Sixty Seconds in Kingdom Come Trivia Quiz

Answer: Leonard Cohen

"Hallelujah" is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It has become one of Cohen's most famous and widely covered compositions. The song was first released on his 1984 album "Various Positions". Despite it later becoming Cohen's best-known song, it was not an instant hit. In fact, it only made it to no. 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and only to no. 17 on the Canadian charts.

"Hallelujah" is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of love, spirituality, and the complexities of the human experience. The lyrics contain biblical references, allusions to romantic relationships, and reflections on the struggles and triumphs of life. Over the years, "Hallelujah" has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, contributing to its status as a modern-day classic. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and various cultural events.

Perhaps the best-known cover version, and the most successful, is the 1994 rendition by Jeff Buckley. It made it to no. 1 on the US Billboard Digital Songs list.

Answer: Geraldine Brooks

Geraldine Brooks is an Australian-American author and journalist known for her historical fiction novels. Brooks' works often explore historical events and figures with a focus on the lives of women and the impact of war. Her 2005 novel "March" which follows the fictional Mr. March of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize.

"The Secret Chord" is a historical novel by Geraldine Brooks, published in 2015. The novel reimagines the life of King David, a central figure in the Bible known for his role as a shepherd, warrior, as well as the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, after King Saul. The title "The Secret Chord" is a reference to the harp played by David as well as a metaphor for the complexities of human nature.

Answer: Richard Gere

"King David" is a Biblical epic film released in 1985 which was directed by Bruce Beresford. The film stars Richard Gere in the titular role of King David, Alice Krige as Bathsheba, and Edward Woodward as King Saul. The screenplay was written by Andrew Birkin, James Costigan, and Beresford, based on the Biblical accounts of King David's life.

The film covers significant events from the life of King David as portrayed in the biblical narratives. It begins with David as a young shepherd who gains recognition by defeating the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone. It ends with David's triumphant reign as king after defeating his son Absalom who tried to rise up against him.

"King David" is not considered to be one of the more successful or critically acclaimed Biblical movies. Richard Gere's casting as the King David was met with some controversy (despite the fact that his acting was praised) and the film did not achieve as much success as was hoped.

Answer: Georgia

The Bagrationi are a royal family that historically ruled the Kingdom of Georgia. The Bagrationis are one of the oldest royal families in the world, with a history dating back over a thousand years. The name "Bagrationi" is derived from the Bagratid dynasty, which was the ruling dynasty of medieval Georgia, starting in the 8th century. In fact, they were in charge of the country, in one form or another, up until the early 19th century.

The Bagrationi dynasty played a crucial role in the history of the Kingdom of Georgia, overseeing periods of expansion, cultural development, and political influence. The Bagrationi dynasty claimed to be descended from the Biblical King David. This claim was used to legitimize their rule and reinforce their royal status. The connection to King David is a common theme in various European and Middle Eastern royal families, known as the "Davidic line", which trace d their ancestry back to a popular and well-known ruler. Historians now agree that this claim is false, but nevertheless, their connection to the King of Israel was believable at the time.

Answer: Poland

"Hagith" is an opera composed by Karol Szymanowski, a Polish composer, and it is part of his early works. Szymanowski wrote "Hagith" between 1913 and 1918, and it represents his move toward Impressionism and Orientalism, influenced by his fascination with Middle Eastern and Far Eastern cultures. The libretto was written by Felix Dörmann.

Szymanowski started working on "Hagith" in 1913, but, due to World War I, the composition process was interrupted. The opera was finally completed in 1918. The premiere took place in 1922 in Warsaw. It premiered in Warsaw for the first time in 1922. The opera is a one-act work and is loosely based on the Biblical story from II Samuel, mostly concentrating on King Solomon. The plot revolves around the character of Hagith, a beautiful and captivating woman, and her relationships with King Solomon and Astaroth, a demon.

Karol Szymanowski is considered one of the most important Polish composers of the 20th century. In addition to operas, he composed symphonies, chamber music, and piano works. His later works such as the "Stabat Mater" and the "Symphony No. 3" (known as the "Song of the Night") are very well-acclaimed.

Answer: Spades

The origin of playing cards is a subject of historical debate, but it is widely accepted that playing cards originated in Asia and gradually spread to other parts of the world. The earliest known references to playing cards come from China, where they are believed to have originated during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th to 10th centuries. Through trade, playing cards eventually reached Europe around the 14th century.

The early decks had varied designs, and different regions had their own suits and symbols. Common suits included cups, coins, swords, and polo sticks. The use of standardized suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) began to emerge in Europe during the late 15th century. Of all the face cards, the king is the oldest and most commonly found throughout history.

When the French began to produce playing cards, they assigned a personality to each card of a historical persona. The Paris convention, which outlasted all other cards, had Charlemagne as the King of Hearts, Julius Caesar as the King of Diamonds, Alexander the Great as the King of Clubs, and, yes, King David as the King of Spades. The King of Spades is therefore traditionally depicted holding both a sword and a lyre/harp in the style of King David.

Answer: Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most significant cities in the world, holding deep religious, historical, and cultural importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is located in the State of Israel, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Biblical narrative regarding King David's conquest of Jerusalem from the Jebusites is primarily found in II Samuel. Despite the Jebusites' confidence in the strength of their walls, David and his men successfully captured the fortress of Zion, marking the conquest of the newly-named City of David. Over the next three millennia, the city has been conquered and ruled by various empires, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and British.

Modern Jerusalem serves as the capital of the State of Israel. The city is divided into West Jerusalem, which has been a part of Israel since 1948, and East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Jordan from 1948 to 1967. The Old City of Jerusalem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. Some of the notable sights in the Old City include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Tower of David.

Answer: Head of Goliath

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, was an Italian Baroque painter whose intense and realistic style had a profound impact on the art world of the early 17th century. He was born on September 29, 1571, in Milan, Italy, and died on July 18, 1610, in Porto Ercole. He began his artistic career as an apprentice to various painters in Milan before moving to Rome around 1592. He absorbed influences from the Renaissance and Counter-Reformation art of the time. He is is well-renowned for his naturalistic approach and dramatic use of shadow as a contrast to light, a technique known as chiaroscuro. His works often create a theatrical and emotional atmosphere.

"David with the Head of Goliath" are two paintings done by Caravaggio. The first one was created around 1600 when Caravaggio was in Rome. It is a powerful and dramatic portrayal of the aftermath of David's victory. The young David, with a contemplative expression, holds the severed head of the defeated Goliath. This one can be found in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Gemäldegalerie in Vienna, Austria.

The later version was done between in 1605 or from 1609 to 1610 (scholars differ) and has an interesting twist when you observe the severed head. The head of Goliath bears a striking resemblance to the artist himself! Some art historians believe that Caravaggio was expressing remorse and self-reflection due to his troubled life. This one is hanging in the Galleria Borghese, Rome.

Answer: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small but diverse country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It's capital and largest city is San José and it is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including tropical rainforests, mountains, and beautiful beaches.

From 1823 to 1841, Costa Rica was a part of the short-lived Federal Republic of Central America. When they adopted their provincial flag, their first official one, it was all white with a red solid Star of David in the center.

When I was in Costa Rica, I saw many people wearing Stars of David around their necks. When I asked whether they were Jewish, they said no, but that King David was their patrón, or guardian, as he was for the majority of people in the country.

Answer: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor, architect, painter, and playwright who played a crucial role in the Baroque art movement. He was born in Napoli, Italy, in 1598, and his career unfolded during a time when the Baroque style was at its height in Europe. He passed away in 1680 in the Italian Papal States.

Bernini's life-sized sculpture of David is a dynamic portrayal of the biblical hero in the act of hurling a stone at Goliath. The intense expression and the dramatic pose showcase Bernini's ability to create powerful and emotive sculptures. Unlike Donatello and Michelangelo, David is depicted with more maturity and his nudity is covered.

This statue can be found in Rome's Galleria Borghese.