Ancient and Medieval History Quiz

Q1. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Tomb of Halicarnassus, was built by the entombed person's sister and wife. Which word in modern English is derived from this tomb?

ans. Maulsoleum (the monument was known as the Tomb of Mausolus)

Q2. The Sphinx stands guard to a pathway leading to the pyramid of Khafre at Giza. The sphinx was repeatedly subject to the ravages of nature, however one of the most prominent scars on its face came from one of the most notorious men in history, who is believed widely to have used the sphinx as a shooting target. Name this person.

ans. Napoleon Bonaparte

Q3. King Henry VIII of England had six wifes in total. Catherine of Aragon was divorced, Anne Boleyn was executed, Jane Seymour died in childbirth, Anne of Cleves was divorced, Catherine Howard was beheaded and Catherine Parr was the only surviving wife in the end. Who is arguably Henry VIII's most famour progeny?

ans. Queen Elizabeth I (you could also say Mary, Queen of Scots)

Q4. Constantinople (Istanbul) had a reputation as one of the most mpregnable cities of the world, which was once placed under siege by the Persians but never conquered. However, it was finally captured in 1453 by reportedly 14,000 units of 'X' employed by the Turks. Identify 'X'.


ans. Jannisaries (the Turk special units on AOE2)

Q5. 'X' was known for setting up cities in the areas he conquered. He is known to have set up at least five cities named after him, one of which is in Afghanistan. However, he also set up a city named after his horse which died in battle. Identify 'X'.

ans. Alexander of Macedon

Q6. The rulers of Russia since the time of Ivan the Terrible have used the title of Czar. From what or who is the title of 'Czar' derived?

ans. Caesar

Q7. Timur-i-lang claimed descent from Genghis Khan. Which medieval ruler claimed descent from both Timur (on his father's side) and Genghis Khan (on his mother's side) in order to legitimise his rule as the inheritor of the Mongol - Turkish empire in a part of Asia?

ans. Babur

Q8. Which is the largest land empire ever?

ans. The Mongol Empire

Q9. Set to the tune of a popular British drinking song, this song contains references believed to be pointing to Tipu Sultan's artillery. Identify this renowned song.

ans. The Star Spangled Banner

Q10. Octavius (aka Augustus) defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium. Augustus and Mark Antony were a part of the triumverate ruling Rome. However, Octavius and Antony were related in another way. What was their relation?


ans. Augustus' sister, Octavia, was Antony's wife. So, Augustus was Antony's brother in law