I'm Missing Trivia Quiz

Answer: Afghanistan

In March of 2001, in the Bamwam valley of Afghanistan, the Taliban deliberately destroyed these 6th century monuments after declaring them to be idols. There were two statues that were both carved into the side of a sandstone cliff in the 6th century.

These were not the only ancient objects to be destroyed by the Taliban during their terrorist activities, they just received more media coverage than some of the other artifacts that were destroyed.

Answer: Natural erosion

First mentioned in surveying books around 1805, this unusual rock formation was created by glacial activity. It was also destroyed by natural processes, when in 2003 the formation crumbled and fell from the mountain in a reaction to the same actions that created it.

The citizens of the state of New Hampshire were very proud of their rock formation and it was a source of immense pride for the state. Brainstorming occurred as mere humans tried to figure out how to make another "Old Man of the Mountain". Most finally gave up, realizing that the power of Mother Nature was superior.

Answer: Tacoma Narrows Bridge

At the time the Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened for traffic on July 1, 1940, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. It spanned the Tacoma Narrow strait of Puget Sound and at the time it fell, it was the only bridge collapse to have been caught on film.

There were many design flaws which were apparent even during construction, when workers nicknamed the bridge "Galloping Gertie". The collapse of this bridge led to great improvements in basic bridge construction and aerodynamics. The collapse in 40 mph. winds was caught on film, and is quite dramatic.

Answer: Tuileries Palace

Located near the Louvre, all that really remains of the Tuileries Palace is the lovely Tuileries Gardens. Construction on this magnificent edifice was started in 1564 by Catherine De Medici. This imperial palace was destroyed in 1871 by the Paris Commune, a socialistic government that ruled France for a few months.

The Tuileries Palace was not the only building destroyed during this skirmish. Other irreplaceable buildings that were destroyed included the Hotel de Ville, and the Palais de Justice, both which have undergone extensive repairs.

Answer: San Francisco

On the morning of April 18 1906 an enormous earthquake shook the city of San Francisco. This famous photograph shows how almost 2/3 of the city was destroyed, hundreds went missing, and thousands died. Buildings that were not destroyed in the 60 second earthquake caught fire and burned down. Well over 1/2 of the population was left homeless, and most of the businesses had disappeared. Mother nature caused most of this lovely city to go missing and reduced the rest to rubble. Only a few notable buildings survived, including the Federal Mint.

Answer: The Great Exhibition of 1851

The unique Crystal Palace was built to house the "Great Exhibition of the Work of Industry of all Nations" in 1851. This exhibition introduced the world to the telegraph and vulcanized rubber, both of which had a major impact on the world. This cast-iron and plate-glass window was an example of just some of the technology that had been developed during the Industrial Revolution.

At the time of its construction it contained the largest amounts of glass to have ever been used in a building. The glass ceilings and walls allowed for sunlight in every direction, eliminating the need for interior lighting. Sadly, this unique piece of history was lost forever when it was destroyed by fire in 1936.

Answer: Dublin, Ireland

Construction of this granite memorial to Horatio Nelson began in 1808. Located in Dublin, Ireland, this monument was one of the finest memorials to the British hero. This beautiful tower was topped by a statue of Nelson carved by Irish sculptor Thomas Kirk. It was one of the most visited sites in the city until it was destroyed by a bomb planted by Irish republicans in 1966.

Answer: True

Demolished in 1977, under the orders of Boris Yeltsin, the Ipatiev House was the location that the Royal Family was held and then executed in 1918. Originally the home of a wealthy merchant the house became known as "The House of Special Purpose" after the government took it over and moved the emperor and his family in.

In 1927 the house was made into a branch of the Ural Revolution Museum. Tour groups were taken in and allowed to have their photographs taken against the bullet ridden wall where the family was killed.

The house was also called the "Last Palace of the Last Czar". Yeltsin ordered the building destroyed and a beautiful Russian Orthodox church, named "The Church of the Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land" was erected in the same spot.

Answer: Bells

The Leaning Tower of Zaragoza, located in Zaragoza, Spain, was a bell and clock tower. Construction of this Mudejar style building started in 1504, and the bells were added in 1508. The building started leaning due to a weak foundation during its construction.

In spite of its dramatic lean, this beautiful tower remained upright until demolished in 1892 under orders of the city council who felt that it was in danger of toppling. There was tremendous protest over the destruction of this Spanish monument, and the risks of it toppling may have been unfounded.

Answer: False

There was no avalanche. The city was abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest. The rough weather in the area, and complete lack of care led to the decay of this clay brick and stone city. This mile high city is also endangered by poor weather, freezing rains, and earthquakes. Tourism has raised awareness of this magical site, while at the same time it has exposed the ruins to actions of tourists eager to take a piece of the city home with them.