Ancient Civilizations
Middle Ages and Feudalism
Renaissance and Reformation
Age of Exploration
20th Century and Beyond
100

This river valley was home to Egypt’s ancient civilization.

What is the Nile River?

100

This social and political system was based on land exchange for loyalty in medieval Europe. 

What is feudalism?

100

This Italian city is often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.

What is Florence?

100

This Portuguese explorer was the first to sail directly from Europe to India.

Who is Vasco da Gama?

100

This war from 1939 to 1945 involved most of the world’s nations.

What is World War II?

200

The Sumerians developed this form of wedge-shaped writing.

What is cuneiform?

200

In medieval Europe, these fortified residences served as both homes and defense structures for nobles.

What are castles?

200

This German monk’s 95 Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Who is Martin Luther?

200

This Spanish monarch sponsored Christopher Columbus’s voyage in 1492.

Who is Queen Isabella?

200

This ideological struggle after WWII was between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

What is the Cold War?

300

This ancient empire, centered in modern-day Iran, built the Royal Road for communication.

What is the Persian Empire?

300

These holy wars were fought between Christians and Muslims over control of the Holy Land.

What are the Crusades?

300

(DAILY DOUBLE) This English monarch’s desire for a divorce led to the creation of the Church of England.

Who is Henry VIII?

300

This explorer circumnavigated the globe, though he was killed before completing the journey.

Who is Ferdinand Magellan?

300

This 1962 crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

What is the Cuban Missile Crisis?

400

This Chinese philosophy emphasized respect for elders and social harmony.

What is Confucianism?

400

This deadly pandemic killed roughly one-third of Europe’s population in the 14th century.

What is the Black Death?

400

This invention by Johannes Gutenberg greatly increased the spread of knowledge in Europe.

What is the printing press?

400

The Treaty of Tordesillas divided new lands between Spain and this other European nation.

What is Portugal?

400

This terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, led to major U.S. military actions in the Middle East.

What is 9/11?

500

This Mauryan ruler spread Buddhism across Asia after converting from a life of conquest.

Who is Ashoka?

500

This English document, signed in 1215, limited the power of the monarchy.

What is the Magna Carta?

500

This political theory, tied to Machiavelli, suggests rulers should use any means necessary to maintain power.

What is Machiavellianism?

500

This European empire controlled Brazil, parts of Africa, and parts of Asia during the Age of Exploration.

What is the Portuguese Empire?

500

This South African leader was imprisoned for 27 years before becoming president in 1994.

Who is Nelson Mandela?