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Difficulty: EasyMegalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

Archaeological evidence from the earliest phase of Stonehenge (c. 3000 BCE), particularly the discovery of cremated human remains within the Aubrey Holes, indicates that the site initially functioned as which of the following?

  1. A burial site and cremation cemeteryAnswer
  2. B
    A permanent residential settlement for elite rulers
  3. C
    A sanctuary containing massive post-and-lintel sarsen circles
  4. D
    A ritual cave shrine decorated with painted hunting scenes

Answer

A burial site and cremation cemetery
The correct option is correct because the earliest phase of Stonehenge (c. 3000 BCE) consisted of a circular ditch, a bank, and 56 pits known as Aubrey Holes. Archaeological excavations of these holes have recovered the cremated remains of numerous individuals, demonstrating that the monument initially functioned as a cremation cemetery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the temporal context and specific archaeological feature mentioned in the stem.
The question refers to the earliest construction phase of Stonehenge (c. 3000 BCE) and the Aubrey Holes.
Identifying the specific phase and archaeological evidence helps narrow down the function of the site during that specific period.
2
Evaluate the archaeological findings associated with the Aubrey Holes.
The Aubrey Holes contained cremated human bones, indicating the site was used for interment.
Physical evidence of cremation burials directly links the early monument to funerary practices.
3
Distinguish between the different building phases of Stonehenge.
The massive sarsen stones and post-and-lintel architecture belong to later phases, while the earliest phase was primarily an earthwork and burial site.
This avoids confusing the monumental stone circles of later periods with the earth-and-timber structure of the earliest period.

Key Concept

The chronological phases and funerary functions of early megalithic sites like Stonehenge
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Topics

Megalithic Architecture and Stonehenge

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