Stone Age - Newgrange

Question 1

When?

Answer 1

Shows creativity and development throughout the age. The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin holds a huge collection of these artefacts.

Question 2

The people

Answer 2

Bru Na Boinne was built by Stone Age farmers using bricks of stones and large boulders. It is heavily influenced by the lunar and solar cycles. Believed to have been a place of burial and worship. These farmers came from Europe with livestock and stone tools.

Question 3

Materials

Answer 3

Stone was the only material used, this was confirmed by Claire O’Kelly who excavated Newgrange which her husband Michael.

Question 4

Location

Answer 4

Newgrange is surrounded by the River Boyne and sits on an elongated ridge along its bend.

Question 5

Outside

Answer 5

Newgrange has a facade around its perimeter, this consists of white quartz from Wicklow. Its mound is made from <200000 tonnes of stone covered with soil. It has a diameter of 85m and height of 6m.

Question 6

Threshold/Entrance Stone

Answer 6

It is elaborately carved with spirals, concentric circles and lozenges. Possibly represents 3 tombs.

Question 7

Surroundings

Answer 7

Newgrange is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are decorated, and an outer circle of undecorated standing stones which was once 35 but is now 12.

Question 8

Kerbstone 52

Answer 8

A decorated kerbstone which lines up with the entrance stone, both of these have vertical lines. These stones also line up with a passage stone and the burial chamber. In line with sunrise.

Question 9

Interior

Answer 9

Passage is the shape of a crucifix. It has 22 stones on left and 21 on right. It is 19m altogether in length.

Question 10

The Roof

Answer 10

The roof is corbelled. A technique where each rock is placed forward slightly until roof closes.

Question 11

Differences to Other Graves

Answer 11

Dolmen - 3 standing stones with roof.

Court Cairn - Circular grave with standing stones.