Newgrange: An Ancient Marvel

Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old structure in Ireland, is a marvel of Stone Age engineering. Originally thought to be just a tomb, it was discovered in the 1960s to be aligned with the winter solstice, allowing sunlight to illuminate its inner chamber. This alignment demonstrates the advanced understanding of astronomy by its builders. Constructed over decades, possibly by rolling stones on logs, Newgrange's purpose remains a mystery, though it may have served as a burial site or a place for rituals. Its enduring legacy highlights human ingenuity and the ancient desire to connect with nature.

What is the name of the ancient structure located on the bend of Ireland's River Bo?

• Newgrange

• Stonehenge

• Machu Picchu

• Pyramids of Giza

What significant event occurs at Newgrange during the winter solstice?

• A lunar eclipse

• The structure aligns with the North Star

• A solar eclipse

• A shaft of light illuminates the passageway

What was the primary material used to cover the mound of Newgrange originally?

• White quartz

• Limestone

• Granite

• Sandstone

How did the builders likely move the massive stones into position?

• By floating them on water

• By rolling them on logs

• With the help of animals

• Using cranes

What was the life expectancy of the builders of Newgrange?

• 20 years

• 30 years

• 40 years

• 50 years

What is one theory about the purpose of Newgrange?

• A marketplace

• A royal palace

• A place of worship

• A military fortress

What is known about the Neolithic community that built Newgrange?

• They were nomadic hunters

• Little is known about them

• They had a long life expectancy

• They were skilled metalworkers

What is a possible reason for the construction of Newgrange?

• To be a royal residence

• To function as a trade center

• To act as a defensive structure

• To serve as a burial place

What does Newgrange symbolize in terms of human achievement?

• The rise of industrialization

• Human ingenuity and understanding of nature

• The invention of the wheel

• The development of agriculture

How long has Newgrange been capturing the rising sun of the winter solstice?

• 2,000 years

• 3,000 years

• 4,000 years

• 5,000 years