Figures
I defeated Goliath with a slingshot and became king of Israel. My son built the First Temple. Who am I?
David
Why did the Mandate of Heaven become a problem for Zhou rulers?
When a ruler made a mistake or a natural disaster struck, people questioned his right to rule and called him a false king.
List the three members of the First Triumvirate of Rome.
Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey.
What does 'Barbaro-Phonoi' mean, and where does it appear?
It appears in the Iliad and means 'strange speakers' — anyone who did not speak a Greek dialect.
What were the Hanging Gardens, and who were they built for?
A famous garden built by Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon as one of his great projects, built for his wife Amytis.
I was a village judge whose fairness made all Median tribes proclaim me their leader. I then insisted they build one central city — Ecbatana. Who am I?
Deioces
Why did King P'ing give away the western part of his Zhou kingdom to Ch'in?
He didn't want to deal with the Barbarian (Ti and Yi) threat coming from that side.
Name the three Greek clusters that formed after the fall of Mycenae
Arcadians, Ionians, and Dorians.
Describe the tomb of Shi-Huang-Ti. What was most startling about it?
It had mercury rivers, crossbow traps, celestial ceilings — and most startlingly, nearly 7,000 life-size pottery soldiers each with a unique face, armed with real bronze weapons.
What happened to Shang Yang after the prince he had punished came to power?
The new ruler sentenced Shang Yang to be tied to four chariots driven in opposite directions, tearing him apart.
I am the central deity of Babylonia
Marduk
Why did Sargon II admire the Urartu king Rusas?
Rusas built elaborate canals, kept well-bred horses, and used watchtowers and bonfires for fast communication.
List four laws Shang Yang implemented in Ch'in
Private quarrels punishable by law; titles by military merit only; every citizen works useful labor; permits required to buy a home.
What were the Tribunes in ancient Rome, and why were they created?
Elected officials from the Plebians, above the law, created to represent and protect them — a result of the Plebian Secession.
How did Octavian convince Rome that Mark Antony was an enemy?
He illegally revealed Mark Antony's will publicly, showing Antony left his wealth to his Egyptian sons rather than to Rome.
I was the first king of Israel, anointed by the last judge. I organized an attack against the Philistines but my forces were badly outnumbered. Who am I?
Saul
Why did the Peace of Nicias between Athens and Sparta fail so quickly?
Alcibiades constantly sought personal fame, undermining the peace and eventually allying with Persia against both cities.
Name the four ranks of the Hindu caste system from highest to lowest.
Brahmins (priests), Kshatriya (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (commoners), Shudra (slaves).
What happened at the Battle of Thermopylae, and how did it end for Leonidas?
7,000 Spartans defended Thermopylae. When surrounded, Leonidas kept 300 men to delay the Persians. All were killed and he was beheaded.
How did the Olympic Games originally begin?
The king of Elis asked an oracle how to end Greek battles. The oracle said to make the games at Olympia an official festival with a mandatory truce, held every four years.
I was Cambyse's trusted aide. After a fake ruler seized the Persian throne, I led a rebellion, defeated him, and became king of Persia. Who am I?
Darius
Why did the Pandavas go into exile for twelve years?
Yudhishtra lost everything — kingdom, wealth, and his wife — in a game of dice against Duryodhana, and exile was part of the wager.
Name the three sons of Vyasa
Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura.
What was the Royal Road, and why was it significant?
A route built by Darius connecting Susa to Sardis in Asia Minor, with post stations for horse changes so messages could travel rapidly.
What was the first 'strike' in history, and who carried it out?
The Plebian Secession — Plebians marched to a sacred mount outside Rome and camped there, refusing to work until demands were met.