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Information and IdeasMediumFinding supporting a claim about an earthwork's purpose

Information and Ideas practice question

An archaeologist argues that the ditched enclosure on Cold Hill was built to pen livestock rather than to defend a settlement.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the archaeologist's argument?

  1. A. The enclosure's ditch lies inside its bank, where it would stop animals straying but give attackers a ready-made rampart.Correct
  2. B. The enclosure sits on a hilltop.
  3. C. Pottery fragments were found inside the enclosure.
  4. D. Other hillforts in the region were defended by their ditches.

Answer: A. The enclosure's ditch lies inside its bank, where it would stop animals straying but give attackers a ready-made rampart.

A ditch on the inside is useless for defence and ideal for penning: it points to livestock.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The enclosure sits on a hilltop.
A hilltop suits defence at least as well.
C. Pottery fragments were found inside the enclosure.
Pottery shows people, not purpose.
D. Other hillforts in the region were defended by their ditches.
What other sites did doesn't show what this one was for.

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