History without the homework.
Objects and ideas that have been around a while.
Ten questions, with the answers explained. Try them in your head, then open each answer when you're ready.
Play this quiz →QUESTION 1 / 10
Which ancient civilization built the Parthenon?
- Vikings
- Incas
- Ancient Egyptians
- Ancient Greeks
Show answer & explanation+
Ancient Greeks
The Parthenon was built in ancient Athens as a temple associated with Athena.
QUESTION 2 / 10
What material was traditionally used to make papyrus writing sheets?
- Volcanic ash
- Silkworm cocoons
- Papyrus plant
- Sheep wool
Show answer & explanation+
Papyrus plant
Strips from papyrus stems were arranged and pressed into writing sheets.
QUESTION 3 / 10
What was the primary purpose of a Roman aqueduct?
- Carry water
- Launch ships
- Store grain
- Track stars
Show answer & explanation+
Carry water
Aqueducts transported water to cities and other settlements.
QUESTION 4 / 10
Which ancient civilization used hieroglyphic writing on many monuments?
- Vikings
- Medieval Franks
- Ancient Egyptians
- Aztecs only
Show answer & explanation+
Ancient Egyptians
Egyptian hieroglyphs used signs to represent sounds, ideas, and words.
QUESTION 5 / 10
What were medieval illuminated manuscripts often decorated with?
- Electric bulbs
- Painted initials and illustrations
- Plastic labels
- Printed barcodes
Show answer & explanation+
Painted initials and illustrations
Illumination involved decorative painting, sometimes with gold or silver.
QUESTION 6 / 10
What is archaeology concerned with?
- Past human life through material remains
- Distant stars only
- Tomorrow's weather
- Living cells only
Show answer & explanation+
Past human life through material remains
Archaeologists study objects, structures, and other traces of past people.
QUESTION 7 / 10
What is a manuscript, in its original sense?
- A document written by hand
- A stone tool
- A woven basket
- A minted coin
Show answer & explanation+
A document written by hand
The word originally refers to handwritten text, though modern publishing uses it more broadly.
QUESTION 8 / 10
Which society is associated with longships and Norse traditions?
- Vikings
- Phoenicians only
- Incas
- Minoans
Show answer & explanation+
Vikings
Viking Age Scandinavian seafarers used longships for travel, trade, and raids.
QUESTION 9 / 10
What does a historian primarily study?
- The human past
- Only future elections
- Only chemical reactions
- Only ocean currents
Show answer & explanation+
The human past
Historians investigate and interpret the past using sources and evidence.
QUESTION 10 / 10
What is a primary historical source?
- Evidence originating from the period or event studied
- Any newly printed textbook
- Only a modern encyclopedia
- Only a fictional retelling
Show answer & explanation+
Evidence originating from the period or event studied
A contemporary letter, diary, photograph, or record can be a primary source.