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Historical Geography Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Historical Geography Quizzes, Trivia

Historical Geography Trivia

Historical Geography Trivia Quizzes

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Whatever happened to Burma and Abyssinia? Where did Persia go? And where the heck is Siam? Territorial names and boundaries are forever changing. These quizzes offer geography with a dash of history!
87 Historical Geography quizzes and 1,218 Historical Geography trivia questions.
Sub-Categories:
Old Names/New Names Old Names/New Names (23 quizzes)
1.
Back in the USSR
  Back in the U.S.S.R.   great trivia quiz  
Collection Quiz
 15 Qns
Can you find the fifteen republics of the former Soviet Union, and avoid the red herrings?
Very Easy, 15 Qns, Lottie1001, Nov 26 23
Very Easy
Lottie1001 gold member
Nov 26 23
365 plays
2.
  Capital Places   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
With the geographical information supplied (including latitude and longitude), supplemented with a bit of history, you should be able to locate many if not all of these capital cities.
Average, 10 Qns, uglybird, Aug 14 13
Average
uglybird
21041 plays
3.
  Who Ruled What? - Three-for-One Edition   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Many countries in the world have changed hands a few times throughout history. Can you match each trio of present-day nations with the political entity they were ruled by at some point in the past?
Easier, 10 Qns, LadyNym, Apr 24 23
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
LadyNym gold member
Apr 24 23
523 plays
4.
  Walk These Ancient Streets editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz deals with ten very old cities of mankind, most of which are still occupied today. Some will be known to you, others somewhat harder. So come, walk these ancient streets with me on a journey back through the mists of time.
Average, 10 Qns, Creedy, Jan 03 17
Average
Creedy gold member
3528 plays
5.
  You'll Never Play Trivia in This Town Again! editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
aka "I'm Sure I Parked that Town Somewhere Round Here" or "It's not You - It's Me". This quiz is all about places that have been and gone and are no longer. It comes to you courtesy of an Author Challenge by Amanda77586.
Average, 10 Qns, glendathecat, Nov 04 16
Average
glendathecat
6340 plays
6.
Kyle Ruins Everything
  Kyle. Ruins. Everything!   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Congratulations! You've won a trip to visit ten different unique, historical ruins from around the world! Unfortunately you're stuck traveling with Kyle and, as we all know, he has a tendency to ruin just about everything. Sigh...
Average, 10 Qns, kyleisalive, Jul 19 13
Average
kyleisalive editor
1535 plays
7.
Whats the Deal My Globe Has West Germany On It In 1989, I purchased a globe with colored stones to differentiate the countries. What once was a great deal is now a reminder of how much the geopolitical landscape has changed. Come explore with me alterations to the map that occurred since 1989.
Average, 10 Qns, adam36, Apr 16 14
Average
adam36 gold member
1474 plays
8.
  Disputed Territories   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Irredentism is an international relations term advocating the annexation of territories administered by another on the grounds of ethnicity and or prior historical possession. Here are some recent examples of irredentist claims by two or more parties.
Difficult, 10 Qns, mstanaway, Jul 28 22
Difficult
mstanaway
Jul 28 22
8571 plays
9.
Must See Egypt
  Must See Egypt   top quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Travel with me to Egypt and visit the great archaeological sites and ancient ruins.
Average, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, Jun 07 17
Average
ponycargirl editor
Jun 07 17
1929 plays
10.
  But Where Did It Happen? (1)   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz investigates some major turning points and events throughout time, simply say where they occurred!
Average, 10 Qns, e_lu85, May 25 16
Average
e_lu85
11253 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What nation was once known as the Dutch East Indies?

From Quiz "Former or Alternate Names of Nations"




11.
Passing Through Persepolis
  Passing Through Persepolis   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Today we are going to take an archaeological field trip through the ruins of ancient Persepolis! Hold onto your hat, and come along for the ride!
Average, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, May 09 20
Average
ponycargirl editor
May 09 20
220 plays
12.
  Oh No! This Ruins Everything!   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I decided to become a mapmaker, and it was the worst decision of my life. Every few years some country decides to mess everything up and bam, oh no, it ruins everything. Here are a few contemporary examples of how the world map has changed.
Easier, 10 Qns, adams627, Dec 19 13
Easier
adams627
3239 plays
13.
  Famous Places - Where Are They?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You may have heard of these famous places many times but not know where they are. Now is your chance to find them.
Easier, 10 Qns, shipyardbernie, Aug 08 22
Easier
shipyardbernie gold member
Aug 08 22
824 plays
14.
Roman Ruins outside Rome
  Roman Ruins outside Rome   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Rome may have many historical landmarks, but it is not the only place to view famous Roman ruins. Take a look at these Roman constructions, all of which are outside modern day Italy.
Average, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Jul 30 22
Average
zorba_scank gold member
Jul 30 22
293 plays
15.
Sketching Clues
  Sketching Clues   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
I am looking through a pile of archaeological papers on which there are apparently connected words and sketches. Can you help identify the modern-day settings for these sites?
Average, 10 Qns, suomy, Dec 03 14
Average
suomy
770 plays
16.
  Ancient Cities...Modern Countries   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many cities mentioned in the Bible or in ancient writings are little more than piles of rubble, their glory days long past. Do you know in which modern countries these cities are located?
Average, 10 Qns, lompocjoe, Mar 01 08
Average
lompocjoe
6604 plays
17.
  New Country Quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
During the past couple of decades, a lot of new countries have been formed. I for one have had a hard time keeping up with them- how about you?
Average, 10 Qns, bullymom, Mar 07 20
Average
bullymom
Mar 07 20
10874 plays
18.
  Once They Were Dutch   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Thanks to the strength of their shipping industry, in the 17th century the Dutch managed to acquire a number of overseas territories. In fact, quite a few modern countries - either wholly or partially - were once part of the Dutch colonial empire.
Easier, 10 Qns, LadyNym, Apr 10 19
Easier
LadyNym gold member
Apr 10 19
508 plays
19.
Settle Down
  Settle Down!   top quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Colonization in the 16th and 17th centuries led Europeans to chart their way to new lands in North and Central America by the boat-load. In this quiz, we'll take a look at key settlements from the period, many with present-day staying power.
Average, 10 Qns, kyleisalive, Jul 13 20
Average
kyleisalive editor
Jul 13 20
285 plays
20.
  The Graham Island Affair editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
What do you suppose would happen if an Island erupted from the sea in the midst of a major Mediterranean shipping lane in 1831? Well, one did; and I'm betting you'll have little trouble guessing how 19th century Europeans responded.
Average, 10 Qns, uglybird, Feb 26 13
Average
uglybird
4567 plays
21.
  Cities in Dust   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
This quiz, inspired by a Siouxsie and the Banshees song about Pompeii, is dedicated to some great cities of the past that are no more.
Easier, 10 Qns, LadyNym, Dec 07 20
Easier
LadyNym gold member
Dec 07 20
788 plays
22.
High In The Sky
  High In The Sky   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Can you answer the questions about these tall structures?
Tough, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, Jun 15 14
Tough
ponycargirl editor
982 plays
23.
  Abyssinia in All The Old Familiar Places   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
My quiz is all about countries that no longer exist. It was inspired by a very old stamp album I was given.
Average, 10 Qns, ozzz2002, Jan 07 14
Average
ozzz2002 gold member
2302 plays
24.
  The Former Soviet Republics   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, 15 independent states were created. This quiz covers ten of them. Match the fact with the correct country.
Average, 10 Qns, zorba_scank, Feb 24 23
Average
zorba_scank gold member
Feb 24 23
221 plays
25.
  "Remembrance of Things Past" in Geography   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
My small attempt to place the concrete remains of sites (and some still thriving places) around the world in their historic settings.
Easier, 10 Qns, windrush, Sep 07 18
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
windrush gold member
Sep 07 18
719 plays
26.
  Forgotten Countries #1   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Throughout history, many countries have existed that fell on their own, were taken over by others, or evolved into the countries we know today. This quiz celebrates those forgotten countries.
Tough, 10 Qns, illiniman14, Apr 11 14
Tough
illiniman14 gold member
3754 plays
27.
  Navigating The Nile!   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
I have always hoped to one day take a river cruise down the Nile, but for now it must be a virtual one. See if you can identify the ancient cities that either were incorporated into modern ones or continued to exist on their own to the present day.
Average, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, Oct 26 20
Recommended for grades: 12
Average
ponycargirl editor
Oct 26 20
232 plays
28.
  Not a Penny Less editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
What might have seemed like a large sum at the time, seems a pittance now! This quiz investigates some famous, and infamous, major land purchases. Some are well known, others a little more obscure. I hope you enjoy it!
Average, 10 Qns, MikeMaster99, Aug 26 23
Average
MikeMaster99 gold member
Aug 26 23
1537 plays
29.
  Napoleon's Geography Lesson   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Bonjour! I am the great Napoleon Bonaparte. Come with me and see my world!
Average, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, Sep 27 23
Average
ponycargirl editor
Sep 27 23
1049 plays
30.
  But Where Did It Happen? ( 2 )   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You should know where they happened ... but do you?
Average, 10 Qns, e_lu85, Mar 04 11
Average
e_lu85
5922 plays
31.
  Explorers' Places   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
If it wasn't for explorers there would be far less Geography! See if you can identify the places associated with these intrepid adventurers. This is a team quiz from the Geographers team.
Average, 10 Qns, davejacobs, Nov 14 20
Average
davejacobs
Nov 14 20
324 plays
32.
  Yes! It Has Shrunk   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Various nations used to be far larger in the past than they are now. Can you guess which nation has indeed, shrunk? I will not be including colonial empires or overseas territories.
Average, 10 Qns, rustic_les, Oct 12 12
Average
rustic_les gold member
2111 plays
33.
  In My Own Little Corner   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many people find islands to be their own little corner of the world. Here are a few questions about these little corners of the world that were home to unwilling inhabitants who were banished, exiled, or castaway upon them.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, Jul 28 22
Average
dcpddc478
Jul 28 22
1509 plays
34.
  Rule, Britannia: Remnants of an Empire    
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
Once many places were part of the British Empire, but many gained independence. Match these fifteen places which still have a connection with the United Kingdom with the brief description.
Average, 15 Qns, bernie73, Jul 28 22
Average
bernie73 gold member
Jul 28 22
364 plays
35.
  Following the Blood in the Mediterranean   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
'The Blood of Olympus' by Rick Riordan follows Greek and Roman demi-gods on their quest around the Med. Can you work out which modern-day places they visited?
Average, 10 Qns, suomy, Apr 09 23
Average
suomy
Apr 09 23
505 plays
36.
  See You On The Other Side   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Which side of Turkey was the best place for ancient settlement - the European side or the Asian side?
Average, 10 Qns, ponycargirl, Jul 05 23
Average
ponycargirl editor
Jul 05 23
586 plays
37.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins VIII   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Very Difficult, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Feb 09 11
Very Difficult
knightmyst
2240 plays
38.
  Meet My New Friend   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Since I graduated high school in 1983, many new countries have sprung up all over the world. Can you tell where my new friends are from when you meet them? All are from countries that gained independence between 1983 and 2000.
Average, 10 Qns, andymuenz, Jun 18 15
Average
andymuenz gold member
569 plays
39.
  A Territorial Quiz   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This quiz is extremely territorial! Be careful not to get in its way! Unless...you can answer its questions correctly. Give it a try! It won't bite...too hard. ;)
Tough, 15 Qns, biohazard930, Aug 26 13
Tough
biohazard930
3535 plays
40.
  Forgotten Countries #2    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Throughout history, many countries have existed that fell on their own, were taken over by others, or evolved into the countries we know today. This quiz celebrates those forgotten countries.
Tough, 10 Qns, illiniman14, Mar 24 10
Tough
illiniman14 gold member
1683 plays
41.
  The Past Is a Foreign Country   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The U.S. has had many changes over the years. These geography-themed questions relate to its past.
Average, 10 Qns, littlepup, Feb 03 15
Average
littlepup
785 plays
42.
  Colonies and Territories    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
Do you know which country claimed each colony or territory or what the capital of that colony is or its history? If you do, this is the quiz for you.
Difficult, 20 Qns, AtillatheFun, Feb 15 24
Difficult
AtillatheFun
Feb 15 24
3865 plays
43.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins VI   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Tough, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Mar 30 20
Tough
knightmyst
Mar 30 20
735 plays
44.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins II   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Average, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Aug 07 17
Average
knightmyst
Aug 07 17
1062 plays
45.
  The Silk Road: 7000 Miles of History   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The title of this quiz is similar to that of a wonderful children's book by John S. Major, but the Silk Road was not for kids! How much do you know about the geography and history of trade between China and the West?
Difficult, 10 Qns, LilahDeDah, Jan 19 21
Difficult
LilahDeDah
Jan 19 21
2115 plays
46.
  New Holland    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many European countries vied with each other to explore the world, establish colonies, and lay claim to rich resources. Not all places named 'New Holland' had to do with Dutch colonialism, however.
Average, 10 Qns, reedy, Jan 09 15
Average
reedy gold member
568 plays
47.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins VII   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Although they may now be destroyed, their legacies still live on.
Difficult, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Oct 21 10
Difficult
knightmyst
1285 plays
48.
  Geographical History of Israel's Cities    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz covers the Geography, History, and Historical Geography (or is it Geographical History?) of some of the major cities of Israel.
Difficult, 10 Qns, Headrock, Apr 11 09
Difficult
Headrock
858 plays
49.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins III   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Tough, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Mar 16 10
Tough
knightmyst
686 plays
50.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins IV   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Tough, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Sep 03 13
Tough
knightmyst
625 plays
51.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins I   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Tough, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Mar 11 10
Tough
knightmyst
1099 plays
52.
  British Tribes the Romans Found    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
When the Romans under Claudius invaded in 43 A.D., they found several rival tribes occupying various areas of Southern England. Do you know where they were? If I name the tribal areas, can you place a modern city or town within that area?
Tough, 10 Qns, davejacobs, Jan 26 19
Tough
davejacobs
Jan 26 19
133 plays
53.
  That Island With All The Big Heads On It    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Rapa Nui,or Easter Island as it is now more commonly known as, has remained an enigma for many people over the last 300 or so years. This quiz will answer some of the questions you may have about it and confirm some of the facts you already know.
Difficult, 10 Qns, damnsuicidalroos, Mar 15 14
Difficult
damnsuicidalroos
1925 plays
54.
  Went to a Garden Party    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many people enjoy the beauty and fragrances of expansive flower gardens. However, the term "garden" can reference many different descriptions in our world's geography, not just plant life. Please enjoy this quiz about a number of the world's gardens.
Average, 10 Qns, Toneman52, Sep 30 12
Average
Toneman52
575 plays
55.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins IX    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Although they may now be destroyed, their legacies still live on.
Tough, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Mar 28 11
Tough
knightmyst
509 plays
56.
  Countries Founded: 1990s to 2010s    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Over 20 countries were created after the USSR and Yugoslavia were dissolved in the early 1990s. Others later broke away in other places due to political differences and racial issues.
Average, 10 Qns, sw11, Jul 21 19
Average
sw11 gold member
Jul 21 19
473 plays
57.
  Former Independent Countries    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
I want the name of a country that once, at least formally, was independent, or had a semi-independent or 'free state' status, but is now part of one or more other countries. I will give you the period of independence and the continent.
Tough, 25 Qns, author, Aug 02 20
Tough
author
Aug 02 20
1390 plays
58.
  Declarations of Independence    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In this quiz I give you four countries and you have to decide which one declared independence first. Countries, whose independence wasn't recognised at first, count.
Tough, 10 Qns, quel_tipo, Nov 26 22
Tough
quel_tipo
Nov 26 22
925 plays
59.
  Geography of Ancient Egypt    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Egypt is a very different country today than it was in the past. How much do you know about this country's ancient geography?
Tough, 10 Qns, CraniumMaximus, Jan 28 23
Tough
CraniumMaximus
Jan 28 23
450 plays
60.
  Historic and Ancient Ruins V    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ruins from different countries and cultures all over the world tell fascinating stories of their distant pasts. Though now they may be destroyed, their legacies still live on and on...
Difficult, 10 Qns, knightmyst, Oct 07 14
Difficult
knightmyst
624 plays
61.
  Cities and Sites of Ancient Egypt    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Egypt is one of the most amazing places to visit historical sites. Join me as I explore a few of them.
Tough, 10 Qns, theskink, Aug 15 10
Tough
theskink
524 plays
62.
  No Longer Capitals 5    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
This is my fifth former capitals quiz. This time I name the former capital, you name the country.
Very Difficult, 25 Qns, author, Feb 18 15
Very Difficult
author
2573 plays
63.
  Short-lived 20th Century States    
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
In this quiz I will give you the name of the capital of a no longer existing state and the time of its existence. You give me the name of the state (which often was not acknowledged by anyone).
Tough, 20 Qns, author, Jan 09 24
Tough
author
Jan 09 24
865 plays
64.
  Etymology of the Old Names of Asian Countries    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Match the meaning of the names of some historical regions in Asia.
Average, 10 Qns, sw11, Jul 24 20
Average
sw11 gold member
Jul 24 20
140 plays

Historical Geography Trivia Questions

1. Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills were the leader and second-in-command respectively of an expedition to cross unknown territory in 1860-1861. Where did they die?

From Quiz
Explorers' Places

Answer: Cooper Creek, Australia

The Burke and Wills expedition was promoted by the Royal Society of Victoria. The aim was first to travel from Melbourne to Cooper's Creek (near the area where the borders of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet) and then to proceed north through unknown territory to reach the Gulf of Carpentaria, thus to complete the first journey from the south to north of Australia. Leaving a depot at Cooper's Creek, the expedition made it to the north of Queensland, but only three men made it back to Cooper's Creek. It is one of those historical tragedies that only a few hours before they arrived, the camp had been cleared and the men who had been left there had started on the return to Melbourne. Both Burke and Wills died in that vicinity, while the third man John King was found by an eventual rescue party living with a native tribe. King was the only man to complete the journey both ways. These men (Burke and Wills) are not to be confused with Burke and Hare who were notorious for obtaining corpses and selling them to Robert Knox for his Edinburgh anatomy lectures. [D]

2. Which was the first Baltic state to declare independence, on 11 March 1990?

From Quiz Countries Founded: 1990s to 2010s

Answer: Lithuania

Founded in 1009, Lithuania was once a powerful empire which dominated much of east Europe during the 14th-16th centuries. For the next two centuries, it became part of the Polish-Lithuanian confederation. From 1772 to 1795, it lost most its territories to the Russian Empire. In 1918, it became independent after WWI. In 1944, it was again annexed by the USSR after the Russians defeated the Germans in WWII. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania seceded from the USSR. On 6 September 1991, its independence was fully recognized when the USSR was dissolved. Its capital city is Vilnius.

3. Where is the Trafalgar of the famous Battle Of Trafalgar?

From Quiz Famous Places - Where Are They?

Answer: Spain

The Battle Of Trafalgar was named after Cape Trafalgar in Spain. The sea battle was fought between Napoleon's combined French and Spanish fleets and the Royal Navy on 21 October 1805. It took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Spain. The Royal Navy was led by Lord Horatio Nelson and the French/Spanish navies were led by the French Vice-Admiral Pierre-Charles-Jean-Baptiste-Silvestre de Villeneuve.

4. The state of Virginia used to include two cities, Wheeling and Charleston. What happened to them?

From Quiz The Past Is a Foreign Country

Answer: They were included in the new state of West Virginia when it was formed in 1863

The western counties of Virginia voted to split off from the rest of the state during the Civil War and formed the new state of West Virginia. They achieved statehood in 1863, with Wheeling as the capital. In 1885, the capital was finally settled in the more centrally located city of Charleston.

5. While various claims have been made as to who first discovered this island, it was dubbed New Holland (Nieuw-Holland) by Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman in 1644, a name it carried until the 19th century. Which island?

From Quiz New Holland

Answer: Australia

The discovery of the island continent of Australia was documented by the Netherlands (Willem Janszoon in 1606), but there are also claims by Portugal, China, France, Spain, and India that may precede that date. Documentation, however, is the key determining factor to this point. The whole of the continent was called New Holland until the establishment of New South Wales on the eastern portion of the island. From then on, the western portion was referred to as New Holland. The name Australia was suggested in 1804 by British navigator Matthew Flinders, but it would be another twenty years before it came into common use, and even then, both names continued to be used for some time.

6. The year is 10,000 BC, and this ancient city, which stretches back so far into the past, can even be found mentioned in the Bible. Can you blow your trumpet and march around its walls seven times, and then tell me its name?

From Quiz Walk These Ancient Streets

Answer: Jericho

Jericho is located on the west bank of the Jordan River and has been the site of ongoing conflicts between Israel, Jordan and Palestine for many years. It began around 10,000 BC as a place to meet. A spring was a focal watering point for various groups of hunter-gatherers to gather in that part of the world. Within a few hundred years, a permanent settlement began to grow there. By 9,000 BC, small, circular homes were built, burial sites were established and its society base had started to gradually move from those of hunter-gatherers to that of domesticated cereal growers. Evidence has been found by archaeologists in our modern age that reveals, even way back then, the structure of a large wall that was built around the village. That wall and its follow up improvements was to figure significantly in the later biblical story of Joshua and the Israelites. This story tells of their march around it every day for a week, before a triumphant blast on their trumpets brought it tumbling down, thus enabling that nation of people to return to the Promised Land following several centuries of dwelling in Egypt. Following the initial founding of Jericho, thousands of years of invasion appears to have been their lot in life, as the site was taken over, almost abandoned and then rebuilt on, again and again, by successive waves of conquerors. Between 4,500 and 2,600 BC the city had expanded significantly, however. By approximately 1,700 BC it had grown to be a prosperous and thriving centre, with a strong defensive wall to hold off any would-be invaders. Until Joshua came along, that is, when the city was all but destroyed by the Israelites. Yet somehow it managed to survive as small isolated groups of people and buildings. From that period until the 11th century AD, and then right up again to the 19th century AD, the bruised site continued to be occupied by other nations, ending with its subjugation and control by the Ottoman Empire. Following World War I and the fall of that empire, the city grew again, but always as a focal point between the violently clashing religions and ideologies of this troubled area. By the early 21st century, with its rich history stretching back over thousands of years, Jericho boasted a population of some 20,000 residents. Today it has banks, schools, a casino, hospitals, industries and many ancient biblical and historical sites that draw tourists like swarms of busy bees. Its population is young and strong, thriving farming communities surround the city and many groves of banana trees provide additional income. Most of all perhaps, because of its age and rich history, this ancient city is an irresistible site for archaeologists, as they strive endlessly to go back further and further into Jericho's fascinating and compelling past.

7. The Straits Settlements existed for almost 80 years, until it dissolved in 1946. Which strait did the colony take its name from?

From Quiz Abyssinia in All The Old Familiar Places

Answer: Strait of Malacca

The colony came into existence in 1826. It comprised various settlements claimed by the British Empire, and included Penang, Malacca and Singapore. Later, such diverse outposts as Labuan (on the island of Borneo) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean were added. After WWII, the geography of southeast Asia changed, with Penang, Malacca and Singapore becoming part of Malaya. Further changes saw Singapore break away to become an independent country, and the remnants of the Malayan Federation became Malaysia. Cocos (Keeling) Islands became Australian territory.

8. The colonizers of the colony Chalcedon settled in Anatolia. What is another name for the region?

From Quiz See You On The Other Side

Answer: Asia Minor

Historically Anatolia is considered to roughly correspond to the western two-thirds of Asian Turkey. Many ancient peoples lived there before the Greeks arrived, including the Hittites, known for their iron-making skills, and the Lydians, who, according to Herodotus, made the first gold and silver coins. The land was part of the great Assyrian and Persian empires; as with most of the nearby area, Anatolia was eventually incorporated into the Roman Empire.

9. The Manahatta band of the Lenape (also known as Delaware Indians) received trade goods worth 60 guilders from Peter Minuit in 1626 in exchange for which island at the mouth of the Hudson River?

From Quiz Not a Penny Less

Answer: Manhattan

Manhattan Island, 22.7 square miles (59 kmĀ²) in area and 2.3 miles (3.7 km) in width at its widest point, strategically guards the entrance to the Hudson River (which provided easy access to mid and upstate New York). Dutch interests in Manhattan were originally focused on Fort Amsterdam as protection from possible attack by other European colonial powers. The Dutch sought ownership of this land to protect their farms and investments. Fort Amsterdam slowly grew into what is now New York City. The original deed of purchase has been lost so exact details of the trade goods are not known.

10. Which ancient Egyptian city lies on the site of present-day Cairo?

From Quiz Geography of Ancient Egypt

Answer: Memphis

Cairo today lies near the ruins of several ancient Egyptian cities, including Giza and Memphis. Kerma was the capital of Nubia, a kingdom to the south of Egypt. Aswan lies further upstream on the Nile, and so does Abydos.

11. This garden is one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". It is also the only "Wonder" that some experts say never existed. What is the name of this lushly appointed place?

From Quiz Went to a Garden Party

Answer: Hanging Gardens of Babylon

If they ever existed the Gardens were probably in present day Iraq. If believed it was built by King Nebuchadnezzar II to appease his homesick wife who longed for the various plants of her homeland of Media, now a part of modern Iraq. Descriptions of the size of the garden have led ancient scholars and experts to believe that it would have required a minimum of 8,000 gallons of water a day to sustain the plants. The availability of that volume of water, in that area, is questionable.

12. Which Atlantic island served as a place of exile for the last years of Emperor Napoleon I's life?

From Quiz In My Own Little Corner

Answer: St. Helena

Located 1,200 miles to the west of Africa, in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean, St. Helena is an incredibly remote location. When the Portuguese discovered it in 1502, the island was void of human inhabitants. It was not long before the island was used as a penal colony as well as a place of exile. The abundant flora and fauna on the island, as well as easily obtainable fresh water made this island an important haven for ships crossing the Atlantic.

13. The capital and largest city of this "Isle of Beauty," was where I, Napoleon, was born.

From Quiz Napoleon's Geography Lesson

Answer: Corsica

Corsica's beaches, mountains, and scenery make it a beautiful place. My native Corsica has had an interesting history, being controlled in ancient times by Carthage, Greece, and Rome. It was subsequently invaded by the Vandals, Visigoths, Saracens, and the Lombards. In 756 the Frankish King, Pepin, gave it to the pope. From 1347-1729 Corsica was controlled by Genoa. My great-grandfather, Giuseppe, established a family home (Casa Buonaparte) in Ajaccio in 1682. At the time of my birth, my father, Carlo, was fighting in a guerrilla army in an attempt to free Corsica from the French, who purchased the island in 1770. Don't forget to visit my home and Ajaccio Cathedral while you are there!

14. This site was not actually a city but a necropolis. Its most magnificent burial is the Step Pyramid of the third Dynasty Pharaoh, Djoser. Located just outside of the Old Kingdom capital, what is this site?

From Quiz Cities and Sites of Ancient Egypt

Answer: Saqqara

In early Egypt, many pharaohs remained buried at Abydos (the traditional burial site before the unification of Egypt). However, they would leave a cenotaph, such as a pyramid or mastaba, at Saqqara.

15. The construction of this medieval castle in Algarve, Portugal commenced in the late 12th century AD by the Moors. It was said to be one of the seven castles represented on the flag of Portugal. What was the name of this medieval castle?

From Quiz Historic and Ancient Ruins VII

Answer: Paderne

Paderne was built by the Moors in the late 12th century AD. When Afonso III, King of Portugal, ascended the throne in 1248 AD, he waged war against the Moorish state of Algarve in 1249 AD and succeeded in driving out the Moors. With this victory, not only did he complete the Reconquista in Portugal, but also greatly increased the land area of Portugal. During the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, Paderne Castle suffered great devastation and was left in ruins.

16. Founded by Phoenicians around 7th century BC, Lixus later became part of the Carthaginian Empire. Thought to be where the Garden of Hesperides stood, Hercules reputedly set out in his quest for the Golden Apples. Which country is Lixus located in?

From Quiz Historic and Ancient Ruins IV

Answer: Morocco

Lixus, located in Northern Morocco, started out as a Phoenician colony sometime in 7th century BC. Garum was an important export commodity in ancient times and ruins of a garum factory can be seen in modern Lixus. When Cyrus the Great conquered Phoenicia in 539 BC, many Phoenicians fled to their colonies. Carthage then began to expand westwards and absorbed cities like Lixus and ended somewhere near Essaouira, famous for its purple dye from Murex snails. Phoenician in Greek means "purple dye".

17. Presiding from their seats at Angkor since the ninth century AD, kings from the Khmer Empire exercised their power and built magnificent temples and huge reservoirs. What country is Angkor located in?

From Quiz Historic and Ancient Ruins VI

Answer: Cambodia

Built in jungle surroundings, the size and beauty of Angkor in its heyday was unrivaled throughout the world. More than a thousand temples were located in Angkor itself. A huge man-made reservoir was created, which was known as West Beray. The inhabitants of Angkor cultivated rice. Fish were caught in Tonle Sap, a freshwater lake south of Angkor. To the north of Angkor was a sacred mountain range in Cambodia, known as Phnom Kulen. Sandstone from Phnom Kulen was used to build temples in Angkor. Hundreds of lingas were carved on the bed of the mountain streams, so that the streams would be sanctified and purified before reaching the temples of Angkor. Reference: "Cambodia: History of Angkor" (YouTube.com)

18. Ur was an ancient city in Mesopotamia, located near the mouth of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It's considered to be one of the earliest known cities in world history...but where is it today?

From Quiz Ancient Cities...Modern Countries

Answer: Iraq

When it was constructed around 2600 B.C. (after an earlier settlement in the area was abandoned) Ur was a favored land and sea center due to its location on the two mighty rivers. Over the millennia, marine regression has caused a shift in the location of the rivers and what is left of Ur is now miles inland.

19. This island is within sight of the Chinese mainland province of Fujian, is heavily fortified and was the focus of international tension in the 1950s and 60s.

From Quiz Disputed Territories

Answer: Quemoy

When the Chinese Nationalists were driven from the mainland by the Communists in 1949 they managed to retain control of Quemoy and nearby Matsu island. The heavily fortified Quemoy became a symbol of defiance to the Communist mainland by the Nationalist government in Taiwan with sporadic shelling in both direction occuring in the 1950s and 60s. Its status remains in dispute as part of the larger Taiwan -China conflict. Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 after a long period as a British colony. Hainan is a large island off the south coast of China. Iwo Jima is a small volcanic island off the SW coast of Japan and was the scene of a major battle during World War II.

20. Benazhir Bhutto was elected the first female prime minister of a Muslim nation in 1988, but which country did she head?

From Quiz But Where Did It Happen? ( 2 )

Answer: Pakistan

Ms. Bhutto, an Oxford graduate, collectively spent around six years in prison and under detention as a result of numerous false accusations against her.

21. Wellington defeated Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. In which modern-day country is Waterloo?

From Quiz But Where Did It Happen? (1)

Answer: Belgium

The battlefield is actually about 12km from Brussels and 2km from the town of Waterloo.

22. In which country was Nova Lisboa (now Huambo) the capital 1912-27?

From Quiz No Longer Capitals 5

Answer: Angola

Huambo was called Nova Lisboa at the time. It was severely damaged during the war for liberation in the 1960s-70s.

23. Capital: Timisoara. Existed: 1918.

From Quiz Short-lived 20th Century States

Answer: Banat Republic

The republic was proclaimed on October 31 1918 as the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed. Serbian troops entered some days later and ended this republic.

24. Easter Island was discovered by Europeans on Easter Sunday 1722. From which country did the first known European discoverers of Easter Island come from?

From Quiz That Island With All The Big Heads On It

Answer: Holland

The commander of the three Dutch ships that found Easter Island was Jacob Roggeveen. Sadly this first meeting resulted in some dozen islanders being shot by nervous seamen.

25. Europe, 1949-90. The country was formally independent 1955.

From Quiz Former Independent Countries

Answer: German Democratic Republic, DDR

German Democratic Republic, or DDR, was included in BRD 1990.

26. This island was France's last dependency in North America. Oh, and Canada challenged France's sole claim over it. What is this island colony?

From Quiz Colonies and Territories

Answer: St.-Pierre and Miquelon

St.-Pierre and Miquelon was settled by cod fisherman in 1604. It covers 93-square-miles on eight islands. Its 7,000 citizens depend mainly on fishing and petroleum.

27. Where in the world was the Barbary Coast?

From Quiz Famous Places - Where Are They?

Answer: North Africa

The Barbary Coast was in north Africa, which now consists of the countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The name derives from the Berber people of North Africa and is associated with the Barbary pirates and Barbary slave traders based there. They attacked ships and coastal settlements in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Eventually this led to the Barbary Wars of the early 19th century, which involved the U.S. Marines and Navy in their first land action overseas. This action is referred to in the Marines' Hymn "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli".

28. Shadow jumping seems a bit unpredictable. After nearly ending up in Mount Vesuvius, Nico and his companions Reyna and Coach touched down at the House of the Faun in the ruins of Pompeii. What is the name of the nearby city?

From Quiz Following the Blood in the Mediterranean

Answer: Naples

Naples in the Campania region of Italy gained its name from the ancient Greek city of Neopolis (meaning 'new city') established there in the sixth century BC. It lies about nine kilometres from Mount Vesuvius. Although towns like Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by pyroclastic flows from the eruption in 79 AD, Neapolis avoided this. Naples has now expanded onto some of the areas affected by the pyroclastic flows. Since 79 AD there have been some forty eruptions with those killed running into the thousands.

29. Located on the coast of Lebanon some twenty-five miles north of Beirut, this continuously inhabited city's origins are placed between 8,000 to 7,000 BC. With a name that is suggestive of books, what is its name?

From Quiz Walk These Ancient Streets

Answer: Byblos

Though Byblos has been known by many other names during its long history, the one most recognised today derives from the old Greek word for paper or books. This lovely old city appears to have been first settled 8,000-7,000 BC. Over the next 3,000 years, it developed the trappings of civilisation we would easily recognise today with pottery utensils and clay figurines found in the old houses revealed by archaeological digs, along with plastered floors and cooking implements. Silos for storing domesticated grains have also been discovered close to those homes, and by 3,000 BC, evidence of quite sophisticated architectural techniques was appearing in its many ancient buildings. Such was the degree of civilisation of Byblos through the ages, and its strong survival instinct to meld with its many invaders, the city eventually formed a strong alliance with the kingdom of Egypt. The resulting exchange of information between the two led to Byblos being recognised throughout the Mediterranean as a centre for scientific and technological advance and implementation. Then came the Assyrians, the Persians and the Greeks over the centuries that followed, closely followed by the Romans, the Muslims, the Israelites, Christians and Ottomans. Each succeeding wave of settlers or invaders brought with them their own technologies and advances, all of which were absorbed into the ever changing and adaptable nature of the people of Byblos. Now into the 21st century, this remarkable little survivor, so replete with a staggering number of historical sites, has university and schools, hospitals, the only pharmacy training centre in the Middle East, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, a beautiful anchorage for yachts full of tourists and the wealthy, Christian and Muslim places of worship, and everything else equipped to take it confidently into the future and another 10,000 years of existence - providing it continues to survive the troubled world of the Middle East.

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