Question

Stonehenge stands as a compelling example of what?

a. A larger complex that was used for religious reasons such as funerals.
b. An ancient marketplace for trade and commerce.
c. A military fortress from ancient times.
d. A residential area for early human settlements.

Answer 1

Stonehenge is a compelling example of a larger complex used for religious reasons and as an ancient astronomical observatory. It aligns with the sun during solstices and may have been used to keep calendars. Evidence suggests it was not a marketplace, military fortress, or residential area.

Step-by-step explanation:

​Stonehenge stands as a compelling example of a larger complex that was used for various purposes including religious ones, such as funerals. This ancient megalithic structure is not supported by evidence to have been an ancient marketplace for trade and commerce, a military fortress, or a residential area for early human settlements. The construction of Stonehenge began around 3100 BCE as an earthwork henge and evolved over hundreds of years. It served as an astronomical observatory, aligning with the sun during solstices and possibly tracking lunar movements, indicating its use in early calendar systems. Moreover, the circular ditch common to henges and the graves discovered imply a ritualistic purpose as well.