Exploring Early Human Art: From Paleolithic to Neolithic

Art History

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| Questions: 13 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

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1. What is another name for the Paleolithic era?

Renaissance

Iron Age

Middle Ages

Old Stone Age

The Paleolithic era is referred to as the Old Stone Age as it is characterized by the use of stone tools by early human species.

Explanation

The Paleolithic era is referred to as the Old Stone Age as it is characterized by the use of stone tools by early human species.

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About This Quiz

Exploring Early Human Art: From Paleolithic To Neolithic - Quiz

Explore the dawn of human creativity with this focus on Paleolithic and Neolithic art from Gardner's Art Through The Ages. Assess your understanding of early art forms and their significance in human history, enhancing your appreciation and knowledge of art history.

2. What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

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2. What is a megalith?

A type of ancient writing system.

A powerful mythical creature.

A large prehistoric mammal.

Monumental architecture employing massive rough-cut stones

A megalith refers to monumental architecture built with large rough-cut stones, typically associated with prehistoric structures like Stonehenge or the pyramids.

Explanation

A megalith refers to monumental architecture built with large rough-cut stones, typically associated with prehistoric structures like Stonehenge or the pyramids.

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3. What is meant by 'In the round' in art?

Two-dimensional painting on canvas or paper.

Sculptures created using only soft and malleable materials like clay.

Three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials - typically stone - or marble, metal, glass, or wood. Softer... Three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials - typically stone - or marble, metal, glass, or wood. Softer ("plastic") materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals.

Artwork created on a circular canvas or surface.

In the round refers to three-dimensional art pieces that can be viewed from all angles, unlike flat paintings or sculptures made from only soft materials. The term does not specifically indicate circular or round-shaped artwork.

Explanation

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4. What is Shamanism?

A style of martial arts originating in Japan

Anthropological term referencing a range of beliefs and practices regarding communication with the spiritual world.

A genre of music popular in the 1980s

A type of cloud formation

Shamanism is a term in anthropology that refers to a specific set of beliefs and practices related to communication with the spiritual realm. It is not related to cloud formations, music genres, or martial arts.

Explanation

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5. What ancient site is depicted in this image?

Machu Picchu, Cusco Region, Peru, aerial view, ca. 1450-1470 AD. Inca citadel located 7,970 ft above sea level.

Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England, aerial view, ca. 2550-1600 BCE. Circle is 97' in diameter; trilithons approx. 24' high.Megalith site

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, aerial view, ca. 1632-1653 AD. Symmetrical white marble mausoleum.

Great Wall of China, Badaling, Beijing, People's Republic of China, aerial view, ca. 220 BC - 1644 AD. Section is... Great Wall of China, Badaling, Beijing, People's Republic of China, aerial view, ca. 220 BC - 1644 AD. Section is 13,171 miles long; watchtowers along the way.

The correct answer is Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England, dated back to 2550-1600 BCE, which is known for its megalithic structure consisting of large standing stones arranged in a circular pattern. The other options mentioned are famous historical sites, but they are not the ones depicted in the image.

Explanation

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6. What is the name of this ancient artifact?

Iron Jaguar and Venus Chariot c. 1700 - 1500 BCE. Iron, length 22" (55.9 cm). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New... Iron Jaguar and Venus Chariot c. 1700 - 1500 BCE. Iron, length 22" (55.9 cm). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Horse and Sun Chariot c. 1800 - 1600 BCE. Bronze, length 231/4" (59.2 cm). National Museum, Copenhagen

Silver Eagle and Star Chariot c. 2000 - 1800 BCE. Silver, length 25" (63.5 cm). Louvre Museum, Paris.

Golden Lion and Moon Chariot c. 1500 - 1300 BCE. Gold, length 20" (50.8 cm). British Museum, London.

The correct answer describes the artifact as the Horse and Sun Chariot dating back to c. 1800 - 1600 BCE, made of bronze, with a length of 231/4" (59.2 cm) and located in the National Museum in Copenhagen.

Explanation

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7. What time period does the term 'neolithic' refer to?

Bronze Age = Period characterized by the use of bronze, typically starting around 3,300 BC. Known for metalworking advancements.

Paleolithic = Old Stone Age from c. 2.5 million years ago to around 12,000 years ago. Characterized by the use... Paleolithic = Old Stone Age from c. 2.5 million years ago to around 12,000 years ago. Characterized by the use of stone tools.

Neolithic = New Stone Agefrom c. 8,00 BC - 3,000 BCMan moves from chasing natue to controlling natureAgriculture: Domestication of... Neolithic = New Stone Agefrom c. 8,00 BC - 3,000 BCMan moves from chasing natue to controlling natureAgriculture: Domestication of plants and animals from hunting and gatherin to farming and animal herdsFrom nomadic existence

Mesolithic = Middle Stone Age from around 12,000 to 6,000 years ago. Often saw the introduction of new technologies.

The Neolithic period is known as the New Stone Age, marked by advancements in agriculture and the transition from hunting and gathering to settled farming communities. The other options refer to different periods in human history distinguished by technological and societal developments.

Explanation

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8. What is Catal Huyuk known for?

Earliest town on EarthTurkey (pro. Chattle Hooyuck)c. 6,000 BCLandscape with volcanic erupion over the town

Oldest temple in Egypt, built by Ramses II in 1279 BC

First settlement in Greece, established in 3000 BC

Largest pyramid in Mexico, built by the Aztecs in 1000 AD

Catal Huyuk is known as the earliest town on Earth, located in present-day Turkey and dates back to around 6,000 BC. It is an important archaeological site showcasing ancient civilization and urban development during that time period.

Explanation

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9. What is depicted in this image?

Wall painting from a house at Catal Huyuk, Turkeyperspective foverlooking town and volcano -- perspective off

A portrait of a famous ruler from Egypt

A landscape painting from Greece

A mural from a temple in China

The correct answer describes a specific wall painting from a historical site in Turkey, showcasing a unique perspective of the town and volcano. The incorrect answers suggest different origins and subjects, which do not align with the specific description provided in the correct answer.

Explanation

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10. What is this ancient structure?

A Roman amphitheater in Italy.

Village of Skara Brae, Orkney Islands, Scotland, c. 3100 - 2600 BCEHouse interior (house 7 in plan)development of post and... Village of Skara Brae, Orkney Islands, Scotland, c. 3100 - 2600 BCEHouse interior (house 7 in plan)development of post and lintel architecture (door frames)

A medieval castle in France.

An Aztec temple in Mexico.

The correct answer describes an ancient village in Scotland with unique architecture, while the incorrect answers reference structures from different time periods and regions.

Explanation

The correct answer describes an ancient village in Scotland with unique architecture, while the incorrect answers reference structures from different time periods and regions.

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11. What is a henge?

Implies a circle

A type of stone monument.

A type of bird species.

An ancient form of dance.

A henge refers to a prehistoric monument consisting of a circle made of large stones or wooden posts. It is often associated with ancient rituals and ceremonies.

Explanation

A henge refers to a prehistoric monument consisting of a circle made of large stones or wooden posts. It is often associated with ancient rituals and ceremonies.

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12. When was the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange built?

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 1500 BC.

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over... The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years.

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 500 AD.

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 1000 AD.

The correct answer states that the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC.

Explanation

The correct answer states that the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC.

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13. What historical artifacts are Figures of a man and a woman from Cernavoda, Romania, c. 4000-3500 BCE?

Metal engravings

Figures of a man and a woman from Cernavoda, Romania, c. 4000-3500 BCE. Ceramic (clay and bone ash), height 4... Figures of a man and a woman from Cernavoda, Romania, c. 4000-3500 BCE. Ceramic (clay and bone ash), height 4 1/2" (11.5 cm) National Museum of antiquities, BucharestFound in a grave

Bronze sculptures

Stone carvings

The Figures of a man and a woman from Cernavoda, Romania are made of ceramic material, not bronze, stone, or metal.

Explanation

The Figures of a man and a woman from Cernavoda, Romania are made of ceramic material, not bronze, stone, or metal.

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