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Quiz about Historical Miscellany
Quiz about Historical Miscellany

Historical Miscellany Trivia Quiz


Odd little tid-bits from the days of yesteryear.

A multiple-choice quiz by brutus_cassius. Estimated time: 6 mins.
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Time
6 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
87,633
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Avg Score
4 / 10
Plays
1871
Last 3 plays: Guest 62 (7/10), Guest 120 (4/10), Guest 144 (7/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. William I of England's successor came to a infamous end: shot through the heart whilst hunting alone with a favourite. Foul play? Court intrigue? Regardless: he is known to history by his nickname: ___________ .

Answer: (Think folically!)
Question 2 of 10
2. Henry Tudor accused this man of murdering the 'Princes in the Tower' on orders from Richard III: Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. According to ancient sources, what did the assassins of Caesar cry out while leaving the scene of the murder? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Who was killed at Holyrood on March 9th, 1566? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. The era of Cromwellian rule is known as the _________ period. Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Where did the future Duke of Wellington first prove his military competency? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Which famous Frenchman tried to shoot himself to cheat the guillotine and failed? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. The carnage of these two battles inspired the foundation of the Red Cross: Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. The motto of the infamous SS: Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Her influence on her son may have prompted the St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre: Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 26 2024 : Guest 62: 7/10
Mar 17 2024 : Guest 120: 4/10
Mar 11 2024 : Guest 144: 7/10
Mar 04 2024 : Guest 5: 6/10
Feb 19 2024 : Guest 66: 3/10

Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. William I of England's successor came to a infamous end: shot through the heart whilst hunting alone with a favourite. Foul play? Court intrigue? Regardless: he is known to history by his nickname: ___________ .

Answer: William Rufus

A "new" theory (see Hugh Ross Williamson's "Historical Enigmas", reprinted by Penguin in 2000 as "Who was the Man in the Iron Mask and other Historical Mysteries") suggests that Rufus, a patron of Cathar troubadours from the south of France, could have "given" himself in a ritualistic self-sacrifice linked to the Cathar and Druidic belief that in times of crisis the king must give his blood for his land. Years of poor harvests and a general feeling of unease were recorded by period chroniclers. It is further interesting to note that William Rufus' nephew died in a similar manner the preceeding year: did he die trying to save his sovereign from having to participate in the ritual?
2. Henry Tudor accused this man of murdering the 'Princes in the Tower' on orders from Richard III:

Answer: James Tyrell, Constable of Guisnes

A re-evaluation of period sources suggest that the Princes were likely murdered on Henry's orders. When Henry entered London he proclaimed (in a decree aimed to legitmise his seizure of the throne) a litany of Richard's supposed crimes and denounced them: surprisngly he omitted the Princes, Richard's supposed most dastardly act. Where they still alive perhaps?

Richard had nothing to fear from them because he had ensured they had been declared illegitimate. After his victory Henry needed, for political reasons, to re-instate the legitimacy of the Prince's familial claim to the throne. At this point they became a distinct liability and a possible rallying point for the remaining Yorkists. Exeunt the Princes. For more info on this subject I suggest reading Williamson's book (see Q.1 answer).

Clarence was another of his supposed victims, though again Williamson says the blood trail leads to Henry. Stanley was the name of the man who defected on Bosworth Field, bringing his troops over to Henry Tudor. Rumour has it that it was Stanley who plucked the crown from a rose bush and gave it to Henry. Henry would later execute him for high treason (his links to the Yorkists in French exile were too srong).
3. According to ancient sources, what did the assassins of Caesar cry out while leaving the scene of the murder?

Answer: Cicero!

Cicero provided intellectual support for the anti-Caesarian faction and had sided with Pompey. He was, however, not trusted to keep his mouth shut and he had proved a bit of a grumbler before Pharsalus so the conspirators decided to surprise him: a fact he complained about bitterly in his letters afterwards.
4. Who was killed at Holyrood on March 9th, 1566?

Answer: David Riccio

Apparently, Darnley (Mary's husband) was worried about losing the throne to Mary's unborn child, so he orchestrated the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, Riccio, hoping the horror of it would cause her to lose her child. Riccio was stabbed some 57 times. Anyone who has ever been to Holyrood and seen the room where it happened will tell you that it sends a shiver down your spine.
5. The era of Cromwellian rule is known as the _________ period.

Answer: Commonwealth

Cromwell was a good general but a poor statesman; and his son was even less worthy. The Commonwealth was doomed to fail, and Charles II returned, by invitation, to the rejoicing of all.
6. Where did the future Duke of Wellington first prove his military competency?

Answer: India

The Duke's brother was a British East India Company executive who landed him the job of fighting the various aggressive indigenous princes and their French advisors.
7. Which famous Frenchman tried to shoot himself to cheat the guillotine and failed?

Answer: Robespierre

Robespierre's foes bandaged his shattered jaw together, convicted him in a kangaroo court and executed him. Saint Just fell with him. Both were responsible for the executions of Danton and his friend Camille.
8. The carnage of these two battles inspired the foundation of the Red Cross:

Answer: Magenta and Solferino

The founder, a Swiss, was present and witnessed the horrible carnage as France and Piedmont fought Austria for control of Italy.
9. The motto of the infamous SS:

Answer: My Loyalty is my Honour

Loyal they may have been, but loyal to an unspeakable evil.
10. Her influence on her son may have prompted the St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre:

Answer: Catherine de Medici

The film "La Reine Margot" depicts the day's events quite well. A bloody moment in history!
Source: Author brutus_cassius

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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