Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. It is around 700 BC, in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Ahab is king, but who turned Israel to worshipping Baal? She was Phoenician by birth, and Elijah's arch-enemy.
2. Early in the 6th century, Justinian was Emperor of Byzantium. His second wife was an actress and, probably, had been a courtesan (despite her name indicating a religious nature). She had significant influence over him, to the point of being recognised as a co-ruler; she, rather than he, is credited with bringing about the decisive ending to the Nika revolt, and continued to rule Byzantium with him in equal partnership, although he was Emperor. Who was this incredible woman?
3. From 1933 to 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States, leader of probably the most influential single nation in the outcome of World War II. But who advised, guided, and on occasion even represented him, with no official authority to do so?
4. It is 11th century Scotland, and King Malcolm III marries a woman who, according to tradition, was cast ashore in Scotland by a storm. At least three of her sons (Edgar, Alexander I and David I) became kings of Scotland in their turn, and this strong and deeply religious woman influenced them all - most of all King David I, who became one of Scotland's great kings.
5. Edward II of England married unfortunately. His wife, who shared her name with Christopher Columbus' patron, became estranged from Edward, and plotted with her lover, Roger Mortimer, to have him murdered, which came to pass in 1327. She and Mortimer saw to it that her young son, Edward III, was crowned in succession, but with herself and Mortimer as his regents. Who was this woman who deposed a king, and enthroned one?
6. The thrones, literal or figurative, were not always occupied by men. In 1702 Queen Anne ascended to the throne in England. She had a good friend who had been close to her for many years; on Anne's ascension to the throne, her friend was, for a few more years, extremely influential with Anne. Known for her forthright manner and blunt speech (not dissimilar to that of a distant descendant), it was her friend's overbearing personality which eventually broke their friendship. Who was this lady?
7. In 1809, James Madison became the fourth President of the United States. His wife was a skilled hostess and politically astute; he relied on her advice, and she is credited with being the main reason he was elected to a second term. She began her socio-political career by acting as hostess for Thomas Jefferson, then a widower, when Madison was Secretary of State. Can you pick her out - by her maiden name?
8. In the middle of 19th century China, Emperor Xianfeng ruled from the Forbidden City. He had a favourite concubine, who bore him a son, Tongzhi; when the Emperor died in 1861, this concubine became regent for her son. She later also served as regent for her nephew Guangxu. After Guanxu attempted unpopular reforms in 1898, this same lady regained the regency, and ruled until her death in 1908. Who was this amazing woman, who effectively controlled the throne of China for half a century?
9. In Canaan, before there were kings, there were judges (sometime before 1000 BC). Barak, the renowned general of the Israelites, was called up to defeat the forces of King Jabin the Canaanite and his general Sisera. But Barak refused - unless this woman showed her support by going with him. Who was she?
10. Umaru Yar'adua ran unsuccessfully for the governorship of Katsina Province in Nigeria in 1991, but won in 1999. He continued as governor until he was elected president of Nigeria in 2007 (in a disputed election; but this is Africa, after all). Never in very good health, he died of natural causes in May 2010. But who really drove his political career, and effectively ran his office when he was physically unable to?
Source: Author
Rimrunner
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
Bruyere before going online.
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