Questions and Answers
A ______ is a single, large upright monolith.
Menhir
A ______ is a tomb of standing stones usually capped with a large horizontal slab.
Dolmen
A ______ is an enclosure formed by huge stones planted on the ground in circular form.
Cromlech
A ______ is a primitive Indian structure made of joined logs.
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A ______ is a conical tent with wooden poles as a framework.
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The ______ is often characterized by the use of megaliths, like at Stonehenge.
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Natural or ______ caves were the two primary types of shelters used in prehistoric architecture.
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The ______ house in Sumatran culture is built of timber and palm leaves for several families.
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Beehive hut is a dry-stone hut with a __________, commonly associated with the south-western Irish seaboard.
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The Stonehenge's largest stones weigh __________, it came from Wales, 200 km away.
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Some people needed not farm, so they spent time on other work such as __________.
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Megalithic structure is a construction system that is most evident in ___________.
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Menhir sometimes are arranged in __________, reaching several miles and consisting of thousands of stones.
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Wigwam or Tepee are made with ___________.
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Stones transported by sea or river then hauled on land with __________ by hundreds of people, raised upright into pits, capped with lintels.
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The corridor inside the Tumulus or Passage grave leads to an ________.
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Study Notes
Ancient Architectural Structures
- Menhir: A prominent single-standing monolith, often erected for ceremonial purposes.
- Dolmen: A prehistoric tomb consisting of vertical stones supporting a large horizontal slab.
- Cromlech: A circular arrangement of large stones planted in the ground, serving ritualistic functions.
- Tumulus or Passage Grave: A significant burial type featuring a corridor that leads to an underground chamber.
- Trilithon: A configuration of three stones, with two verticals supporting a third horizontal stone on top.
Primitive Dwellings
- Primitive Dwellings: Typically single-room structures evolved over time into multi-roomed designs to accommodate different activities.
- Wigwam or Tepee: Conical shelters made with wooden poles and typically covered with animal skins or mats.
- Trullo: Dry stone shelters characterized by corbelled roofs, common in certain regions.
- Igloo: A distinctive house built from hard-packed snow blocks, spirally arranged, associated with the Inuit people.
- Nigerian Hut: Constructed from mud, featuring walls with a roof made of palm leaves.
- Hogan: A traditional dwelling made from logs, associated with Native American structure.
Notable Megalithic Sites
- Stonehenge: A monumental megalithic structure in England, dating back to 2800-1500 BC, known for its impressive stone configuration.
- Carnac Stones: Located in France, this site exemplifies menhirs arranged in alignment.
Prehistoric Architecture Characteristics
- Megalithic Structures: Large stones utilized in ancient construction, prevalent in regions like France, England, and Ireland.
- Burial Rituals and Monuments: Reflecting respect for the deceased, emphasizing the cultural significance of burial practices.
- Cave Paintings: Ancient art forms located in caves across Africa, France, and Spain; significant examples of early human creativity.
- Natural or Artificial Caves: Two primary types of shelters used in prehistoric architecture, providing protection and habitation.
Material and Construction Techniques
- Common Materials: Prehistoric architecture utilized stone, wood, and bones for structure and tools.
- Construction and Decoration Elements: Characterized by materials, techniques, and aesthetic detailing typical of prehistoric lifestyles.
- Transportation: Large stones were moved through rivers or seas and transported on land using sledges and rollers by large groups of people.
Architectural Orientation and Design
- Orientation: Many prehistoric structures were aligned with cardinal directions, essential for rituals and observing celestial events, like solar observatories that tracked the sun's path.
- Beehive Hut: Noted for its dry-stone, corbelled roof design; typical of the architecture in the southwestern regions of Ireland.
Cultural Insights
- Lifestyle Developments: With the emergence of complex societies, some individuals pursued pot-making, metal-working, and artistic endeavors instead of solely farming.
- Religious Practices: Notable absence of organized religion in prehistoric communities, focusing on natural and ancestral reverence.
Stonehenge Details
- Stone Weight: The largest stones at Stonehenge weigh between 45-50 tons, sourced from Wales, approximately 200 km away.
- Rings Structure: Stonehenge features multiple concentric rings, including a horseshoe-shaped inner formation oriented towards the east.
Miscellaneous
- Animal Skins and Frame Materials: Wigwams and tepees utilize rush mats and animal skin doors for structure and covering, reflecting practical and cultural material usage.
- Underground Chambers: Tumulus graves are notable for containing corridors that lead to chambers below the ground.
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Description
Test your knowledge on various prehistoric structures such as menhirs, dolmens, and tumuli. This quiz covers significant types of ancient tombs and primitive dwellings, exploring how they reflect early human civilization. Perfect for students studying archaeology and history.
