One theory suggests it was built as a symbol of the unification of the country. The building of Stonehenge was a massive task: thousands of people were needed to move the stones across the countryside and to carve them into shape before erecting them. To cooperate in such an effort would have meant that people would be forced to put aside tribal differences and to see themselves as a unified group.
Another possible explanation is that the monument was a place of religious worship and was used as a burial site by the Druids, an ancient religious sect living at the time of the monument's construction. Excavations have discovered human bones and the ashes from cremations.
Some archaeologists claim there is evidence that Stonehenge had been highly regarded for its healing powers. They say small pieces were chipped away from the large stones, possibly by ancient people who believed that the monument was magical and could make them well again. Just as people today travel to spa towns to drink the water, historic visitors to Stonehenge may have wanted to hold a piece of the stone in their hands.
Then, there are a few people who believe in the far-fetched idea that Stonehenge was built by aliens as a landing site for their spacecraft, but that theory, understandably, is not widely held.
What does the writer consider to be possible functions of the Stonehenge monument?
Result:
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Option 2: "A place where people came together to pray and carry out funeral services."
Explanation: This option is correct as the text mentions that one possible explanation for Stonehenge's purpose is that it was a place of religious worship and used as a burial site by the Druids. This aligns with the idea of people coming together for prayer and funeral services.
Option 1: "A type of airport for the vehicles of extra-terrestrial life forms."
Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text explicitly states that the idea of Stonehenge being built by aliens is a 'far-fetched idea' and is 'not widely held.' Therefore, it does not align with the writer's consideration of the monument's functions.
Option 3: "A factory where stones were shaped and then transported to other sites."
Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text does not suggest that Stonehenge functioned as a factory. Instead, it describes the construction process but does not imply that stones were shaped for transport to other locations.
Option 4: "A place where christenings and marriages were celebrated."
Explanation: This option is incorrect as the text does not mention any celebrations of christenings or marriages at Stonehenge. The focus is on religious worship and burial practices, not on personal ceremonies.
Option 5: "A place of entertainment where magic shows were performed."
Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text does not support the idea of Stonehenge being a place for entertainment or magic shows. The mention of healing powers relates to belief in the monument's magical properties, but not in the context of entertainment.
Option 6: "A place where sick people went to be cured."
Explanation: This option is correct as the text states that some archaeologists claim there is evidence that Stonehenge was regarded for its healing powers. This suggests that people may have visited the site seeking cures, aligning with the option's description.
Option 7: "A monument to celebrate the coming together of groups of people."
Explanation: This option is correct because the text discusses a theory that Stonehenge was built as a symbol of the unification of the country, indicating that it served to bring people together, which aligns with the option's meaning.
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