Topic: World history quiz thread

[milkanannan]

Similar to the Guess the Game/Movie threads, I'd like to propose a world history thread where we can exchanges some trivia. The person that gets the answer correct asks the next question.

I'll ask the first question: What 20th Century British monarch reigned as king for less than a year?

[Sinitrena]

That was Edward VIII who abdicated because he wanted to marry Wallace Simpson (spelling?), a divorced woman.

Karol WojtyŠ‚a is better know as...?

[Kumpel]

Pope Johannes Paul II?

[milkanannan]

Hmm a stumper right out of the gate. That's a Polish name I'm guessing?

[Sinitrena]

It is a Polish name.

And Kumpel is correct, Karol WojtyŠ‚a was better known as Pope (now Saint) John Paul II (or Johannes Paul II in the German spelling and pronounciation; Latin: Ioannes Paulus II).

[milkanannan]

Nicely done Kumpel!

[Kumpel]

Oh wow. That has been a blind shot

Which town's people have been known for multiple defenestrations that triggered huge conflicts? (please don't google defenestration )

[Stupot]

Prague?

I went to Prague in August and took a guided tour of the St. Vitis Cathedral and palace where the guy was proud to show us a window from which a number of people had been thrown.

[Kumpel]

Correct! Crazy prague people...

[Stupot]

I can't claim to be any kind of authority on world history, but here's a (easy) question:

The Bayeux Tapestry dipicts which famous historical battle?

[Mandle]

Waterloo?

[Andail]

Don't know the answer, but surely it depicts something much older than Waterloo? I see rather primitive medieval-like pictures when I think of the Bayeux Tapestry, but out of fear of making a fool of myself I won't hazard a proper guess...

[CaptainD]

The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066.  (Glad someone asked one I actually know! )

[Mandle]

Don't know the answer, but surely it depicts something much older than Waterloo? I see rather primitive medieval-like pictures when I think of the Bayeux Tapestry, but out of fear of making a fool of myself I won't hazard a proper guess...

See I thought the same thing but then I thought "Well, the name sounds French so maybe it depicts a French victory, and as there are not all that many of them to pick from..."

[Stupot]

Well done Captain_D. It is indeed the Battle of Hastings.

[CaptainD]

Okay I guess I'd better post a new question then!

What document of monumental importance to the inhabitants of England was signed in 1215?

[Darth Mandarb]

Magna Carta?

[CaptainD]

Magna Carta?

Yup.  Too easy huh?

[milkanannan]

Ah crap that one I could have answered!

OK Darth you're up...

[Darth Mandarb]

Perhaps too easy...
A recent theory suggests that this legendary ruler, who died in 1547 at the age of 55, may have suffered from type II diabetes.