Building Monuments, Building Society

Topic 11

What are Antiquarians known for?

Being hobby collectors of ancient art and antiquities, particularly from ancient Greece and Rome.

What is a Barrow?

An ancient burial mound.

What are Doloritic Bluestones?

The inner stones at Stonehenge, brought from the Preseli hills in Wales.

What does the Early Woodland Period refer to?

Refers to a period of North American ancient history, 2,600-1,800 years ago.

Define Henge.

A round monument consisting of an earth bank and internal ditch, often including upright stones or timbers.

What characterizes the Hopewell tradition?

It is characterized by mound building, burial complexes, and long-distance exchange networks that began during the Middle Woodland period around 200 cal BC.

What is meant by Landscape in cultural terms?

It refers to the perception of a region or environment as a culturally framed and organized space.

What is the Mesolithic period?

Refers to the time in Europe between the Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic, marking the final period of hunter-gatherer cultures before farming began.

What does Monument refer to in cultural context?

It is a structure whose meaning and purpose are shared across a social collective.

What timeframe does the Old Kingdom in Egyptian history cover?

The period from 2686 to 2181 BCE, marking the beginning of the Third Dynasty.

What are Phyles?

Organized gangs of laborers.

What are Sarsen Stones?

The outer ring of limestone stones at Stonehenge, some of which retain lintels across their tops.

What does Tumulus refer to?

An ancient burial mound.

What is the significance of the Giza pyramids in the context of community unity?

They are monuments to social unity and have captured human imagination for thousands of years.

What is defined as a monument?

A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.

How long have societies constructed monuments?

For at least 10,000 years.

What distinguishes monuments from other buildings?

They are distinguished by their shared meaning and purpose across a social collective.

What key concepts unify communities through monuments?

By serving as focal points for collective identity.

What role did labor play in the construction of the Giza pyramids?

Required the labor of a generation, with thousands of workers and their families involved.

How do landscapes relate to monument building?

Can be monumental and become places of congregation, shaped by the builders of the monuments.

What form of communal activity is associated with Neolithic herders' astronomical monuments?

These gatherings involved cattle sacrifice and communal meals.

What was the purpose of Stonehenge in Neolithic Britain?

Served as a monument that helped sustain social community, marking important calendrical events.

What archaeological evidence supports the function of Hopewell Earthworks?

The discovery of burials and offerings within the mounds suggests they served as ceremonial focal points.