Texas A&M University (TAMU) LAND240 History of Landscape Architecture Practice Exam

A singular large upright standing stone used primarily as a grave is called a menhir. Menhirs are often associated with ancient burial practices and are typically found in various parts of Europe, especially in the megalithic cultures of places like Brittany in France and parts of the British Isles. These stones can vary significantly in size and shape but are generally characterized by their upright position, which sets them apart from other stone formations.

In a historical context, menhirs are linked to early human societies that utilized these monumental structures for ritualistic or commemorative purposes, often marking burial sites or significant locations within the landscape. The placement of menhirs can indicate cultural practices and beliefs regarding death and the afterlife, making them important archaeological indicators of past human activity.

The other terms relate to different concepts; microliths refer to small stone tools, kivas are ceremonial structures used by Native American cultures, particularly in the Southwest, and ziggurats are massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia as part of temple complexes. Each of these has a distinct function and cultural significance that differs from that of menhirs, which are specifically related to burial practices.