Let's Go To The Circus! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Romans

The first circuses were rather grisly affairs. They featured chariot races, exotic animals, and duels to the death between gladiators and animals.

Answer: Philip Astley

The building was located at Westminster, London, England. Prior to 1769 the performers, usually trick-riding demonstrations, would ride past the audience and then have to turn around for another pass. Astley discovered that a ring diameter of 42 feet was the ideal size as it provided a centrifugal force that helped the performers with their show.

It also provided the audience with the best and closest view of the show. Thomas Edison invented many things, but the circus ring was not one of them. Brendan Shelper is a graduate from Australia's Flying Fruit-Fly Circus.

Answer: A flying trapeze act

The act consisted of him 'flying' from one bar to another. In 1870 another person, the 'catcher', was added to the act.

Answer: Jules Verne

Towards the end of his life he lived at Amiens and was also on the City Council.

Answer: The tent caught on fire

Over 160 people were killed when the roof fell in. The fire was more intense because the canvas had been waterproofed with paraffin and gasoline.

Answer: The Wallendas.

Karl Wallenda was the star of the Flying Wallendas. Born in Germany in 1905, he, together with his wife and brother, were the backbone of the troupe. Their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren are still associated with circuses around the world.

Answer: The Flying Fruit-fly Circus

Other graduates include Christie and Anne Shelper who went on to join Canada's Cirque du Soliel and their brother Brendan was Obi-Wan-Kenobi's stunt double in a 'Star Wars' movie. Only children of school-age are allowed to perform, and they are absolutely brilliant! Many of the performers went also on to star in Circus Oz. Blood, Sweat and Tears are a musical group from the 60's and 70's, and Hot Buttered is a line of surfing clothing.

Answer: Cyrk.

Cyrk posters do not try to show the actual acts of the circuses they were originally designed to promote, rather the feelings that circuses inspire. Put 'cyrk' into google.com and check out the pictures. Cirque is the French word for circus, a kirk is a Scottish church and a carapace is a tortoise's shell.

Answer: The Big Top

The days of the travelling circuses are, unfortunately, dwindling, and will be relegated to the history books in the future.

Answer: Indian

The Indian (or Asian) elephant can be distinguished by its smaller ears, and the number of toes on its back feet. It has 4 toes per foot, whereas the African elephant has 5.

Answer: A tightrope walker

From the Latin root: funis, rope plus ambulare, to walk. These people have my complete respect!

Answer: Alistair MacLean

A spy story about a circus touring Eastern Europe. A ripping yarn from one of my favourite authors.

Answer: A mechanic

Just one of those industry-specific terms. A carabiner is the spring clip used by mountain climbers.

Answer: Sucker

In reference to the public fascination with 'freak' shows, and their willingness to part with money to see them.

Answer: Cirque du Soleil

Based in Quebec, this circus merges circus act with theatre in a truly magnificent way. A success with its very first show, Le Grand Tour, in 1984, they followed with La Magie Continue, Le Cirque Reinvente, and several others. Cirque du Soleil is one of a growing number of circuses that do not use animal acts. Check your score below, and see if that dream to run to the big top is still a chance, if not, I hope you enjoyed my quiz, anyway.