Statues From Around the World Trivia Quiz

Answer: There are a number of conflicting answers as to what happened to the nose

Located on the Giza Plateau, close to the Great Pyramids of Egypt, there is some mystery and debate as to who actually ordered the construction of the Great Sphinx of Giza and its exact function.

Carved depicting the head of a man and body of a lion, the Sphinx (as it is more commonly known) is the world's largest monolith statue. Carved from limestone, the Sphinx shows signs of erosion, which some believe indicates it was carved at a time when the climate in Egypt was much wetter than it is in the modern era. To protect the Sphinx, it has undergone a number of restoration attempts, dating right back to 1400 BC, when the Sphinx had become partially buried by drifting sand.

It is sometimes stated that the reason the nose became detached from the Sphinx was due to it being used for target practice by troops loyal to Napoleon. However, conflicting stories suggest the nose may have been missing for some time beforehand, as sketches of the Sphinx pre-dating Napoleon's invasion of Egypt show the nose already missing. There are ancient accounts that also suggest the nose was ordered to be removed by Muhammad Sa'im al-Dahr in 1378 AD to prevent it being worshipped by local inhabitants.

A more plausible answer may simply be that the iron bars that held the nose corroded in over time and the nose fell off. Fragments of a ceremonial beard that also was once attached to the Sphinx remains and are currently housed in the British Museum in London.

Answer: True

Designed by David Backhouse and located between where Park Lane runs alongside Hyde Park, London, the Animals at War Memorial is constructed of Portland stone. Unveiled in 2004 by Anne, the Princess Royal, the memorial is dedicated to the animals that have served British armed forces throughout the years. The memorial comprises four statues; on one side is a horse and dog, on the other are two mules carrying supplies.

Construction of the memorial was inspired by a book by novelist Jilly Cooper, also entitled "Animals at War", and was largely financed by public donations. On the memorial are three inscriptions two of which read as follows.

"This monument is dedicated to all the animals
that served and died alongside British and allied forces
in wars and campaigns, throughout time."

"Many and various animals were employed to support British and Allied forces in wars and campaigns over the centuries, and as a result millions died. From the pigeon to the elephant, they all played a vital role in every region of the world in the cause of human freedom.Their contribution must never be forgotten."

The most poignant inscription though simply reads. "They had no choice."

Although when thinking of animals that have served the armed forces throughout the centuries many will name horses, others have served including dogs, and even carrier pigeons. Even today, horses are used by the armed forces for ceremonial duties whilst dogs are employed in a range of duties from guarding, searching for bombs and searching buildings. There is in fact a British army regiment entitled the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment that provides training and care for dogs serving not only the British army but also some armed forces overseas.

Answer: The oxidation of the copper cladding that covers the statue

A gift from the people of France, erection of the Statue of Liberty commenced in 1885 on Bedloe's Island (now known as Liberty Island) in New York harbour. Although components for the statue had arrived, it was not until the following year that the pedestal it stands on was completed.

Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and constructed by Gustave Eiffel - famous for the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - the Statue of Liberty was made from sheets of copper laid upon an iron frame. This frame was then anchored to steel beams embedded in the pedestal on which the statue stands.

Although initially a dull copper colour, oxidation of the copper cladding began to spread so that by 1906 the Statue of Liberty took on its familiar green colouration. When this first occurred, the plan was to paint the statue, both inside and out, the fear being that the statue was corroding. However, after examination and a protest, it was decided to only paint the inside of the statue. The only exception to the green colouration on the Statue of Liberty is the gilded flame on the torch, held aloft by the right arm of the statue.

To mark the centenary year of the statue's dedication in 1986, a survey was carried out in the early 1980s which found the statue required major restoration. Between 2011 and 2012, more work was undertaken to update facilities within the pedestal for visitors.

Although the public can access the viewing deck in the crown and torch, access is limited to a few people each day.

Answer: Vladimir Lenin

Born Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov in the city of Ulyanovsk - formally known as Simbirsk - in 1870, Lenin is known worldwide as one of the leaders of the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Born into a wealthy, middle class family, Lenin became fascinated by socialist politics following the execution of his brother Aleksandr Ulyanov in 1887. Studying works by fellow Russians, Chernyshevsky and Plekhanov, along with Karl Marx's famous book "Capital: Critique of Political Economy", better known as "Das Kapital".

Fearing his political views, Lenin's mother Maria took her son to a country estate near the village of Alakaevka, hoping to persuade her son to take an interest in agriculture. However, Lenin's growing political views led him to become more involved with the growing socialist movement.

Having moved to St Petersburg in 1893 became more involved with the growing Marxist movement, rising to a senior position within a cell known as the "Social-Democrats". Eventually, Lenin was arrested and tried with sedition, sentenced to three years exile in the eastern part of Siberia. There Lenin was joined by Nadezhda (Nadya) Krupskaya who was to become his wife in 1898.

Upon his return from exile in 1900, Lenin and Nadya settled in the Russia city of Pskov. However, in the July of 1900, Lenin began travelling around Europe, meeting other prominent Marxists Leon Trotsky, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Kautsky.

By 1903 a schism had developed between supporters of Lenin and a rival Julius Martov. This led to the formation of what became known as the Bolsheviks, derived from the Russian word bol'sheviki from the term coined by Lenin, "majoritarians" - meaning his supporters were in the majority.

Although the October Revolution in 1905 in Russia led to some reforms, it was not until the February revolution in 1917 that saw Lenin return to St. Petersburg - then named Petrograd - leading the call for European wide revolution by the proletariat. Illness though saw Lenin retreat temporarily to Finland, before returning to St. Petersburg later that year. This time Lenin gain enough support for an armed revolution to seize control from the government.

Having gained control of Russia, Lenin and his supporters began negotiating the withdrawal of Russia from World War 1. However, internal conflicts dogged Lenin and his supporters hopes of a more wider European uprising, including a defeat by the Polish army leading to the Peace of Riga.

Despite having become leader of Russia after the Russian Revolution, increasing bad health led to Lenin passing away in 1924. Although his wife Nadya was against the idea, Lenin's body was mummified, and eventually put on display in s specially constructed mausoleum in Moscow.

Although a number of statues were erected depicting Lenin, the one in the image is located in Seattle, Washington that was originally installed in Poprad, Slovakia. After the downfall off what was communist Czechoslovakia, it was purchased by Lewis E. Carpenter from Issaquah, Washington after it scheduled to be scrapped. Despite initial protest and the subsequent death of Carpenter, the statue was placed in the Fremont area of Seattle, pending sale by Carpenters family.

Answer: Boudica

Located on the north bank of the River Thames - close to the Palace of Westminster - the statue of Boadicea and Her Daughters was commissioned in the 1850s. Conceived by artist and engineer Thomas Thornycroft, the statue was not installed until 17 years after Thornyctoft's death.

Although originally the statue due to be fitted on Parliament Hill at a site known as Boadicea's Grave - despite there being no archaeological evidence Boadicea was buried there.

Thornycroft's statue depicts Boadicea flanked by her daughters on a scythed, horse drawn chariot - a romantic depiction of the legendary warrior queen who took on the Romans during the Roman occupation of Britain.

Boadicea was the wife of Prasutagus, a client king of the Romans and leader of the Iceni tribe that once rule the northern half of the East Anglia region of Britain. Upon the death of Prasutagus, he left half his lands to the Roman emperor, and the rest of his Boadicea and his daughters. However, the Romans did do not recognize Boadicea and her daughters claims to the Iceni lands resulting in Boadicea being publicly flogged and her daughters raped.

Incensed, Boadicea lead a rebellion leading to the sacking of Colchester, London and St. Albans. During these attacks, many Roman settlers were slaughtered, and Colchester, London and St Albans razed to the ground.

Eventually, Boadicea and her forces engaged in battle with those lead by the Roman governor of Britain, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Regardless of the fact that the exact site of the battled is unknown, it is generally believed by historians to have taken place close to what was the Roman road of Watling Street, somewhere in the West Midlands.

Despite ordering a superior force in numbers, Boadicea was defeated leading to the mystery as to the fate Boadicea and her daughters. Whilst the Roman writer Tacitus states Boadicea committed suicide, Cassius Dio is no mention of how Boadicea died

Answer: Easter Island

Located in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean region, Easter Island - or Rapa Nui - as it is known is under the governance of the Chilean government. The island is most famous though for the 887 statues known as Moai, situated mainly around the coastline of Easter Island. As such, UNESCO named Easter Island a world heritage site, with the formation of the Rapa Nui National Park.

Many of the statues are found in groups, arranged on plinths mainly facing out to sea. The statues themselves are carved from a variety of stone from Tuff to Basalt, Trachyte and Red Scoria- types of volcanic rock that makes up much of the geology of Easter Island.

It is believed that Easter Island was first sometime between the 8th and 12th AD by settlers of Polynesian descent. The island's population eventually grew into a thriving community with an estimated 15,000 inhabitants. This though put a heavy strain on the island's resources, leading to deforestation, soil erosion and the introduction of rats. During the 19th century, a small number of wooden tables were bearing glyphs called Rongorongo. Although it is believed only the elite were literate and these tablets were sacred.

Discovered by the Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen in 1722 gave Rapa Nui the name of Easter Island as it as first sighted on Easter Sunday. However, by then the population had dwindled to a few thousand However, disease and slave traders meant that by the early 19th century, only around 100 native inhabitants were left.

Examination by archaeologists determined the Moai were once decorated with eyes made from white coral with pupils of either Red Scoria or Obsidian - a volcanic type of glass. In addition, some of the restored Moai now have these eyes to show how they would have once looked.

Answer: The Little Mermaid

Inspired by the story, "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, the statue was designed by Danish sculpture, Edvard Eriksen. Standing 1.25 metres tall and weighing approximately 180 kg, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg Brewery in 1909.

Having been inspired by the ballet of "The Little Mermaid", Danish ballerina Ellen Price was asked to pose as a model for the statue. Although she agreed to have her face used, she refused to allow her body to be depicted given the statue was nude. As a result, Eriksen's wife Eline posed for the body of the statue.

Unveiled in 1913, the statue has become one of the worlds most famous statues that is strongly identified with its location. The statue is located on a rock, sited of the seafront of Langelinie, a promenade in central Copenhagen.

The book from which the statue takes its name was written by Hans Christian Andersen and published in 1837. The story concerns a young mermaid, prepared to give up her life in the sea to become human.

In order to obtain this and marry the prince whose life she has saved, the mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch. In return for giving the witch her voice, the witch gives the mermaid a potion, turning her into a human with two legs. However, the witch warns the mermaid that if she fails to win the love of the prince, the mermaid would die, turning into foam.

Although film and other adaptations often depict the story as having a happy ending, Andersen's version has the mermaid dying, having failed to succeed in winning the prince's heart.

Answer: David

Situated in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, Florence, stands the statue of David, carved by the famous Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Along with the statue of David, the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze is also home to other sculptures, carved by Michelangelo in his lifetime.

Carved from marble obtained from quarries identified as being from the Fantiscritti quarries at Miseglia - in the Carrara region of Tuscany - the statue stands 5.17 metres tall.

Originally the statue was positioned in the Piazza della Signoria, under the roof line of the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open aired building displaying other sculptures and works of art. The statue of "David" was moved eventually to the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze in 1873 to protect it from being damaged.

The statue itself depicts David as naked and uncircumcised - as style used by a number of artists at the time and not reflecting the Jewish custom of circumcision.

Work first started on the statue in the mid 15th century AD, having been commissioned to carve it by the Overseers of the Office of Works of Florence Cathedral, one of a number of works of art depicting biblical heroes. It was the Italian artist Agostino di Duccio who started to work on the statue of David in the mid 15th century, handing over to Antonio Rossellino. Neither of them got very far with carving the statue except for roughing out the shape of various parts of the body.

In 1501, Michelangelo was commissioned to finish the statue, working on the project until 1504, having persuaded the Operai to award him the contract to finish the work started by Agostino and Rossellino.

Answer: Yes

Buddhism was reportedly founded as a religion by Siddhârtha Gautama between the 6th and 5th centuries, BC. Evidence from early texts suggests that Siddhârtha Gautama was born in what is now eastern India into the Shakya clan, said to have at the time been headed by his father. Buddhists though believe that Siddhârtha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal before moving to the Shakya capital of Kapilvastu - some of which suggest being either Tilaurakot, Nepal or Piprahwa India.

It is said though that Siddhârtha Gautama gained enlightenment whilst sitting under a Bodhi Tree whilst living in Bodh Gaya. It is from the name of the tree that Siddhârtha Gautama's teachings gain the name Buddhism, himself became known as Gautama Buddha.

Given there were no written record at the time mentioning Siddhârtha Gautama, found at the time of his birth, it is hard to determine his true history, and it is only the Edicts of Ashoka that first mentions a pilgrimage of an emperor to Lumbini to visit Buddha's birth place.

With the spread of Buddhism, statues were erected depicting Buddha as sitting, his legs crossed over in front of him with one hand on his right knee, whilst the left arm is rested on his lap. Various other interpretations of Buddha over the centuries show Buddha in a number of other positions, whilst some depicting him as being fat, rather than thin.

Answer: Rio de Janeiro

Designed by the French/Polish sculptor, Paul Landowski, with a face created by the Romanian artist Gheorghe Leonida, the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands 38 metres tall. Located upon the Corcovado mountain - also known as Monte Cristo - the art deco style statue overlooks Rio de Janerio in Brazil.

Construction of the statue began in 1922 under the guidance of the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, working with French Engineer Albert Caquot. Built with a combination of concrete and soapstone, the statue weighs approximately 640 metric tonnes.

The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer was built-in an Art Deco style, depicting Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched. Since it was completed in 1931, Christ the Redeemer has gone on to become not only a cultural icon for Brazil, but also a worldwide recognised symbol of Christianity. As such, there are currently a small number of statues erected around the world depicting Jesus Christ in similar poses to that depicted in Christ the Redeemer.

Access to the platform the surrounds the base of the statue is via either a small road, a trail or the Corcovado Rack Railway - the latter having limited passenger carrying capabilities. In addition, lifts, stairs and escalators were mounted in the early part of the 21st century to allow visitors better access to the viewing platform that surrounds the base of the statue.

Further more, a chapel was consecrated under the statue in 2006, dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida - the patron saint of Brazil by Cardinal Eusébio Oscar Scheid, Archbishop Emeritus of Rio de Janeiro. As such, baptisms and marriages can now take place under the statue.