68.4k views
2 votes
A circular arrangement of megaliths enclosing a dolmen or burial mound.

A) Cairn
B) Menhir
C) Henge
D) Stele

User Natashua
by
7.3k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The right answer is C) Henge, referring to prehistoric structures like Stonehenge, characterized by a circular formation often used for ceremonies or astronomical observations. These sites are notable for their sophisticated engineering and cultural significance in Neolithic societies.

Step-by-step explanation:

A henge is a prehistoric architectural structure typically consisting of a circular arrangement of stones or wood posts, often surrounding a ditch and external bank.

Examples of henges include the famous Stonehenge in England. This structure consists of a circular ditch and bank with an inner ring of standing stones. Stonehenge was constructed in several phases spanning from 3100 BCE to 2000 BCE, with the initial earthworks dating from about 3100 BCE. It is a sophisticated example of Neolithic engineering, which required considerable effort to transport and erect the massive stones without modern technology. While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains debated among scholars, it is widely accepted that it served ceremonial or astronomical functions, particularly because the arrangement aligns with the solstices.

Another example of a henge could be the less well-known Grave Circle A at Mycenae, which contains a circular arrangement of graves dating from the 16th century BCE. It was later encompassed within the city's walls and featured an enclosing wall with a single entrance, possibly having served a ceremonial function as well.

User Johann Horvat
by
8.0k points