining characteristic of Cromlech/Stone Circles is a circular arrangement of stones.

Early Dwellings

Huts in early dwellings were typically made of wooden frames, covered with thatch or animal hides.

Monoliths and Menhirs

A monolith is also known as a menhir in the context of religious structures.
The purpose of a menhir is to serve as a standing stone, often used in religious rituals.

Yurts and Other Dwellings

A yurt is a type of early dwelling described as a conical tent with wooden poles as a framework.

Stonehenge

The purpose of Stonehenge was to serve as an astronomical observatory.
The large stones at Stonehenge were transported to the site using a combination of ramps, pulleys, and levers.
Stonehenge was constructed using large sarsen stones and smaller bluestones.
The architectural character of Stonehenge is characterized by its iconic circular arrangement of stones.

Description

Test your knowledge of prehistoric architecture with this quiz covering topics like Iraqi Mudhiff, Sumatran houses, dolmens, and stone circles. Explore the history of architecture in the prehistoric world.