Only A History Nerd Will Get Over 60% On This History Quiz
- by Erica Blair
- – on
- in Mind Twisters
Who here loves History?
Who lives for tracing historical events back to the dawn of human civilization and knows all of the ups and downs of the major empires and conquerors that crisscrossed Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa? History nerds know who they are and that they should wear that label proudly. Why? Because knowing the past is the key to having an awesome future! For those people who breezed through Advanced Placement History and aced every one of their tests and exams, this is the quiz they have been waiting for! It is the ultimate History test that covers all of the famous places, people, and events that shaped our modern world.
From the dawn of modern man to the Industrial Age and beyond, this quiz hopscotches all over the world in all different continents and times to quiz people on the most important historical happenings ever. From the beginnings of Buddhism to The Cold War, get ready to stretch the brain and dig deep. Who is ready to prove that they are the ultimate History nerd? It's time to show off that big beautiful fact-filled brain. Ready to get some History on? Let's get started.
What Old Norse seafaring people might have landed in the New World before Colombus?
We all know that in 1492 Colombus sailed the ocean blue and landed in what he considered to be "the New World". To the native people that lived there, this was news to them! Aside from the indigenous natives who occupied the territories we know as the United States, Canada, and Mexico long before Colombus ever came, there was another group of people who made their way to the shores of the Americas. Who were those Old Norse seafaring people?
What group of four guys from Liverpool, England changed the music scene in 1964?
This Fab Four taught us that nobody can buy love, offered to take us to Strawberry Fields Forever and answered the critical question of who was the Walrus! Hailing from England this foursome soon made a huge splash on the international music stage in 1964. They were the beginning of the so-called British Invasion that rocked the musical world and gave us many spinoff artists during that decade and those that followed. What was the name of their influential band?
What famous landmark is actually a mausoleum and monument to the creator’s wife?
Check out the picture that accompanies this question. The monument depicted is one of the most famous on the planet, and largely considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. It attracts millions of visitors every year and sits right outside of India's capital city of New Dehli. Although it looks like a temple, it's actually a mausoleum and monument to the wife of one of the country's most influential people. Who knows what this famous building is called?
What famous figure is known for non-violence?
Let's talk a little bit more about the amazing subcontinent we know as India! The man pictured here had a very important role in wrestling India out of Britain's rule. During the occupation, he was a freedom fighter and a source of inspiration for many people. There have even been several major movies made about his life and contributions to freeing India and Pakistan from British rule! Who was this famous pacifist and influential man? Give us a guess below.
What were Egyptian Kings called?
From India to ancient Egypt! The Egyptians were long thought of as one of the most advanced civilizations, especially for their time! They revolutionalized and created some impressive infrastructure and communication methods. They also had a very unique way of preserving those who passed away; mummifying them with their riches in pyramids. We recognize some of the more famous Kings, like King Tut, who also went by this specific name that was the same as "king". Who knows what Egypt's Kings were called?
Which country was Mao Zedong the leader of?
Mao Zedong was one of the most influential leaders of this century. He ushered in a new era of communism in the country that he presided over. The Cultural Revolution was a movement of severe political change that lasted ten years and sought to rid this country of any remnants of capitalism. Unfortunately, we know that many suffered during this time, and the Cultural Revolution has become a sad moment in history. Where did this take place, and what country did Mao preside over?
Who was responsible for coming up with the Law of Gravity?
Depicted here in cartoon form is the man who is responsible for coming up with the Law of Gravity! The Law of Gravity explains how things move on our planet and is one of the greatest springboards for other scientific and mathematical principles. It changed the entire way that we calculate certain scientific reactions and is considered to be one of the greatest revelations of humanity! What person sat under an apple tree and accidentally discovered this amazing natural law?
What famous ocean liner sank in 1912?
Pictured here is a ship that many thought to be "unsinkable". This iron titan of the seas set sail on its maiden voyage from Ireland and was supposed to land in New York but never made it. The stories of those who survived tell of a fateful night when the ocean liner hit an iceberg and the unsinkable ship sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Even now, over 100 years later, we are still fascinated by this story.
Who is the religious figure depicted in this picture?
Travel anywhere in Southeast Asia and it is very likely that one will come across this figure, depicted usually in gold and surrounded by a magnificent temple. The figure seen here is the leader of one of the most influential religions on the planet. He existed in real life and was an Indian Prince who turned his back on his crown and decided to go down the path of enlightenment and start a new religion. Who was he? Answer below.
What is the name of this mysterious island full of statues?
This island contains one of the greatest mysteries on the planet. It belongs up there with Stonehenge because nobody really quite understands how these gigantic human faces and heads came to be on this remote island in the middle of the ocean! It is one of the most remote places on Earth and it is extremely expensive to travel to, but those who are lucky enough to see it consider it to be one of the biggest life-changing events that has ever happened to them.
Who famously called to “tear down this wall” in response to the Berlin Wall?
Pictured here is an event that totally shaped the modern world, the fall of the Berlin Wall. During the Cold War between Russia (known then as the U.S.S.R.) and The United States, there was a wall built between East and West Berlin that separated families and loved ones. The East belonged to the U.S.S.R. and the West belonged to Western Europe. For decades nobody could cross the wall, but on one fateful night in 1989, the wall fell. Who famously called for that to happen?
Which conqueror led the Mongols?
Only true history nerds will be able to get this one right, but give us the best guess from the four choices below! This conqueror is arguably the greatest of all time. His empire spread farther than any in ancient times- or even our modern world. It is actually speculated that 25 percent of human DNA can be traced directly to his line. He was fearsome, cunning and able to keep hold of his Mongol empire for many years. Who was he?
What monarch famously said “let them eat cake?"
The French Revolution was one of the most influential European events that has ever happened. It was the first time that the old order of nobility was threatened by an uprising working class. It also set the stage for many parts of America to hold a revolution and other uprisings against unfair monarchial practices. What famous French monarch famously called for the country's peasants to "eat cake" when they complained that they had no bread? Tell us her name below.
What was the name of Martin Luther King Jr's famous speech?
Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential Civil Rights Leaders in all of America's history. During the toxic era of Jim Crow, he was a force to be reckoned with- calling for everyone to stand together and promote equality and freedom for everyone. Today, he is honored in Washington D.C. where he made one of the most famous speeches in America's history. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King gave his most quoted speech.
What famous canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans?
This canal, picture here, became one of the most critical paths for trade and solved the problem of navigating all the way around a continent. It links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is one of the marvels of the modern engineering world. Famously noted in songs, folklore, and stories, this canal is a popular tourist destination in the country it belongs to- and until recently, that country did not have the rights to the canal. What is the name of this canal?
Where did the gladiators fight?
From modern-day seafaring to ancient times, let's go all the way back to Rome and talk about the gladiators. The gladiators were famous warriors who fought for sport and entertainment in practices that would seem cruel and excessive by modern standards- but were very common in ancient times. They fought in a specific venue that anyone can still visit today, depicted in this picture. Who knows what that venue was called? Where did these fierce ancient gladiators fight? Choose below.
Where is the U.S. Liberty Bell?
The Liberty Bell is one of the biggest symbols of the new United States government and rejection of colonization rule. Its symbolic crack and weathered appearance are iconic in depictions of the bell, which range from knick-knacks and miniature to appearances on television, to cartoons. The United States Liberty Bell is a major tourist attraction that brings in thousands of people every year. If one wanted to check out this iconic bell, what city would one have to go visit?
Who built Machu Picchu?
The lush green cloud-covered mountains of the Andes are home to one of the most incredible marvels of the world, Machu Picchu- the sky-high ruins in Peru that draw in thousands upon thousands of visitors every year. Located at the end of the famed Inca Trail, Machu Picchu was once a religious destination and remains a puzzling and beautiful testament to the ability of our ancestors to create amazing pieces of architecture. What group of people built Machu Picchu? Answer below.
What natural event devastated fourteen countries on the day after Christmas in 2004?
The day after Christmas in 2004 was like no other. All around the world, the seas pulled back and then released in a fierce and deadly display of nature's power. This event devestated the coastlines of fourteen countries and took the lives of countless people in its wake. In some places, recovery is still happening even ten years after the fact! What was the name of this horrible natural disaster that rocked the world on the day after Christmas in 2004?
What invention is depicted in this picture?
This black and white picture depicts one of the most important inventions in the modern world. Before it, information was not easily accessible to everyone. It really revolutionized the way that we can spread information! Today, it might be seen as something of a relic, but we still use variations of it all of the time! Chances are, everyone has heard the name of this invention in their history classes so dig deep and give us the right answer below.
Who were the first people to take to the skies in an airplane?
Today we might take flying for granted but it wasn't always that way! Humans were not always able to take the skies and get from Point A to Point B. The world is a much smaller place thanks to the contributions of these people who invented the first edition of the modern airplane and proved that humans were able to have wings! Their invention was one of the most important of the modern era. Who were they? Tell us below.
Who was defeated at Waterloo?
ABBA fans will be familiar with Waterloo, but the real events of what happened there are a lot less bubbly and catchy than the song! Waterloo is now famously slang for bearing a huge defeat or meeting a foe that one just cannot beat. Waterloo was also the place where one of the most influential and important conquerers of the modern time met his ultimate fate. Who was defeated at Waterloo? Check out the four choices below and let us know!
Who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling?
Check out the picture that comes along with this question- now think about the logistics of painting all of that beauty on a wall, let alone upside down on a ceiling! A masterful artist was certainly responsible for the beautiful Sistine Chapel ceiling, but who knows who it was? There have been plenty of amazing artists all throughout history who have given their contributions to society, so it really could be any of the four that we have listed below. Choose one!
What sickness spread through Europe in the Middle Ages?
This scary man in a mask is not some kind of steampunk crow- it's a doctor who treated people in Europe during one of the darkest times in the continent's history. There have been many events that shook Europe to the core, but this one, which lasted for five whole years, was easily one of the worst! This event came about because of bad sanitation practices, lack of knowledge about the spread of disease and other elements. What was it?
Who wrote The Odyssey?
The Odyssey is one of the greatest works of fiction that was ever written. This epic poem has been made into many movies, plays and even cartoons. Even though it was written in ancient times, it still has a pull on modern people today! The staying power of The Odyssey is a testament to how well it was written and how incredible the story of Odysseus, the king who just wants to get back home, is. Who wrote this masterpiece?
What mythical treasures did the Spanish conquistadors hope to find in South America?
When conquistadors from Spain arrived in South America they were overcome by a sense of greed which fueled their quest to conquer. This greed was based on a rumor that the New World contained some of the most incredible riches on the planet, specifically these types of treasures that would be worth millions even today! Although the Spanish never did find these treasures, there is an airport in Colombia named "El Dorado" as a reference to their failed quest for treasure.
What year was the first iPhone rolled out in?
There is no doubt that the iPhone totally changed our world. People who previously were okay with the smartphones of the past suddenly became addicted to the brand new, powerful, sleek iPhones that were rolled out by Apple in this year. Although we have been through tons of different versions so it might seem like iPhones have always been around, they were not! They are actually relatively new and the first one was launched in this year that changed the smartphone world.
What does the Mason-Dixon Line separate?
This picture shows a sign that depicts something called the Mason-Dixon Line. It is a famous divide that separates two places and has been fictionalized in books, television shows, popular culture and songs for years. Everyone has probably heard of the Mason-Dixon Line, but who remembers what it actually is? Dig deep into that historical knowledge and try to think about eighth-grade Advanced Placement history class. Ringing any bells? Give us a very best guess for what the Mason-Dixon Line separates.
Which founding father is known for his large signature?
Let's talk about something that changed the United States. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most critical documents from the colonial times. It declares the United States separate from the United Kingdom and is sometimes even seen as a declaration of war because it snubs the colonizing country and declares freedom for the colonies. There was one famous signer of the Declaration of Independence who signed his name large enough for "King George to see". Who was this famous signer?
Who was the first man on the moon?
It was "one small step for man but one giant leap for mankind" when this famous astronaut fulfilled a country's dream to end the Space Race by being the first person to set foot on the moon. For years, many countries had been angling to be the first in space, and that mission was finally accomplished in 1968 when Apollo 11 landed on the moon and this astronaut made his famous first step. Who was the first man on the moon?
What movie followed a man from Greenbow, Alabama through many famous historical events?
This movie was a huge hit in the 1990s. It was the perfect mix of an epic love story, nostalgic romp through history and unlikely hero tale- all with a rocking soundtrack that spanned decades. We followed along, delighted at all of the famous historical figures and influencers the main character came across- plus how many important events he found himself a part of. The man from Greenbow, Alabama lived an extraordinary life and became the center of one of the most cherished movies of all time.
Who was the Goddess of Love in ancient Greek mythology?
Greek mythology is so interesting because it has a whole cast of colorful characters that rule every part of the Earth and nearly every emotion, including one of our favorite emotions! We're talking, of course, about love. The Greeks had a special Goddess whose domain was the realm of love. She is often referenced in classic art, movies, and even modern music where the Goddess of Love is depicted as almost the perfect woman! Who remembers what her name was?
What invention revolutionized the world in the early 1990s?
It is hard to imagine life without this invention. It debuted in the early 1990s and was initially very slow, clunky and hard to navigate. Even worse, if someone else in the house wanted to make a call they could easily knock one off the platform! Now, this invention is such a huge part of our lives that it blows the mind to think that only thirty years ago people lived their whole lives without it! Who knows what invention we are talking about?
What iconic children's character is the best friend of Winnie the Pooh?
This character, pictured here, is the best friend of everyone's favorite childhood honey-loving bear! As children, we followed the adventures of Pooh and his crew through the Hundred Acre Wood along with their human friend Christopher Robin. Winnie the Pooh was a staple of many childhoods and his lovable friends were always there too, including this adorable pig who tended to be a little more shy and cautious than his honey chasing best bud! Who was Winnie the Pooh's best friend?
What mountain, pictured here, is the highest in Africa?
Towering over Tanzania, this mountain which has been popularized in books, songs, and pop culture is the highest in all of Africa. Toto famously referenced it in their ode to Africa, talking about it rising like Olympus above the Serengeti Every year many people journey to Tanzania to take on this mammoth mountain that rises a dizzying 5,895 meters above sea level. The big perk is that the view is like nothing else in the world! What is Africa's highest mountain?