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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the Stonehenge Riverside Project led by Mike Parker Pearson?
What is the primary focus of the Stonehenge Riverside Project led by Mike Parker Pearson?
- Reconstructing the ancient world to understand the people who built Stonehenge. (correct)
- Excavating and preserving the sarsen stones at Stonehenge.
- Restoring Stonehenge to its original condition.
- Studying the astronomical alignments of Stonehenge.
The cremation burials found at Stonehenge were immediately recognized and studied extensively in the early 20th century.
The cremation burials found at Stonehenge were immediately recognized and studied extensively in the early 20th century.
False (B)
What material were the smaller stones at Stonehenge made of, and from where were they transported?
What material were the smaller stones at Stonehenge made of, and from where were they transported?
bluestones from Wales
The horizontal slabs that crown the upright stones at Stonehenge are called ______.
The horizontal slabs that crown the upright stones at Stonehenge are called ______.
What does the discovery of a large number of male cremations at Stonehenge suggest about the society that built it?
What does the discovery of a large number of male cremations at Stonehenge suggest about the society that built it?
The antler pick discovered near Stonehenge was likely used for shaping the sarsen stones.
The antler pick discovered near Stonehenge was likely used for shaping the sarsen stones.
According to Andrew Young's theory, what was the potential purpose of the carved stone balls found in northeast Scotland?
According to Andrew Young's theory, what was the potential purpose of the carved stone balls found in northeast Scotland?
The henge located less than two miles north of Stonehenge, which is believed to represent the realm of the living, is called ______.
The henge located less than two miles north of Stonehenge, which is believed to represent the realm of the living, is called ______.
Match the following locations with their significance in the context of Stonehenge:
Match the following locations with their significance in the context of Stonehenge:
What discovery at the end of the Stonehenge avenue suggests that the location was specially chosen?
What discovery at the end of the Stonehenge avenue suggests that the location was specially chosen?
According to the passage, the builders of Stonehenge definitely used tree trunks as rollers to move the sarsen stones.
According to the passage, the builders of Stonehenge definitely used tree trunks as rollers to move the sarsen stones.
What astronomical alignment is observed at Stonehenge during the summer solstice?
What astronomical alignment is observed at Stonehenge during the summer solstice?
The natural grooves aligned with the solstices, found beneath the Stonehenge avenue, were formed during the last ______.
The natural grooves aligned with the solstices, found beneath the Stonehenge avenue, were formed during the last ______.
What did Mike Parker Pearson initially study that led him to see a different dimension to Stonehenge?
What did Mike Parker Pearson initially study that led him to see a different dimension to Stonehenge?
The Aubrey Holes at Stonehenge are believed to have originally held sarsen stones.
The Aubrey Holes at Stonehenge are believed to have originally held sarsen stones.
What is the name given to the smaller stone circle discovered near the river Avon?
What is the name given to the smaller stone circle discovered near the river Avon?
The stone used to build the larger stones, called sarsens, at Stonehenge is a type of ______.
The stone used to build the larger stones, called sarsens, at Stonehenge is a type of ______.
Match the following descriptions with the appropriate stone used at Stonehenge:
Match the following descriptions with the appropriate stone used at Stonehenge:
What signal does the construction of Stonehenge, as a massive communal monument, convey about the end of the Stone Age?
What signal does the construction of Stonehenge, as a massive communal monument, convey about the end of the Stone Age?
The experimental archaeology conducted by Andrew Young proved conclusively that carved stone balls were used to move the sarsen stones at Stonehenge.
The experimental archaeology conducted by Andrew Young proved conclusively that carved stone balls were used to move the sarsen stones at Stonehenge.
What was found on the floors of houses in Durrington Walls?
What was found on the floors of houses in Durrington Walls?
The processional path that connects Stonehenge to the River Avon is known as the ______.
The processional path that connects Stonehenge to the River Avon is known as the ______.
Match the following elements of Stonehenge with their roles or characteristics:
Match the following elements of Stonehenge with their roles or characteristics:
What caused the abandonment of building grand communal monuments like Stonehenge?
What caused the abandonment of building grand communal monuments like Stonehenge?
The team discovered a ring of large holes called ______.
The team discovered a ring of large holes called ______.
Match the following astronomical events with their corresponding alignments at Stonehenge or Durrington Walls:
Match the following astronomical events with their corresponding alignments at Stonehenge or Durrington Walls:
Researchers found a trench outside of Stonehenge containing a carpet of stone fragments. What did they conclude?
Researchers found a trench outside of Stonehenge containing a carpet of stone fragments. What did they conclude?
The team used oak in their experiment because that would have been the wood available to the people of Stone Age Britain.
The team used oak in their experiment because that would have been the wood available to the people of Stone Age Britain.
According to Parker Pearson, when you move stones, this is like planting your [blank].
According to Parker Pearson, when you move stones, this is like planting your [blank].
The name given to the earthwork feature consisting of a circular ditch and bank is called a ______.
The name given to the earthwork feature consisting of a circular ditch and bank is called a ______.
What did the team find between the houses uncovered in Durrington Walls?
What did the team find between the houses uncovered in Durrington Walls?
Researchers are certain they know what techniques were used to more the sarsen stones.
Researchers are certain they know what techniques were used to more the sarsen stones.
The entrance to Stonehenge faces which solar event?
The entrance to Stonehenge faces which solar event?
Andrew Young became obsessed with which object while doing graduate work at the University of Exeter? ______
Andrew Young became obsessed with which object while doing graduate work at the University of Exeter? ______
Match each role at Stonehenge with its description:
Match each role at Stonehenge with its description:
The archaeologists in the documentary were uninterested in the cremated bones found at Stonehenge.
The archaeologists in the documentary were uninterested in the cremated bones found at Stonehenge.
What material were the larger stones of Stonehenge primarily made of?
What material were the larger stones of Stonehenge primarily made of?
The smaller stones at Stonehenge, which were transported from Wales, are known as ______.
The smaller stones at Stonehenge, which were transported from Wales, are known as ______.
Match the following locations with their significance to the research surrounding Stonehenge:
Match the following locations with their significance to the research surrounding Stonehenge:
What was the primary use of antler picks during the Neolithic period, as discovered near Stonehenge?
What was the primary use of antler picks during the Neolithic period, as discovered near Stonehenge?
Archaeologists have conclusive evidence that rollers and timber tracks were definitely used to move the sarsen stones.
Archaeologists have conclusive evidence that rollers and timber tracks were definitely used to move the sarsen stones.
What is the name of the henge discovered near the River Avon that contained a ring of holes believed to have held bluestones?
What is the name of the henge discovered near the River Avon that contained a ring of holes believed to have held bluestones?
The theory that Stonehenge was an ancient astronomical observatory primarily used to track the sun and moon gained popularity in the ______.
The theory that Stonehenge was an ancient astronomical observatory primarily used to track the sun and moon gained popularity in the ______.
Match the following researchers with their area of expertise related to Stonehenge:
Match the following researchers with their area of expertise related to Stonehenge:
What critical observation led Mike Parker Pearson to theorize about the link between Stonehenge and Durrington Walls?
What critical observation led Mike Parker Pearson to theorize about the link between Stonehenge and Durrington Walls?
The houses discovered at Durrington Walls were inhabited year-round by the builders of Stonehenge.
The houses discovered at Durrington Walls were inhabited year-round by the builders of Stonehenge.
What natural feature aligned with the solstices may have influenced the placement of Stonehenge?
What natural feature aligned with the solstices may have influenced the placement of Stonehenge?
According to Parker Pearson, moving a stone signifies planting one's ______ and ancestry into the ground.
According to Parker Pearson, moving a stone signifies planting one's ______ and ancestry into the ground.
Match the following sites with what they are believed to represent:
Match the following sites with what they are believed to represent:
What evidence supports the idea that Durrington Walls was associated with the realm of the living?
What evidence supports the idea that Durrington Walls was associated with the realm of the living?
The Aubrey Holes were considered unimportant until modern archaeological techniques were developed.
The Aubrey Holes were considered unimportant until modern archaeological techniques were developed.
What does Parker Pearson suggest the alignment between Stonehenge and Durrington Walls indicate?
What does Parker Pearson suggest the alignment between Stonehenge and Durrington Walls indicate?
The sarsen stones at Stonehenge were carved and fitted together using techniques similar to ______.
The sarsen stones at Stonehenge were carved and fitted together using techniques similar to ______.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
What was Andrew Young testing with his stone ball transportation theory?
What was Andrew Young testing with his stone ball transportation theory?
The experimental archaeology project using stone balls to move heavy objects was immediately successful with the initial setup.
The experimental archaeology project using stone balls to move heavy objects was immediately successful with the initial setup.
What is the significance of the summer solstice in relation to Stonehenge's alignment?
What is the significance of the summer solstice in relation to Stonehenge's alignment?
The discovery of a 'carpet' of stone fragments near Stonehenge indicates the location where stone ______ occurred.
The discovery of a 'carpet' of stone fragments near Stonehenge indicates the location where stone ______ occurred.
Match the following time periods with their corresponding events or characteristics:
Match the following time periods with their corresponding events or characteristics:
Why are archaeologists interested in the cremated bones found at Stonehenge?
Why are archaeologists interested in the cremated bones found at Stonehenge?
The end of the Stone Age in Britain led to an increase in communal monument building.
The end of the Stone Age in Britain led to an increase in communal monument building.
What practical skill made it possible for Stone Age people to clear the forests and shape the timbers of their homes?
What practical skill made it possible for Stone Age people to clear the forests and shape the timbers of their homes?
The horizontal stones that lay across the top of the upright stones at Stonehenge are called ______.
The horizontal stones that lay across the top of the upright stones at Stonehenge are called ______.
Match the locations with their significance to the research surrounding Stonehenge:
Match the locations with their significance to the research surrounding Stonehenge:
According to the presenter, people often get the impression that life in the Neolithic/Late Stone Age was very grim and short, what does Jacqueline McKinley say about this impression?
According to the presenter, people often get the impression that life in the Neolithic/Late Stone Age was very grim and short, what does Jacqueline McKinley say about this impression?
The remains of Stonehenge were perfectly preserved because of Britain's dry climate and soil.
The remains of Stonehenge were perfectly preserved because of Britain's dry climate and soil.
The Aubrey Holes contained roughly 60 burials up to the 1920s. What was special about these burials?
The Aubrey Holes contained roughly 60 burials up to the 1920s. What was special about these burials?
Almost a ______ of flint nodules to form a base to support the stone coming in the top of it
Almost a ______ of flint nodules to form a base to support the stone coming in the top of it
Match the following people with the descriptions.
Match the following people with the descriptions.
During the time of the stone circle and timber circle building in Britain, what other world wonder was being constructed?
During the time of the stone circle and timber circle building in Britain, what other world wonder was being constructed?
Around the time Stonehenge was built, the use of metal was wide spread across the world. This metal age helped with its construction.
Around the time Stonehenge was built, the use of metal was wide spread across the world. This metal age helped with its construction.
What do the curved lintels on top of the upright stones at Stonehenge connect with?
What do the curved lintels on top of the upright stones at Stonehenge connect with?
The upright stones at Stonehenge were tapered and topped with ______.
The upright stones at Stonehenge were tapered and topped with ______.
Match each part the the circle with how level is was made.
Match each part the the circle with how level is was made.
What primary material were the larger stones of Stonehenge made from?
What primary material were the larger stones of Stonehenge made from?
The smaller 'bluestones' found at Stonehenge were sourced locally from Salisbury Plain.
The smaller 'bluestones' found at Stonehenge were sourced locally from Salisbury Plain.
What is the name given to the earthwork consisting of a circular ditch and bank that often encloses Neolithic monuments?
What is the name given to the earthwork consisting of a circular ditch and bank that often encloses Neolithic monuments?
The Aubrey Holes at Stonehenge are believed to have originally held the ______.
The Aubrey Holes at Stonehenge are believed to have originally held the ______.
Match the following elements of Stonehenge with their descriptions:
Match the following elements of Stonehenge with their descriptions:
What was a major reason the cremated human remains at Stonehenge were initially overlooked by archaeologists in the early 20th century?
What was a major reason the cremated human remains at Stonehenge were initially overlooked by archaeologists in the early 20th century?
Analysis of the cremated remains at Stonehenge revealed an equal distribution of male and female individuals across all age groups.
Analysis of the cremated remains at Stonehenge revealed an equal distribution of male and female individuals across all age groups.
What material was predominantly used to create tools during the Neolithic period in Britain?
What material was predominantly used to create tools during the Neolithic period in Britain?
The experimental archaeology project near Stonehenge tested the theory that giant stones were moved using ______ as a type of ball-bearing technology.
The experimental archaeology project near Stonehenge tested the theory that giant stones were moved using ______ as a type of ball-bearing technology.
Match the following roles with their contributions to the Stonehenge Riverside Project:
Match the following roles with their contributions to the Stonehenge Riverside Project:
What astronomical event is aligned with the main axis of Stonehenge?
What astronomical event is aligned with the main axis of Stonehenge?
The timber circle at Durrington Walls is significantly smaller than the stone circle at Stonehenge.
The timber circle at Durrington Walls is significantly smaller than the stone circle at Stonehenge.
According to the new theory, what does Stonehenge primarily represent?
According to the new theory, what does Stonehenge primarily represent?
The Avenue connects Stonehenge to the River ______.
The Avenue connects Stonehenge to the River ______.
Match the following locations with their significance in relation to Stonehenge:
Match the following locations with their significance in relation to Stonehenge:
What natural feature is believed to have influenced the location of Stonehenge?
What natural feature is believed to have influenced the location of Stonehenge?
The end of the Stonehenge Avenue at the River Avon was found to be a simple bank and ditch structure, as expected.
The end of the Stonehenge Avenue at the River Avon was found to be a simple bank and ditch structure, as expected.
What is the name given to the mini-Stonehenge discovered near the River Avon?
What is the name given to the mini-Stonehenge discovered near the River Avon?
According to Parker Pearson, moving a stone was akin to planting one's ______ into the ground.
According to Parker Pearson, moving a stone was akin to planting one's ______ into the ground.
Match the material/period with the cultural shift that occurred:
Match the material/period with the cultural shift that occurred:
Flashcards
Stonehenge
Stonehenge
A monument in Britain dating back to the Stone Age, consisting of a circular ditch and bank surrounding upright stones topped with horizontal lintels.
Sarsen
Sarsen
Local sandstone used to construct the larger stones at Stonehenge. It is harder than granite.
Bluestones
Bluestones
Smaller stones found at Stonehenge, transported from Wales, at least 150 miles away.
Aubrey Holes
Aubrey Holes
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Neolithic Period
Neolithic Period
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Henge
Henge
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Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice
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Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice
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Durrington Walls
Durrington Walls
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Stonehenge Avenue
Stonehenge Avenue
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Bluestonehenge
Bluestonehenge
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Study Notes
- Every year, millions visit Stonehenge, seeking answers to who built it, how, and why.
- Archaeologists use advanced tools to study Stonehenge, offering new insights.
Stonehenge Construction
- Stonehenge's construction was a groundbreaking achievement, comparable to a space program.
- A new theory suggests Stonehenge reflects the nature of eternity and life and death
- Stonehenge, a prehistoric icon predates the Egyptian pyramids.
- A circular ditch and bank encircle the stones.
- Upright stones reach over 20 feet, weighing up to 45 tons.
- Horizontal lintels crown the pillars.
- Sarsens, local sandstone harder than granite, make up the large stones.
- Uprights are tapered with knobs fitting into lintel hollows.
- Curved lintels, joined by tongue-and-groove, formed a near-perfect circle, level within inches.
- Bluestones, smaller stones, were transported from Wales, at least 150 miles away.
Stonehenge Riverside Project
- The Stonehenge Riverside Project, led by Mike Parker Pearson, aims to reconstruct the world that created Stonehenge.
- The project involves digging throughout the surrounding landscape.
- Stonehenge was built in stages, starting around 3000 B.C. with a ditch, bank, and a ring of 56 pits (Aubrey Holes).
- The pits likely held bluestones from Wales.
- 500 years later, sarsen stones were installed, and bluestones rearranged.
- Parallel banks later defined a processional avenue to the River Avon.
Cremation Burials
- The bones were reburied in Aubrey Hole Number 7 in 1935.
- In the 1920s, nearly 60 human cremation burials were excavated, primarily in the Aubrey Holes.
- These discoveries were initially overlooked due to the belief that cremated bones held little information.
- Analysis can reveal approximate ages, sex, and living standards of the deceased
- The retrieval of the dead of Stonehenge began with the retrieval of bones from Aubrey Hole 7
- The bones had been placed in four burlap bags and buried with a commemorative plaque.
- The burlap bags had deteriorated, leaving a jumbled mix of bones.
Neolithic Era
- Around 3000 B.C., during Egypt's Age of the Pharaohs and the rise of Near East cities, Britain was in the Neolithic or Late Stone Age.
- Stone axes were essential for clearing forests and building homes.
- Neolithic settlements were small and scattered with barley and wheat cultivation, livestock was kept too.
- People had a fairly good lifestyle, well-nourished and sophisticated.
- Objects crafted of wood or leather have mostly decayed, new clues are being discovered through the remains of the dead.
Analysis of Remains
- Analysis of remains from Aubrey Hole Number 7 allowed experts to identify individual features and estimate at least 50 individuals.
- Stonehenge burials were reserved for a select group, mostly adult males aged 25 to 40.
- The bones showed slight wear and tear, indicating healthy, robust individuals of important political stature.
- This suggests an aristocratic, male-dominated society during Stonehenge's construction.
- Nearly a thousand stone circles still stand across the British Isles. Also timber circles.
Construction Techniques
- Antler picks were used to dig the ditches and pits.
- Moving the sarsen stones may have been a sacred, specialized task
- Masons shaped the sarsens at the quarry, but how they moved and raised them remains uncertain.
- People may have used rollers, timber tracks, and grease to move stones.
Stone Ball Theory
- The theory supports a Stone Age ball-bearing technology utilizing carved stone balls of identical diameters as wheels.
- Experiments using granite and wooden balls in channeled rails showed the potential for moving heavy loads
- Initial trials were crushing Douglas fir rails; wooden inserts helped solve this.
- A load of nearly six tons was successfully moved in a second test after adjustments were made.
- The experiment demonstrated the plausibility of the theory to move stones.
Stone Dressing
- A trench near Stonehenge revealed sarsen fragments from stone dressing.
- Hammer stones were used for fine-scale work.
- Creating Stonehenge was a grand expenditure of labor, like a space program.
Astronomical Alignment
- The entrance to Stonehenge faces the sunrise on the summer solstice.
- Stonehenge's main axis aligns with sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice.
- The alignment indicates the solstices were important
Realm of the Dead Theory
- The theory proposes a world of the living and the dead during that period.
- Stonehenge had cremated remains which suggested it was the realm of the dead
- Durrington Walls was near by and full of postholes of a timber circle.
- Parker Pearson suggests that stone was associated with the ancestors, the dead, and constructions in timber was associated with the living.
- The River Avon may have served as a link between the two realms.
Durrington Walls
- Excavations at Durrington Walls revealed an avenue to the River Avon and evidence of settlement
- The team uncovered the floor of a Neolithic house from 2500 B.C. and several other dwellings with a central open area, forming largest village in Northern Europe at that time.
- Huge piles of pig and cattle bones indicated feasting.
- Durrington Walls aligned with sunrise on the winter solstice, while Stonehenge aligned with sunset.
- On the summer solstice, Stonehenge aligned with sunrise and Durrington Walls aligned with sunset.
- People may have traveled between the two monuments along the River Avon and royal burials may have been held during seasonal feasts.
The Grooves
- Grooves beneath the Stonehenge avenue aligned with the solstices and were natural formations caused by yearly freezing and thawing. Additionally they would have pointed directly at exactly where the setting sun touches the horizon on the winter solstice.
- Prehistoric people built Stonehenge just beyond the grooves and enhanced the natural ridges to be massive.
- A circular ditch and bank of a henge were found, which indicated it may be marking off a venerated place.
- A ring of large holes were in the center, in which laser scan showed their shape and size indicating they held bluestones
Bluestonehenge
- The ring of holes was named "Bluestonehenge", which probably held 25 stones and may have been created around the same time as Stonehenge.
- An arrowhead discovered in the stone holes indicated Bluestonehenge may have been built at the same time as Stonehenge, with the two monuments linked.
- It is believed that the bluestones may have been moved to Stonehenge as a way to transfer one's ancestors.
- The monument may have been a last great push for construction as metal replaced stones.
- With metal came personal wealth and status as the dead were buried with riches.
- Stonehenge was abandoned
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Description
Explore the mysteries of Stonehenge, from its construction to its purpose. Discover how ancient builders erected this prehistoric monument using advanced techniques. Learn about the Stonehenge Riverside Project and new theories about its significance.
