Ancient & Medieval History Trivia

120+ Best Ancient & Medieval History Trivia Questions & Answers

Mike Oberman

Updated: March 7th, 2025

Challenge your mind with over 390 intriguing questions about Ancient & Medieval History! From famous landmarks to legendary rulers, explore the captivating world of the past and see how much you really know.

General Ancient History Trivia

Question: What natural fiber did the ancient Egyptians twist into papyrus, the ancient world’s version of sticky notes?

Answer: River Reeds

Question: Which civilization totally rocked the papyrus game by inventing this scroll material before paper was cool?

Answer: Egyptian

Question: In a plot twist straight out of a Roman soap opera, which family members did Emperor Nero infamously off?

Answer: His Wife and Mother

Question: Which country got the clay party started by inventing pottery long before modern ceramic studios existed?

Answer: China

Question: The ancient Romans engineered aqueducts to carry what life-sustaining liquid, proving they were the OG waterworks experts?

Answer: Water

Question: Which year did the Romans pack up their togas and bid farewell to Britain?

Answer: 406 AD

Question: In which legendary epic, brimming with gods and heroes, is the dramatic fall of Troy immortalized?

Answer: The Aeneid

Question: On which peaceful philosophy, founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, do millions find enlightenment?

Answer: Buddhism

Question: Which ancient philosopher passed on his wisdom to Aristotle like a cosmic relay race?

Answer: Plato

Question: In the Middle Ages, which herb did women hand to warriors as a token of hearty bravery?

Answer: Courage

Question: Sparta, Athens, and Crete – these powerhouse city-states belonged to which legendary civilization?

Answer: Greek

Question: Which ancient land was ruled by Boudica, the fierce warrior queen who led her tribe against the Romans?

Answer: Britain

Question: Once again, which year did the Romans decide Britain just wasn’t for them and exit the scene?

Answer: 406 AD

Question: Which subcontinent was home to Ashoka the Great, where he ruled with a blend of might and mercy?

Answer: India

Question: How did the French manage to invade and settle in Brazil when many Portuguese settlements were failing?

Answer: many of the Portuguese settlements failing

Question: In the brutal arenas of Ancient Rome, what was a 'lanista' renowned for doing?

Answer: Gladiator trainer

Ancient Greek Civilization Trivia

Question: Which ancient Greek temple stands as a timeless icon of classical beauty, rivaling any modern-day wonder?

Answer: Parthenon

Question: In the epic showdown at Thermopylae, which mighty empire did the Greeks clash with in a battle for the ages?

Answer: Persia

Question: Which legendary Greek mathematician is renowned for his theorem on right-angled triangles, making math as cool as ancient myths?

Answer: Pythagoras

Question: Which formidable ancient woman dazzled Roman audiences with her oratory skills, outshining even today’s debate champs?

Answer: Hortensia

Question: Where did the pantheon of Greek gods call home, a lofty peak where divine drama unfolded?

Answer: Mount Olympus

Question: In Greek mythology, on which island does the fearsome Minotaur lurk in a labyrinth of legends?

Answer: Crete

Question: Which heroic figure of Greek myth ventured into the maze to defeat the monstrous Minotaur?

Answer: Theseus

Question: Who is Apollo’s twin sister, celebrated for her archery and wild spirit in the lore of ancient Greece?

Answer: Artemis

Ancient Roman Civilization Trivia

Question: Which fearless fighters battled in the Roman arenas, earning a reputation as death-defying entertainers?

Answer: Gladiators

Question: When nature called in ancient Rome, what quirky substitute did citizens use instead of modern toilet paper?

Answer: A Wet Sponge

Question: Which radiant ancient Egyptian god was the ultimate overseer of the sun’s brilliance?

Answer: The Sun

Question: Which iconic figure, famous for sparking a massive rebellion, was known in ancient Rome simply as a slave?

Answer: Slave

Question: Which powerful ancient Roman woman wowed audiences with her masterful oratory, leaving a lasting legacy?

Answer: Hortensia

Question: In which civilization’s religion did Jupiter reign supreme as the king of the gods?

Answer: Roman

Question: Which bustling Italian city, a jewel of art and culture, was ruled by the influential Medici family during the Middle Ages?

Answer: Florence

Question: Sparta, Athens, and Crete—these legendary city-states were the heart of which ancient civilization?

Answer: Greek

Question: Which mighty empire engineered aqueducts and roads that still amaze us today?

Answer: Rome

Question: In a tale of imperial intrigue, which woman was ordered to be executed by Emperor Commodus?

Answer: Lucilla

Question: After Emperor Claudius, which notorious ruler took over the Roman throne?

Answer: Nero

Question: Which Roman goddess, embodying chance and fortune, was known as the keeper of luck?

Answer: Fortuna

Question: Which scandalous empress, remembered for her notorious exploits, was Claudius’s third wife?

Answer: Valeria Messalina

Question: How many cheering fans could the grand Circus Maximus in ancient Rome hold during epic chariot races?

Answer: 150,000

Question: Which ancient empire’s engineering feats include the timeless aqueducts and roads we marvel at today?

Answer: Rome

Ancient Egyptian Civilization Trivia

Question: Which radiant deity lit up the ancient Egyptian skies and ruled the day with divine brilliance?

Answer: The Sun

Question: Which empire engineered aqueducts and roads that still leave us in awe of their ancient ingenuity?

Answer: Rome

Question: Which civilization left us mesmerizing stone-carved messages in the form of hieroglyphs?

Answer: Egypt

Question: Who ruled over the land with golden crowns and unmatched authority, defining an era of divine leadership?

Answer: Egypt

Question: Which ingenious civilization invented papyrus, the original scroll that kickstarted written history?

Answer: Egyptian

Question: Which legendary empire is forever linked with mummies, majestic pharaohs, and the awe-inspiring pyramids?

Answer: Egypt

Question: Complete the iconic landmark’s name: The Great ... of Giza?

Answer: Pyramid

Ancient World Civilizations Trivia

Question: Which ancient scribes chronicled the secrets of the Mayan world in their precious codices, essentially ancient books of wisdom?

Answer: Books

Question: Which mighty leader from Carthage led his forces with daring and strategy, forever etched in history?

Answer: Carthage

Question: Which empire dazzled us with its engineering marvels like aqueducts and roads, still admired today?

Answer: Rome

Question: Which country was the battleground for the epic clash known as the Battle of Hastings, marking a turning point in history?

Answer: England

Question: In the dramatic clash of 280 BC, at which battle did the Romans confront the combined might of Greece?

Answer: Heraclea

Question: Which modern-day country was once a mosaic of regions like Pisidia, Lycia, and Pamphylla during Roman times?

Answer: Turkey

Question: Which ancient nation sparked a revolution in craftsmanship by inventing pottery, crafting beauty out of clay?

Answer: China

Question: In the strict social codes of ancient Rome, which royal color was forbidden to anyone not crowned as emperor, marking a bold declaration of power?

Answer: Purple

Question: Which formidable ruler, Darius I, presided over an ancient empire that stretched across continents?

Answer: Persia

Question: In the legendary Trojan War, which beautiful queen did Paris of Troy famously whisk away, igniting passions and battles?

Answer: Helen

Question: Which god, so influential that a day of the week bears his name, continues to echo through our calendars?

Answer: Saturn

Question: From which rugged region did the fearless Vikings hail, setting sail on epic adventures across the seas?

Answer: Scandinavia

Question: Which iconic Roman general and statesman is best remembered for his passionate romance with Cleopatra?

Answer: Mark Antony

Question: Who was the first emperor, the mastermind behind the birth of the Roman Empire, whose legacy still looms large?

Answer: Augustus

Historical Figures & Places Trivia

Question: Which brilliant Renaissance thinker hailed from the land of tulips and windmills, making waves in intellectual circles?

Answer: Holland

Question: In what year did the solemn arrival of African slaves mark the beginning of a complex legacy in Brazil?

Answer: 1550

Question: In which constituent country of the United Kingdom does the mysterious Stonehenge majestically stand?

Answer: England

Question: Who, in 46 BC, extended Roman citizenship to Greek doctors, bridging cultures with a historic decree?

Answer: Julius Caesar

Question: Which battle of the 2nd Punic War led the Romans on an epic journey to Spain, etching a victory into history?

Answer: Ilipa

Question: Which ancient civilization revolutionized trade by inventing banknotes, laying the groundwork for modern money?

Answer: China

Question: In what transformative year did Brazil officially abolish slavery, marking a pivotal turn in its history?

Answer: 1888

Question: Which legendary hero, famed for his incredible strength and daunting labors, was celebrated as the son of Jupiter?

Answer: Hercules

Question: What modern-day item mirrors the function of the ancient Egyptian sarcophagus, cradling the departed in timeless style?

Answer: Coffin

Ancient Empires Trivia

Question: Which ancient civilization kicked off the ultimate sporting event that inspired modern Olympic fever?

Answer: Greek

Question: Who was the Roman heavyweight that took on the role of Zeus, ruling the skies with thunderous flair?

Answer: Jupiter

Question: What natural material did the ingenious ancient Egyptians transform into papyrus, the original scroll for recording epic tales?

Answer: River Reeds

Question: In the legendary Punic Wars, which formidable rival did ancient Rome clash with to carve its name in history?

Answer: Carthage

Question: Which clever Roman innovation brought cozy underfloor heating to life, warming their abodes long before modern tech?

Answer: Under floor heating

Question: Which ancient civilization made communal public bath houses the ultimate spot for relaxation and gossip?

Answer: Roman

Question: Which groundbreaking social system, giving citizens a voice way before social media, is credited to the ancient Greeks?

Answer: Democracy

Question: Which fierce ancient civilization saw Alaric reign as king, shaking the foundations of the old world?

Answer: Visigoths

Question: Which vast and opulent empire was ruled by Darius I, uniting a diverse mosaic of cultures?

Answer: Persia

Question: Which ancient civilization witnessed the grandeur of Nebuchadnezzar II's rule, leaving behind legendary architectural wonders?

Answer: Babylonian

Mythology & Gods Trivia

Question: Which island was the labyrinthine lair of the legendary Minotaur, where myth met maze?

Answer: Crete

Question: Who was the Roman god that took on Zeus's thunderous mantle, ruling with cosmic authority?

Answer: Jupiter

Question: Which wise and strategic goddess embodied Roman intellect and ingenuity as the goddess of wisdom?

Answer: Minerva

Question: Who is Apollo's twin sister, celebrated for her huntress spirit and lunar grace in Greek mythology?

Answer: Artemis

Question: Which nurturing Roman goddess safeguarded the sacred bonds of marriage and the miracles of childbirth?

Answer: Juno

Question: Who prowled the wild as the Roman goddess of the hunt, echoing nature’s untamed call?

Answer: Diana

Question: Which enigmatic creature’s head adorned Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god guiding souls in the afterlife?

Answer: A Jackal

Question: The fearsome Minotaur in Greek lore sported the head of which mighty animal?

Answer: Bull

Question: According to myth, everything King Midas touched transformed into what dazzling element?

Answer: Gold

Question: Which Inca symbol, reminiscent of the tree of life, continues to represent the interconnectedness of existence?

Answer: Chakana

Rulers & Emperors Trivia

Question: Which Russian ruler, claimed by the Black Death, was known by the striking nickname "The Proud"?

Answer: The Proud

Question: During the Renaissance, which grand country was ruled by the infamous Henry VIII?

Answer: England

Question: Which nation witnessed the transformative rule of Ashoka the Great, whose edicts echoed through history?

Answer: India

Question: Who stepped into power as Roman emperor following the assassination of Domitian?

Answer: Nerva

Question: Which emperor's legacy paved the way for Hadrian’s reign in ancient Rome?

Answer: Trajan

Question: Which stalwart emperor founded the Flavian dynasty, rising from turmoil to restore order?

Answer: Vespasian

Question: In which modern-day country can the ancient city of Babylon be found, a testament to early civilization?

Answer: Iraq

Question: During his notorious reign, which close family members did Emperor Nero famously eliminate?

Answer: His Wife and Mother

Question: Which Roman emperor famously resided in the opulent Villa Jovis on the Isle of Capri?

Answer: Tiberius

Question: Who holds the distinction of being the first Roman emperor to directly succeed his biological father?

Answer: Titus

Historical Events & Battles Trivia

Question: Which legendary Trojan trick featured a giant wooden decoy that left enemies dumbfounded?

Answer: Horse

Question: In the bustling streets of ancient Rome, which city ranked second only to London in size and splendor?

Answer: Cirencester

Question: At which dramatic battle in 57 BC did Julius Caesar lead his legions to showcase Roman might?

Answer: The Sabis

Question: What was the name of the decisive battle in 149 BC that marked the main engagement of the 3rd Punic War?

Answer: Carthage

Question: In which fateful year did the Romans pack up their legions and get expelled from Britain?

Answer: 406 AD

Question: Which battle in 279 BC saw Hannibal deliver a crushing defeat to the Roman forces?

Answer: Asculum

Question: What was the name of the pivotal battle in 202 BC that marked the end of the second Punic War?

Answer: Zama

Question: In 390 BC, which battle did the Gauls pull off an astonishing victory over the Romans?

Answer: Allia

Question: Around what approximate year were the epic poems 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' penned, weaving myths for generations?

Answer: 890 BC

Question: In which year did the mighty Roman legions successfully launch an invasion of Britain, setting the stage for centuries of history?

Answer: 43 AD

Miscellaneous Ancient History Trivia

Question: What was the snazzy, studded glove called that Roman boxers rocked in the arena?

Answer: Cestus

Question: Where did the legendary Solomon's Temple stand as a beacon of ancient faith and splendor?

Answer: Jerusalem

Question: What eerie duty did Cerberus, the three-headed guardian, perform by barring the way to the realm of the dead?

Answer: The Underworld

Question: Which iconic Trojan ruse featured a hollow sculpture of an animal that changed the course of war?

Answer: Horse

Question: In which modern-day country did the sweet, soulful sounds of the first flute originate?

Answer: Germany

Question: What did the ancient Romans call their lively 'market day,' when commerce and chatter filled the streets?

Answer: Nundine

Question: By the time the Portuguese arrived, how many tribes had woven the rich tapestry of local cultures?

Answer: 1000

Question: According to tradition, how many 'classics' did the wise Confucius pen, shaping Eastern thought?

Answer: Five

Question: In Greek myth, what delicious fruit was famed as the 'golden apples' that stirred epic quests?

Answer: Apricots

Question: What is the sleek Roman numeral that stands for the number 101, blending art and arithmetic?

Answer: CI

Question: Which mighty volcano, forever etched in history for burying Pompeii, looms near modern-day Naples?

Answer: Vesuvius

Question: What was the favorite intoxicating elixir that fueled the revelries of ancient Greek symposia?

Answer: Wine

Question: In what year did the Portuguese boot out the French from their colony, reshaping a slice of history?

Answer: 1567

Question: Across the sprawling Roman Empire, which elegant language united diverse peoples under one tongue?

Answer: Latin