Old Places, New Names Trivia Quiz

Answer: Istanbul

Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is a city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. It is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-largest city in the world. Istanbul has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire, and it has been the capital of three different empires: the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. Today, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that is known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.

Answer: Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Formerly known as the New Hebrides, the country gained independence from joint French and British rule in 1980. The name "Vanuatu" was chosen to reflect the country's cultural heritage, as it means "Our Land Forever" in the local language.

The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Vanuatu is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Answer: South-West Africa

Namibia, located in southern Africa, was once known as South-West Africa during its time as a German colony from 1884 to 1915. After World War I, the League of Nations granted South Africa a mandate to administer the territory, which lasted until Namibia gained independence in 1990.

The name Namibia was chosen to reflect the country's location in the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Today, Namibia is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture.

Answer: Danzig

Danzig, now known as Gdansk, is a port city in northern Poland located on the Baltic Sea. It has a rich history, having been a member of the Hanseatic League and a free city during the interwar period. During World War II, it was the site of the first battle of the war, when German forces invaded and took control of the city. Today, Gdansk is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful architecture, including the colorful buildings of Long Market and the Gothic St. Mary's Church.

Answer: Bombay

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The name Bombay is derived from the Portuguese name "Bom Bahia," meaning "good bay." The city was renamed Mumbai in 1995, after the local Marathi name for the city, Mumbadevi. Mumbai is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, and is home to the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood.

The city is also famous for its street food, beaches, and historic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station.

Answer: Leningrad

St. Petersburg, the second-largest city in Russia, was formerly known as Leningrad. The name change occurred in 1924, following the death of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. The city was originally founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and named after Saint Peter, but it was renamed Petrograd during World War I due to anti-German sentiment.

The name Leningrad was chosen to honor Lenin and his role in the Russian Revolution. The city reverted back to its original name of St. Petersburg in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Answer: Chemnitz

Chemnitz was originally known as Karl-Marx-Stadt during the time of East Germany. The city was renamed in 1953 as a tribute to Karl Marx, the German philosopher and economist who developed the theory of communism. The name change was part of the East German government's efforts to promote Marxist ideology and distance itself from its Nazi past.

However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the city reverted back to its original name of Chemnitz in 1990. Today, Chemnitz is known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

Answer: Tasmania

Tasmania was originally known as Van Diemen's Land, named after the Dutch explorer who first sighted the island in 1642. The name was changed in 1856 in honor of Abel Tasman, another Dutch explorer who had visited the island in 1644. Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located south of the mainland.

It is known for its rugged wilderness areas, beautiful beaches, and unique wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil. The island has a rich history, including being home to indigenous Tasmanians for thousands of years before European settlement in the early 1800s. Today, Tasmania is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene.

Answer: Scotland

Scotland was once known as Caledonia, a name given by the Romans who occupied the area in ancient times. The name Caledonia is believed to have originated from the Celtic language and means "wooded heights". The name Scotland, on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "Scotia", which means land of the Scots, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the area. Today, Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Answer: Gaul

Gaul was the name given by the Romans to the region that is now modern-day France. The Romans conquered Gaul in the 1st century BC and it became a Roman province. The Gauls were a Celtic people who lived in the region before the Roman conquest. The name Gaul comes from the Latin word Gallia, which means "land of the Gauls".

The region was also known as Gallia Comata, which means "long-haired Gaul", because the Gauls were known for their long hair. Today, the word Gaul is still used to refer to the ancient Celtic people who lived in the region.