Page 3 - Reading Success B5

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. It is
located near Amesbury about 8 miles (13km) north of Salisbury in the English

county of Wiltshire. It is classified as a Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic
monument. It is made up of a circular arrangement of large standing stones

surrounded by earthworks. Archaeologists estimate that the stones were erected
in 3,200 BC. About 4,600 years ago people somehow managed to haul these

humongous stones across England to the site on Salisbury Plain, where they
constructed a large circular structure.

There are many theories about Stonehenge’s origin. The theories range from
those based in academics and archaeology to those based in mythology and the

paranormal. Early historians were often influenced by the many folktales told
about Stonehenge. Some legends say that Merlin had the giant monument built

for him or that he transported it with magic from Mount Killaraus in Ireland. Others
believed it was built by the Devil. The early attempts to figure out the people

who undertook this colossal project have since been debunked. Due to recent
discoveries we now have some more realistic answers. Scientists from the

University of Sheffield in England and their coworkers propose that the structure
was part of a religious complex dedicated to the dead.

Main Idea

What is the main idea of this story?

a. the time period in which Stonehenge was built

b. the location of Stonehenge
c. the size of Stonehenge

d. many theories and predictions of the creation of Stonehenge

6_Reading Success B 5