2、Much older than the Great Wall, Stonehenge (巨石阵) is one of the world’s most fascinating, but least understood historical sites. Every year, thousands of tourists come to admire Stonehenge’s beauty and to wonder about how and why it was built.

Scientists have dated the site, which is located in England, to around 3000 BC. The stone circle was constructed in a number of stages over hundreds of years. It took millions of man hours to raise the heavy stones.

Though there are many theories, it is still a mystery how stone-age man dragged such heavy stones over 380 kilometers from where they were made. Prehistoric (史前) people had only basic wooden tools. To move the stones they probably used tree trunks to roll them along.

Some historians believe that Stonehenge was a temple, the site of ancient sacrifices (祭祀). Others believe it was a burial place or perhaps even a giant sundial (日冕) to tell the time. Whatever their ancient use was, the stones have always been a source of fascination for British people. One record from 1135 said the great stones were carried to England by giant magical creatures!

In modern times Stonehenge has become a huge hit with tourists.

 

41. Tourists are interested in Stonehenge mainly because ______.

A. it has something to do with the Great Wall     B. they know nothing about its history and site 

C. nowhere else can they find a stone circle       D. most of its history remains a mystery

42. According to the passage, it is possible that prehistoric people ______.

A. spent many hours building the stone circle    B. moved the stones with simple wooden tools 

C. built the stone circle for no purpose              D. dragged stones with the help of machines

43. It is believed by some historians that Stonehenge was built to______. 

A. attract the British people                              B. let people know the time

C. exchange goods for daily use                        D. create a living place for magical creatures

44. The underlined words in the last paragraph probably means ______.  

A. Stonehenge has become extremely popular with tourists

B. Stonehenge has been seriously damaged by tourists

C. tourists have solved the mystery of Stonehenge

D. tourists have found Stonehenge larger than before