100+ World History Trivia Questions with Answers to Test Your Knowledge

I’ve always loved world history trivia nights with my friends. There’s something so satisfying about recalling that random fact about ancient Egypt you learned years ago or impressing everyone with your knowledge of medieval European monarchs.

Whether you’re planning a game night, looking for educational entertainment, or just want to challenge yourself, these world history trivia questions are perfect!

I’ve put together over 100 questions covering everything from ancient civilizations to modern history. Some are easy, some will make you think, and a few might stump even the history buffs in your group. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of history together!

Ancient Civilizations Trivia

Ancient history has always fascinated me—these questions will take you back to the earliest human civilizations and the foundations of our modern world. From the pyramids of Egypt to the philosophers of Greece, test your knowledge of humanity’s ancient past!

Which ancient wonder was located in Alexandria, Egypt? Answer: The Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria
What ancient civilization built Machu Picchu? Answer: The Incas

Who was the first emperor of unified China? Answer: Qin Shi Huang
Which civilization is credited with inventing the concept of zero? Answer: The Mayans (though independently developed in India as well)
What material did ancient Egyptians use to write on? Answer: Papyrus

Which ancient city was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE? Answer: Pompeii
Who wrote “The Republic” in ancient Greece? Answer: Plato
Which river valley is often called the “Cradle of Civilization”? Answer: Mesopotamia (between Tigris and Euphrates rivers)

What was the main language of ancient Rome? Answer: Latin
Who was the ruler of the Macedonian Empire that conquered territories as far as India? Answer: Alexander the Great
What structure did Emperor Hadrian build to mark the northern limit of Britannia? Answer: Hadrian’s Wall

Which ancient civilization is known for creating the first written legal code, the Code of Hammurabi? Answer: Babylonians
What was the name of the Egyptian queen who aligned herself with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony? Answer: Cleopatra VII
Which ancient city-state is known for its military prowess and spartan lifestyle? Answer: Sparta

What was the name of the sacred text of ancient Hinduism? Answer: The Vedas
Which ancient culture built the city of Teotihuacan? Answer: It remains uncertain, possibly the Totonacs
What were the hanging gardens of Babylon built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for? Answer: For his homesick wife Amytis of Media

Which Greek mathematician is known for his theorem about right triangles? Answer: Pythagoras
What does “hieroglyphics” literally mean in Greek? Answer: Sacred carvings/writing
Which river’s annual flooding was crucial for ancient Egyptian agriculture? Answer: The Nile

Exploring history’s mysteries always opens up new conversations about our shared past. If you’re looking for more thought-provoking questions, check out our philosophical questions that dig into the deeper meaning of existence.

Medieval History Trivia

I love the medieval period—it’s filled with knights, castles, plagues, and religious transformations. These questions cover the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the 15th century. I’m always amazed by how many of our modern institutions and traditions have their roots in this fascinating era!

What disease killed about one-third of Europe’s population in the 14th century? Answer: The Black Death/Bubonic Plague

Who was the first Holy Roman Emperor, crowned by Pope Leo III in 800 CE? Answer: Charlemagne
What famous document did King John of England sign in 1215, limiting the power of the monarchy? Answer: Magna Carta
What was the name of the Islamic empire that ruled much of Spain during the medieval period? Answer: The Caliphate of Córdoba/Al-Andalus

Which medieval king was known as “William the Conqueror”? Answer: William I of England
What medieval university, founded in 1088, is considered the oldest university in the Western world? Answer: University of Bologna
What was Joan of Arc’s fate after being captured by the English? Answer: She was burned at the stake

Which Christian military expeditions were launched to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule? Answer: The Crusades
What was the main language of scholarship and religion in Western medieval Europe? Answer: Latin
Who was the famous Mongol leader who established the largest contiguous empire in history? Answer: Genghis Khan

What architectural style characterized many European cathedrals built between the 12th and 16th centuries? Answer: Gothic
Which peasant revolt occurred in England in 1381, partly due to poll taxes? Answer: Wat Tyler’s Rebellion/The Peasants’ Revolt
What was the name of the Viking who established the first dynasty of Kievan Rus? Answer: Rurik

Which English king was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066? Answer: Harold II (Harold Godwinson)
What organization of merchants controlled trade in Northern Europe during the medieval period? Answer: The Hanseatic League
In medieval Japan, what was the warrior class called? Answer: Samurai

Which medieval Islamic scholar wrote “The Canon of Medicine”? Answer: Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
What was the name of the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne? Answer: The Wars of the Roses
Which medieval pope called for the First Crusade in 1095? Answer: Pope Urban II

What was the main occupation of most people in medieval Europe? Answer: Farming/Agriculture

Wondering about how to spark more engaging conversations? After testing your knowledge with these medieval questions, you might want to explore our interesting topics to talk about for your next social gathering.

Revolutionary Wars and Independence Movements

Some of the most dramatic moments in history came when people fought for freedom and new ideas. I’ve always found it inspiring how ordinary people throughout history have risen up to change their societies. These questions cover revolutions, independence movements, and the birth of modern nations!

In what year did the American Revolution begin? Answer: 1775
Who was the leader of the Haitian Revolution that led to Haiti’s independence? Answer: Toussaint L’Ouverture
Which document begins with “When in the Course of human events…”? Answer: The United States Declaration of Independence

What was the nickname for the French Revolution’s period of mass executions? Answer: The Reign of Terror
Which South American leader is known as “The Liberator” for his role in the independence of several countries? Answer: Simón Bolívar
What year did India gain independence from British rule? Answer: 1947

Which revolution is associated with the storming of the Bastille? Answer: The French Revolution
Who led Mexico’s war of independence against Spain? Answer: Miguel Hidalgo
What was the name of the Russian Revolution that brought the Bolsheviks to power? Answer: The October Revolution (1917)

Which African country was the first to gain independence from colonial rule in the 20th century? Answer: Ghana (1957)
Who was the leader of Cuba’s revolution that overthrew Batista? Answer: Fidel Castro
What year did Canada gain independence from Britain? Answer: 1867 (Confederation, though full independence came gradually)

Which battle marked the end of the American Revolutionary War? Answer: The Battle of Yorktown
Who led the independence movement in India using nonviolent civil disobedience? Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
What was the name of the 1916 uprising against British rule in Ireland? Answer: The Easter Rising

In what year did Nelson Mandela become president of South Africa? Answer: 1994
Which European country experienced the “Carnation Revolution” in 1974? Answer: Portugal
What year did the Berlin Wall fall, symbolizing the end of the Cold War? Answer: 1989

Who was the first president of the United States? Answer: George Washington
Which Arab Spring uprising in 2011 led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak? Answer: The Egyptian Revolution

If you’re looking for more intellectual challenges, you might enjoy our collection of math trivia questions that test a different kind of historical knowledge!

World Wars and 20th Century Conflicts

The 20th century saw some of humanity’s darkest moments but also incredible resilience. My grandfather used to share stories from World War II, which sparked my interest in this transformative period of modern history. These questions cover the World Wars and other major conflicts that shaped our current world order.

What event triggered the start of World War I? Answer: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Which country dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Answer: The United States

What was the code name for the D-Day invasion of Normandy? Answer: Operation Overlord
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during most of World War II? Answer: Winston Churchill
What was the name of the German air force during World War II? Answer: Luftwaffe

Which treaty officially ended World War I? Answer: The Treaty of Versailles
What was the name of the Soviet leader during most of World War II? Answer: Joseph Stalin
What was the code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union? Answer: Operation Barbarossa

Which country was neutral in both World War I and World War II? Answer: Switzerland
What was the longest battle of World War I? Answer: The Battle of Verdun
What alliance formed by the United States and Western European nations after World War II still exists today? Answer: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

What was the name of Germany’s plan to invade the United Kingdom during World War II? Answer: Operation Sea Lion
In what year did the Vietnam War end? Answer: 1975
What crisis brought the US and USSR to the brink of nuclear war in 1962? Answer: The Cuban Missile Crisis

Which war was fought between North and South Korea? Answer: The Korean War (1950-1953)
What was the name of the Jewish state established in 1948? Answer: Israel
Which European conflict in the 1990s resulted in the breakup of Yugoslavia? Answer: The Yugoslav Wars

What was the Cold War political policy of containing Soviet influence? Answer: Containment
Which Middle Eastern war was triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait? Answer: The Gulf War (1990-1991)
What was the name of the secret US project to develop atomic weapons during World War II? Answer: The Manhattan Project

Want to challenge your friends with more engaging questions? Our collection of would you rather questions provides a fun alternative when you need a break from historical facts!

Famous Historical Figures

I’ve always found it fascinating how individual people can change the course of history. Some of my favorite history books focus on these influential characters who shaped our world. Test your knowledge of these pivotal historical figures who left their mark on humanity!

Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom? Answer: Margaret Thatcher

Which ancient Greek philosopher was the teacher of Alexander the Great? Answer: Aristotle
Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Answer: Michelangelo
Which scientist developed the theory of general relativity? Answer: Albert Einstein

Who was the first Emperor of Rome? Answer: Augustus (Octavian)
Which nurse was known as “The Lady with the Lamp” during the Crimean War? Answer: Florence Nightingale
Who wrote “The Communist Manifesto”? Answer: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Which explorer is credited with the first circumnavigation of the Earth? Answer: Ferdinand Magellan (though he died during the journey)
Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? Answer: Marie Curie
Which Egyptian pharaoh is known for his immense tomb discovered in 1922? Answer: Tutankhamun (King Tut)

Who led the Salt March in India as an act of civil disobedience? Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Which queen ruled England during its “Golden Age” in the 16th century? Answer: Elizabeth I
Who was the founder of the Mongol Empire? Answer: Genghis Khan

Which African-American activist delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech? Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.
Who was the first human to journey into outer space? Answer: Yuri Gagarin
Which Chinese leader proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949? Answer: Mao Zedong

Who discovered penicillin? Answer: Alexander Fleming
Which South African leader spent 27 years in prison before becoming president? Answer: Nelson Mandela
Who is considered the father of modern psychology? Answer: Sigmund Freud

Which Roman general and statesman was assassinated on the Ides of March? Answer: Julius Caesar

Looking for more ways to connect with others? Try our deep questions to ask a girl for meaningful conversations that go beyond trivia night.

Historical Innovations and Discoveries

The story of human innovation is one of my favorite aspects of history. I remember visiting the Science Museum in London and being amazed at how relatively simple inventions completely transformed society. These questions celebrate the brilliant minds who pushed humanity forward through their discoveries and innovations!

Who is credited with inventing the printing press around 1440? Answer: Johannes Gutenberg
In which century was the first successful powered airplane flight? Answer: 20th century (1903)
Who invented the telephone? Answer: Alexander Graham Bell

Which ancient civilization invented paper? Answer: Ancient China
Who is known for his theory of evolution by natural selection? Answer: Charles Darwin
What landmark scientific work did Isaac Newton publish in 1687? Answer: Principia Mathematica

Which vaccine did Edward Jenner develop in the 1790s? Answer: Smallpox vaccine
Who invented the World Wide Web in 1989? Answer: Tim Berners-Lee
Which ancient civilization built the first known water clock? Answer: Ancient Egypt

Who invented dynamite in 1866? Answer: Alfred Nobel
What did James Watt improve that helped power the Industrial Revolution? Answer: The steam engine
Who discovered X-rays in 1895? Answer: Wilhelm Röntgen

Which 19th-century invention by Samuel Morse revolutionized communication? Answer: The telegraph
Who discovered the structure of DNA along with Francis Crick? Answer: James Watson
What was the name of the first successful artificial satellite, launched in 1957? Answer: Sputnik 1

Who painted the Mona Lisa? Answer: Leonardo da Vinci
Which ancient Greek mathematician is known for his principle of buoyancy? Answer: Archimedes
Who invented the first practical electric light bulb? Answer: Thomas Edison

Which empire developed an extensive road system that included the famous Appian Way? Answer: The Roman Empire
Who is considered the “father of modern computing”? Answer: Alan Turing

Want to explore more fun questions for your next gathering? Check out our collection of random questions to ask a guy for more conversation starters!

Why World History Trivia Is Perfect for Any Gathering

History trivia is my go-to for family gatherings and friend meetups because it’s both entertaining and educational. When my family takes road trips, we always bring along some history trivia cards to pass the time. The kids actually learn something while having fun, and even the adults discover fascinating facts they never knew before.

What I love most about world history trivia is how it connects us to our shared human experience. These questions spark conversations, debates, and often lead to deeper discussions about how past events have shaped our modern world. Plus, there’s a certain pride that comes with knowing the answer to a particularly tricky question!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed testing your knowledge of world history with these trivia questions! Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy learning new facts, these questions are a great way to expand your understanding of our shared past. The next time you’re hosting a game night, planning a classroom activity, or just want to challenge your friends, pull out these questions and watch the competitive spirit come alive!

How did you do? Were there any questions that surprised you or taught you something new? I’d love to know which category was your strongest—ancient civilizations, medieval history, or perhaps modern conflicts?

For more trivia and conversation starters, explore our other articles. History is just one of many topics that can bring people together through the joy of learning and friendly competition!