Who's Who in Ancient Egypt Trivia Quiz

Answer: Narmer

To symbolize political unification, Narmer took the Falcon Crown of Upper Egypt and Cobra Crown of Lower Egypt and put them together. The new capital, Memphis, was built at the meeting place of the two kingdoms. Narmer was also the first to take the title "pharaoh". On the Narmer Palette, the pharaoh is shown wearing the crown of Upper Egypt.

He holds a mace in his hand, which he is about to use. As pharaoh, Narmer was all-powerful, and could do anything he wanted to anyone. Later pharaohs carried a crook and a flail as symbol of their absolute power.

Answer: Zoser

The step pyramid of Zoser (Djoser) is located at Saqqara. It is considered to be the first large-scale stone cut construction, and is part of a large mortuary complex. Building such a structure was labor intensive; it is amazing that Zoser had the money, resources, and power to attempt such an endeavor.

Although pyramid design changed, many of the elements were similar enough to say that Zoser's step pyramid paved the way for future architectural accomplishments in ancient Egypt.

Answer: Khufu

Khufu was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. Very little is known about his reign. In fact, the only images of him are two small statues; scientists think that one was made during the Middle Kingdom, so it may not be an exact likeness. Khufu is generally depicted as being an autocratic, difficult ruler. Nevertheless, the Great Pyramid is the oldest and only surviving monument on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World list. For more information, see my quiz on Abdullah's Pyramid Adventure!

Answer: Khafre

Khafre was the son of Khufu, and like his father, is reported as having been a cruel, autocratic ruler. Other buildings in his complex include a smaller pyramid, the Valley Temple, which is perhaps dedicated to Hathor and Bubastis, the Mortuary Temple, and the Great Sphinx and Temple.

The Sphinx does share a facial resemblance with Khafre, and because is seems to be part of the pyramid complex, he has been given credit for its construction. Several archaeologists have tried to prove that it was built at another time, without overwhelming success.

Answer: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is known to contain sixty-three tombs and chambers, and became was the principal burial place during the New Kingdom in Egyptian history. It was built on the west side of the Nile, across from the ancient city of Thebes, which is known as Luxor today. Nobles, their wives, and children, as well as pharaohs and their families were buried there; it is estimated that only about twenty of the known tombs belong to pharaohs. Of course, most of the tombs were plundered in antiquity. For more information on the most famous tomb, that of Tutankamun, see my quiz, The Treasures of Tutankamun!

Answer: Hatshepsut

The first rulers of Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty instituted a new policy called the "god's wife". If the pharaoh died with no male heirs, the pharaoh's daughter, or god's wife, could marry outside the family and legitimize the new rule. When Hatshepsut's husband, Thutmose II died, her stepson was in line to become pharaoh.

Instead, she seized authority and crowned herself, ruling Egypt for thirty years. She is known for several achievements, including expanding trade, and initiating building projects.

It appears that she ruled as a male pharaoh would have ruled, and in many portraits and statues she is portrayed as a male.

Answer: Thutmose IV

Thutmose IV was not the crown prince nor his father's chosen successor. Maybe he ousted his brother and made up a story to justify his rule? The story is that, as a young prince, Thutmose was on a hunting trip. He stopped to rest and fell asleep at the Sphinx, which was buried to its neck in sand.

The Sphinx told him in a dream that if he cleared away the sand and restored the statue to its former glory, he would be the next pharaoh. After restoring the Sphinx, the Dream Stele was placed between its paws for everyone to see.

The reign of Thutmose IV is significant because he made peace with the neighboring Mitanni, and sealed the alliance by marrying a Mitanni princess.

Answer: Amarna

The Amarna Period in Egyptian history was short-lived. When Akkenaton decided to make Egypt a monotheistic state, he also moved the capital. The site was half-way between Thebes and Memphis. Open air temples were built to the new god, Aton, along with palaces, administrative centers, and a Royal Road.

When Akkenaton died suddenly, his successor, the boy Tutankamun, was pressured by the priests of Amun-Re to reinstate the old religion. The capital was moved back to Thebes, and Amarna was abandoned.

Answer: Ramses II

Ramses the Great ruled Egypt for sixty-seven years. After battling with the Hittites unsuccessfully, both rulers decided to negotiate a peace. The kings agreed to not make future attacks on each other, and come to the other's aid if they were attacked by a third party. Peace with the Hittites meant that Ramses had time and resources for his massive building projects.

It's true that he had many awesome temples built (like Abu Simbel in the picture). However, he also inscribed his name on many monuments built by other pharaohs. Nevertheless, he still probably deserves the title "the Great" because of all of his accomplishments.

Answer: Cleopatra

Cleopatra traced her lineage from Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy, who seized the Egyptian part of Alexander's empire after his death. She was the first person in her family who could speak the Egyptian language. In fact, Plutarch says that she could speak seven languages. Cicero couldn't stand her, but begrudgingly said she was literary and involved him in things that had to do with learning.

She needed Caesar's help in asserting her power in Egypt after her brother/husband's death, but in the period between Caesar's death and her marriage to Mark Antony, she ruled so well that Egypt was the richest state in the eastern Mediterranean. Along with being a mother and a wife, she also received ambassadors, distributed free grain during hard times, met with advisers, approved plans for buildings, and adjusted taxes.

She was one busy girl! History has always given mixed reviews on her, and people are more entertained by juicy gossip than they are by tax abatement.