The Stone Age: SAQs

What are the two periods The Stone Age is divided into?

During which years did the Neolithic period take place?

What is the primary function of the Poulnabrone Dolmen?

How long is the passage in Newgrange, including the chamber?

What material is primarily used in the construction of The Court Cairn at Creevykeel?

What is the diameter of the megalithic structure known as Newgrange?

What type of stones were microliths primarily made from?

In what location can the Poulnabrone Dolmen be found?

Which of these features are found on Kerbstone 52 at Newgrange?

What component allows sunlight to enter the passage of Newgrange on the winter solstice?

The Stone Age Overview

The Stone Age is divided into two main periods: Mesolithic and Neolithic.

Mesolithic Period

Lasted from 10,000 to 4,000 BCE.
Featured the use of microliths, which are small, sharp stones utilized in hunting and fishing.

Neolithic Period

Spanned from 4,000 to 2,500 BCE.
Commonly referred to as the New Stone Age.

Megalithic Monuments

Includes structures such as passage tombs, portal dolmens, and court cairns.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Located in the Burren, Co. Clare.
Features a capstone measuring 3.6 meters (12 feet).
The chamber contained human remains and grave goods, primarily serving as a burial site.
Constructed using limestone.

The Court Cairn at Creevykeel

Situated in Co. Sligo, measuring 55 meters in length.
Comprises a forecourt, a gallery of burial chambers, and is covered by a stone mound.
The gallery contains three chambers, made from limestone and sandstone.

Newgrange

Diameter measures 85 meters.
Contains a roofbox that allows sunlight to illuminate the passage on December 21st, aligning with the winter solstice.
The passage, including the chamber, measures 24 meters long.
Surrounded by 97 kerbstones.
Kerbstone 52 features intricate stone carvings, including spirals, concentric circles, and a prominent vertical line.

Test your knowledge about the Stone Age with this quiz that covers its divisions, periods, and significant artifacts. Topics include the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, microliths, and megalithic monuments. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike!