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Difficulty: EasyMegalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

Stonehenge features a monumental outer circle of massive sarsen stones. Which of the following architectural methods was used to construct this outer circle?

  1. A
    A corbeled vaulting system, in which overlapping layers of stone project inward to form a dome
  2. A post-and-lintel system, in which vertical uprights support horizontal lintelsAnswer
  3. C
    A stratigraphic layout, in which materials are arranged in chronological layers to determine relative dates
  4. D
    A shamanistic enclosure, in which painted stone surfaces are oriented to capture animal spirits

Answer

A post-and-lintel system, in which vertical uprights support horizontal lintels
The correct answer describes a post-and-lintel system. Stonehenge's outer sarsen circle is a classic example of this Neolithic engineering technique, where vertical upright stones support horizontal lintels to create a stable, lintel-capped circle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical structure of the outer ring of Stonehenge to determine how the stones are organized.
The outer ring consists of upright vertical stones (posts) capped by horizontal stones (lintels).
Identifying the spatial relationship of the stones is the first step in determining the architectural system.
2
Match this structural description to the correct architectural term.
The arrangement of vertical supports carrying a horizontal load is known as a post-and-lintel system.
This matches the definition of post-and-lintel construction, which is a fundamental prehistoric engineering technique.

Key Concept

Megalithic architectural engineering and the post-and-lintel system
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Topics

Megalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

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