Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyMegalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

Although Stonehenge is famed for its massive sarsen stones, its earliest construction phase (c. 3000 BCE) consisted primarily of which of the following features?

  1. A
    A painted sanctuary containing representations of horned animals to ensure hunting success
  2. B
    A complex network of timber posts aligned to track carbon-14 decay patterns
  3. A circular ditch and bank enclosing a ring of Aubrey holes used for burialsAnswer
  4. D
    A series of post-and-lintel trilithons secured by mortise-and-tenon joints

Answer

A circular ditch and bank enclosing a ring of Aubrey holes used for burials
The correct answer identifies the primary features of Stonehenge's first phase (c. 3000 BCE), which consisted of a circular ditch, outer bank, and 56 Aubrey holes containing human cremations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific chronological phase of Stonehenge being tested.
The question specifies the earliest construction phase, dating to approximately 3000 BCE.
Stonehenge was built in multiple phases over a span of about 1,500 years, and different architectural features belong to different eras.
2
Recall the archaeological components of Stonehenge's first phase.
The initial monument consisted of an earthwork henge (a circular ditch and bank) and 56 Aubrey holes, which served as a cremation cemetery.
The monumental sarsen stones and bluestones were not transported and erected at the site until several centuries later.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one matching these early features.
The option describing a circular ditch and bank enclosing a ring of Aubrey holes is correct, while the others describe later phases, unrelated scientific techniques, or Paleolithic art conventions.
This confirms the correct option based on the chronological sequence of the site.

Key Concept

Construction phases and archaeological evidence of Stonehenge
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Megalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

More questions from this topic