From the Thames to the Tiber Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

In 1909, what city was the largest in the world?

  • Paris
  • London
  • Rome
  • New York City

Correct Answer: London

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s population in 1909 was approximately 7,000,000, making it the largest city in the world at the time.

Which city was known for its thriving cotton industry in 1909?

  • Paris
  • London
  • Rouen
  • Geneva

Correct Answer: Rouen

Correct Answer Explanation: Rouen, in 1909, was a major commercial center in France, particularly known for its cotton factories, producing goods worth 80,000,000 francs annually.

What stands on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter?

  • The Louvre Museum
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • The Pantheon in Rome
  • The Colosseum

Correct Answer: Notre Dame Cathedral

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris stands on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter, dating back centuries.

Who invested heavily in the development of Paris?

  • Napoleon I
  • Louis XIV
  • Napoleon III
  • Louis XVI

Correct Answer: Napoleon III

Correct Answer Explanation: Napoleon III invested heavily in the development of Paris, building 70 miles of streets, 200 boulevards, 8 churches, 80 schools, 12 bridges, and planting 50,000 trees.

What monument in Rome commemorates General Garibaldi?

  • Trajan’s Column
  • The Colosseum
  • The Pantheon
  • Garibaldi’s Monument

Correct Answer: Garibaldi’s Monument

Correct Answer Explanation: This monument in Rome commemorates General Garibaldi, a revered Italian hero and patriot who played a key role in the unification of Italy.

How many acres does the Louvre Museum encompass?

  • 10 acres
  • 20 acres
  • 40 acres
  • 60 acres

Correct Answer: 60 acres

Correct Answer Explanation: The Louvre Museum, encompassing 60 acres, houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient civilizations.

What was the cost of building the Mont Cenis Tunnel, connecting France and Italy?

  • Nearly £1,000,000
  • Nearly £2,000,000
  • Nearly £3,000,000
  • Nearly £4,000,000

Correct Answer: Nearly £3,000,000

Correct Answer Explanation: This 8-mile tunnel required nearly £3,000,000 and many lives to construct.

Which city is known for its churches, palaces, and art galleries?

  • Turin
  • Genoa
  • Florence
  • Milan

Correct Answer: Genoa

Correct Answer Explanation: Genoa, a major port city in Italy, is known for its churches, palaces, and art galleries.

What was the capacity of the Colosseum in ancient Rome?

  • 20,000 people
  • 50,000 people
  • 80,000 people
  • 100,000 people

Correct Answer: 100,000 people

Correct Answer Explanation: This massive amphitheater was constructed by forced labor of Jews and Christians, and used for gladiatorial contests and the persecution of Christians.

How high is the dome of the Pantheon in Paris?

  • 100 feet
  • 150 feet
  • 200 feet
  • 267 feet

Correct Answer: 267 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pantheon in Paris was funded through a lottery during the reign of Louis XV and houses the remains of notable figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marat.

Which of these is NOT a traditional Venetian boat?

  • Gondola
  • Sandolo
  • Fregata
  • Traghetto

Correct Answer: Fregata

Correct Answer Explanation: A Fregata is a type of ship, not a Venetian boat.

What does the term “campagna” refer to?

  • A large city
  • A rural area surrounding Rome
  • A type of church
  • A type of boat

Correct Answer: A rural area surrounding Rome

Correct Answer Explanation: The “campagna” is the countryside surrounding Rome.

What is a “table-de-hote”?

  • A type of bread
  • A type of wine
  • A fixed-price meal with a set menu
  • A type of transportation

Correct Answer: A fixed-price meal with a set menu

Correct Answer Explanation: This type of meal was common in European hotels in the early 1900s.

What is a “bas-relief”?

  • A type of sculpture that projects slightly from a flat surface
  • A type of painting technique
  • A type of architecture
  • A type of musical instrument

Correct Answer: A type of sculpture that projects slightly from a flat surface

Correct Answer Explanation: It is often used as decoration, and can be found on buildings and monuments throughout Europe.

What is a “facade”?

  • The front elevation of a building, often elaborately designed
  • The inside of a building
  • The roof of a building
  • The foundation of a building

Correct Answer: The front elevation of a building, often elaborately designed

Correct Answer Explanation: This is the exterior of a building, and is often the most ornate part of the structure.

What is a “mosaic”?

  • Artwork created by arranging small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile
  • A type of painting technique
  • A type of sculpture
  • A type of architecture

Correct Answer: Artwork created by arranging small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile

Correct Answer Explanation: This technique was commonly used in ancient Roman art, and can be found in many churches and buildings throughout Europe.

What are “frescoes”?

  • Paintings applied to wet plaster, a technique commonly used in Italian art
  • A type of sculpture
  • A type of architecture
  • A type of musical instrument

Correct Answer: Paintings applied to wet plaster, a technique commonly used in Italian art

Correct Answer Explanation: This technique gives the paintings a unique texture and depth, and can be seen in many churches and buildings throughout Italy.

What is the estimated height of the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral?

  • 100 feet
  • 150 feet
  • 200 feet
  • 250 feet

Correct Answer: 200 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: These towers are a prominent feature of the cathedral, and are visible from many parts of Paris.

How many granite columns are there in the portico of the Pantheon in Rome?

  • 8
  • 12
  • 16
  • 20

Correct Answer: 16

Correct Answer Explanation: These columns are 40 feet high, and are a striking feature of the Pantheon’s exterior.

What is the approximate area of the Colosseum in Rome?

  • 2 acres
  • 4 acres
  • 6 acres
  • 8 acres

Correct Answer: 6 acres

Correct Answer Explanation: This massive amphitheater is a testament to the Romans’ engineering skills, and is a popular tourist attraction today.

What is the approximate height of Trajan’s Column in Rome?

  • 20 feet
  • 30 feet
  • 40 feet
  • 50 feet

Correct Answer: 40 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: This column is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the emperor’s military campaigns, and is a valuable source of historical information.

What is the approximate size of the Castle of St. Angelo in Rome?

  • Small and rectangular
  • Large and rectangular
  • Small and circular
  • Immense and circular

Correct Answer: Immense and circular

Correct Answer Explanation: This ancient structure has served as a tomb, fortress, and palace throughout history, and is a prominent landmark in Rome.

What is the approximate weight of the bronze statue in St. Peter’s Basilica?

  • 100,000 lbs
  • 200,000 lbs
  • 300,000 lbs
  • 400,000 lbs

Correct Answer: 400,000 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: This statue is a monumental work of art, and is a testament to the skill of the Renaissance artists who created it.

How many columns are there in St. Peter’s Basilica?

  • 256
  • 506
  • 756
  • 1006

Correct Answer: 756

Correct Answer Explanation: These columns are a striking feature of the basilica’s interior, and help to create a sense of grandeur and awe.

How many rooms are there in the Vatican?

  • 5,000
  • 8,000
  • 11,000
  • 14,000

Correct Answer: 11,000

Correct Answer Explanation: This vast complex is the home of the Pope, and houses a wealth of art and historical treasures.

What is the estimated cost of building St. Peter’s Basilica?

  • £5,000,000
  • £8,000,000
  • £11,000,000
  • £14,000,000

Correct Answer: £11,000,000

Correct Answer Explanation: This basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and is a testament to the wealth and power of the Catholic Church.

What is the approximate area of St. Peter’s Basilica?

  • 100,000 square feet
  • 150,000 square feet
  • 200,000 square feet
  • 240,000 square feet

Correct Answer: 240,000 square feet

Correct Answer Explanation: This basilica is one of the largest churches in the world, and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

What is the approximate size of the statue in Garibaldi’s Monument?

  • 1/2 life-sized
  • Life-sized
  • 2 times life-sized
  • 3 times life-sized

Correct Answer: Life-sized

Correct Answer Explanation: This monument is a tribute to a key figure in the Italian Risorgimento, and is a popular tourist attraction in Rome.

What is the estimated number of Christian martyrs who perished in Paris during the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre?

  • 5,000
  • 10,000
  • 15,000
  • 20,000

Correct Answer: Over 15,000

Correct Answer Explanation: This event was a horrific act of violence and intolerance, and is a reminder of the dangers of religious extremism.

What does the term “Duomo” refer to?

  • A type of church
  • A type of palace
  • A type of bridge
  • A type of boat

Correct Answer: A type of church

Correct Answer Explanation: This term is often used to refer to a cathedral, particularly in Italian cities.

What does the term “Piazza” refer to?

  • A type of street
  • A type of building
  • A type of bridge
  • A public square or plaza

Correct Answer: A public square or plaza

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a common feature in Italian cities, and is often the site of important events and activities.

What religious group was targeted in the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre?

  • Catholics
  • Protestants
  • Jews
  • Muslims

Correct Answer: Protestants

Correct Answer Explanation: This massacre was a horrific event in 1572, and is a reminder of the violence and intolerance that can result from religious conflict.

What type of meal was common in European hotels in 1909?

  • Buffet
  • Room service
  • Table-d’hote
  • Fast food

Correct Answer: Table-d’hote

Correct Answer Explanation: This type of meal offered a fixed-price menu, and was a popular option for travelers on a budget.

What type of art is created by arranging small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile?

  • Mosaic
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Photography

Correct Answer: Mosaic

Correct Answer Explanation: This technique was commonly used in ancient Roman art, and can be found in many churches and buildings throughout Europe.

What was the name of the French Protestants who were targeted in the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre?

  • Huguenots
  • Catholics
  • Jews
  • Muslims

Correct Answer: Huguenots

Correct Answer Explanation: This event was a horrific act of violence and intolerance, and is a reminder of the dangers of religious extremism.

What type of traditional Venetian boat was used for transportation and entertainment?

  • Gondola
  • Sandolo
  • Traghetto
  • Fregata

Correct Answer: Gondola

Correct Answer Explanation: This iconic boat is a symbol of Venice, and is a popular attraction for tourists.

Who wrote the famous lines about the “Bridge of Sighs” in Venice?

  • William Shakespeare
  • Lord Byron
  • Charles Dickens
  • Edgar Allan Poe

Correct Answer: Lord Byron

Correct Answer Explanation: This bridge, immortalized by Lord Byron, evokes a sense of intrigue and the poignant drama of human suffering.

What city is famous for its canals and gondolas?

  • Rome
  • Florence
  • Venice
  • Milan

Correct Answer: Venice

Correct Answer Explanation: This city is known as the “Floating City”, and is a popular destination for its unique architecture and atmosphere.

What is a “Duomo”?

  • A type of church
  • A type of palace
  • A type of bridge
  • A type of boat

Correct Answer: A type of church

Correct Answer Explanation: This term is often used to refer to a cathedral, particularly in Italian cities.

What is a “Piazza”?

  • A type of street
  • A type of building
  • A type of bridge
  • A public square or plaza

Correct Answer: A public square or plaza

Correct Answer Explanation: This is a common feature in Italian cities, and is often the site of important events and activities.

What is the approximate area of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome?

  • 100,000 square feet
  • 150,000 square feet
  • 200,000 square feet
  • 240,000 square feet

Correct Answer: 240,000 square feet

Correct Answer Explanation: This basilica is one of the largest churches in the world, and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Which of these cities did Wardle NOT visit during his 1909 European travels?

  • London
  • Paris
  • Berlin
  • Rome

Correct Answer: Berlin

Correct Answer Explanation: While Wardle’s journey took him through many parts of Europe, it did not include a stop in Berlin.

What religious landscape did Wardle observe during his travels in Europe?

  • A dominance of Protestantism
  • A dominance of the Catholic Church
  • An equal balance of Catholicism and Protestantism
  • A lack of religious influence

Correct Answer: A dominance of the Catholic Church

Correct Answer Explanation: Wardle’s observations reflect the significant influence of the Catholic Church in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, particularly in countries like Italy and France.

What type of architectural masterpieces did Wardle encounter on his European journey?

  • Modernist buildings
  • Gothic cathedrals
  • Baroque palaces
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Wardle’s journey took him through various parts of Europe, exposing him to a rich tapestry of architectural styles, including Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and early examples of modern architecture.

What did Wardle observe about the social and cultural differences between England and the continent?

  • A sense of homogeneity and uniformity in social customs
  • A stark contrast in social customs, language, and attitudes towards travel and tourism
  • Limited differences in social customs and perspectives
  • A strong sense of cultural unity across Europe

Correct Answer: A stark contrast in social customs, language, and attitudes towards travel and tourism

Correct Answer Explanation: Wardle’s observations highlight the cultural nuances and differences between England and continental Europe in the early 1900s, encompassing social customs, language, and perspectives on travel and tourism.

What event did Wardle witness during his trip that reflected the consequences of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870?

  • The siege of Belfort by German forces
  • The rebuilding of Paris after the war
  • The coronation of the new German Emperor
  • The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

Correct Answer: The siege of Belfort by German forces

Correct Answer Explanation: Wardle’s account of Belfort, which withstood a German siege during the Franco-Prussian War, provides a poignant reminder of the war’s consequences and the enduring impact of historical events on the present.

What did Wardle observe about the power of the Pope during his travels?

  • The Pope was a powerful and influential figure in Europe
  • The Pope’s power was diminishing
  • The Pope’s power was growing
  • The Pope had no real power

Correct Answer: The Pope’s power was diminishing

Correct Answer Explanation: While Wardle observed the continued presence of the Catholic Church, he also noted a decline in the Pope’s political and religious influence, reflecting broader shifts in power dynamics in Europe during that time.

Which of these historical figures was NOT mentioned in Wardle’s account of his journey?

  • Napoleon III
  • Voltaire
  • Galileo Galilei
  • Savonarola

Correct Answer: Galileo Galilei

Correct Answer Explanation: While Wardle’s travels touched upon historical figures like Napoleon III, Voltaire, and Savonarola, his account did not explicitly mention Galileo Galilei.

What major industry in London did Wardle observe during his travels?

  • Shipbuilding
  • Textile manufacturing
  • Sugar refining
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: London’s economy in 1909 was diverse and robust, with significant industries like shipbuilding, textile manufacturing, and sugar refining contributing to its economic dominance.

Which of these events did NOT take place in the 16th or 17th century?

  • The St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre
  • Napoleon III’s urban development of Paris
  • Savonarola’s martyrdom
  • The construction of the Mont Cenis Tunnel

Correct Answer: Napoleon III’s urban development of Paris

Correct Answer Explanation: While the other events occurred in the 16th or 17th century, Napoleon III’s urban development of Paris took place in the 19th century.

Which of these locations did NOT play a role in the life and legacy of Savonarola?

  • Florence
  • Rome
  • Venice
  • Ferrara

Correct Answer: Venice

Correct Answer Explanation: While Florence and Rome were central to Savonarola’s life and the events surrounding his martyrdom, Venice was not directly involved in those events.

What does the term “Huguenots” refer to?

  • A type of religious art
  • French Protestants
  • Italian Catholics
  • German Lutherans

Correct Answer: French Protestants

Correct Answer Explanation: This group was targeted during the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre in 1572, highlighting the religious conflict and intolerance that existed in France at the time.

Which of these monuments in Rome was NOT constructed during the Roman Empire?

  • Trajan’s Column
  • The Colosseum
  • The Pantheon
  • Garibaldi’s Monument

Correct Answer: Garibaldi’s Monument

Correct Answer Explanation: While the other monuments were built during the Roman Empire, Garibaldi’s Monument was constructed in the 19th century to honor the Italian patriot.

What does the term “Facade” refer to?

  • The inside of a building
  • The roof of a building
  • The foundation of a building
  • The front elevation of a building

Correct Answer: The front elevation of a building

Correct Answer Explanation: This is the exterior of a building, and is often the most ornate part of the structure.

What type of artwork is created by arranging small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile?

  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Mosaic
  • Tapestry

Correct Answer: Mosaic

Correct Answer Explanation: This technique was commonly used in ancient Roman art, and can be found in many churches and buildings throughout Europe.

What type of paintings were often applied to wet plaster, a technique commonly used in Italian art?

  • Frescoes
  • Oil paintings
  • Watercolors
  • Charcoal drawings

Correct Answer: Frescoes

Correct Answer Explanation: This technique gives the paintings a unique texture and depth, and can be seen in many churches and buildings throughout Italy.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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