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Archaeologists have recently unveiled a fascinating discovery that offers new perspectives on the origins of the world-renowned prehistoric monument, Stonehenge. Experts believe they have located a significantly older and simpler precursor to Stonehenge, situated merely three miles from the iconic stone circle.

The remnants of this earlier structure consist of two distinct holes in the ground, which archaeologists deduce once held substantial wooden posts. Intriguingly, these posts were positioned to align precisely with the Sun’s movements during the summer and winter solstices – marking the longest and shortest days of the year, respectively. This astronomical alignment mirrors the sophisticated design of the famous Stonehenge.

This newly identified site has been carbon-dated to approximately 5,000 years ago, making it a remarkable 500 years older than Stonehenge itself. Alongside the post holes, the excavation also yielded a variety of prehistoric artefacts, including pottery fragments, flint tools, and animal bones. These findings collectively suggest that this location served as a significant gathering place for ancient communities.

Phil Harding, a leading figure from Wessex Archaeology, spearheaded the excavation and described it as one of the most compelling finds of his extensive career. He emphasised that these two post pits provide invaluable insights into the lives of people who inhabited the area five millennia ago, shedding light on their social structures, cognitive processes, and how they revered celestial phenomena.

The celebrated Stonehenge monument is renowned for its precisely engineered alignment with the Sun. For example, a spectator standing at the centre of the stone circle at sunrise on the summer solstice would witness the Sun appearing directly above the ‘heel stone’. Conversely, on the winter solstice, the Sun sets over an ‘altar stone’ when viewed from the same central point.

In contrast, the structure discovered in the village of Bulford was considerably less complex, comprising only two wooden posts that have long since decayed. These posts, estimated to be between two and four metres high, were positioned 120 metres apart. Mr. Harding initially observed that these holes appeared to point towards the general direction of the midsummer sunrise, an alignment now confirmed through meticulous analysis. This earlier structure’s influence on the later, more complex design and astronomical purpose of Stonehenge is a subject of ongoing study.

1. What is the primary focus of the article?

• A.The complex astronomical alignments of Stonehenge.
• B.A recent discovery of an older, simpler structure potentially linked to Stonehenge.
• C.Phil Harding’s career and his contributions to archaeology.
• D.The types of artefacts found at prehistoric gathering sites.

2. How much older is the newly discovered site in Bulford compared to the famous Stonehenge monument?

• A.Exactly 5,000 years older.
• B.120 years older.
• C.500 years older.
• D.Between two and four metres older.

3. Based on the evidence presented, what can be inferred about the prehistoric communities at the Bulford site?

• A.They observed and understood celestial events.
• B.They were primarily interested in hunting large animals.
• C.They built elaborate underground shelters.
• D.They had advanced tools for carving stone.

4. What is Phil Harding’s attitude towards the archaeological discovery at Bulford?

• A.He considers it an interesting but minor find.
• B.He feels it is largely insignificant compared to Stonehenge.
• C.He believes it has complicated the understanding of prehistoric sites.
• D.He regards it as one of the most important discoveries of his career.

5. In the context of the article, what does the word ‘revered’ most closely mean in the sentence: ‘…how they revered celestial phenomena.’?

• A.Ignored
• B.Respected
• C.Feared
• D.Studied