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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:15:40 PM

Title: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:15:40 PM
New forum, new thread, new rules-- no more Yi Rule.

Where was Bomber Harris from?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:16:16 PM
:bleeding:

Fuck me, I pulled a Viking.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 22, 2009, 03:18:53 PM
He was from England.  What do I win?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:19:37 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 22, 2009, 03:18:53 PM
He was from England.  What do I win?
He wasn't.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on July 22, 2009, 03:30:39 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:19:37 PM
He wasn't.

You mean Wiki has it wrong?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:33:49 PM
Hmmm.  I recently read he was from Rhodesia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 22, 2009, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:33:49 PM
Hmmm.  I recently read he was from Rhodesia.

Read the wiki article a bit closer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on July 22, 2009, 03:57:47 PM
I approve of this thread.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 22, 2009, 03:59:59 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 22, 2009, 03:56:42 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 22, 2009, 03:43:13 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:33:49 PM
Hmmm.  I recently read he was from Rhodesia.

Read the wiki article a bit closer.

What is now Zambia ?

I was more pointing out that he was born in England and returned there after his Rhodesia days.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 22, 2009, 05:16:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:15:40 PM
Where was Bomber Harris from?
His momma.  What do I win?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: katmai on July 22, 2009, 06:17:23 PM
Hey mutton, you want this thread moved?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 06:44:14 PM
Quote from: katmai on July 22, 2009, 06:17:23 PM
Hey mutton, you want this thread moved?
Yeah mang.  Bean me up Scotty.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: DisturbedPervert on July 22, 2009, 06:46:39 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:16:16 PM
:bleeding:

Fuck me, I pulled a Viking.

Well, it is a game.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 22, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 03:16:16 PM
:bleeding:

Fuck me, I pulled a Viking.

What's a Viking?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 22, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
What's a Viking?
Starting a thread in the wrong forum.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 22, 2009, 07:16:31 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 22, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
What's a Viking?
Starting a thread in the wrong forum.

I thought it was some kind of pirate.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 23, 2009, 01:01:35 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 22, 2009, 07:13:38 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 22, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
What's a Viking?
Starting a thread in the wrong forum.

I should do that more often then...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 01:37:21 AM
QuoteNot considered academically gifted by his parents, he was given the choice of "either army or the colonies." He chose the colonies

What better qualification could one have to join RAF? No wonder he made to Air Marshall! Jolly good show...  :bowler:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 01:49:20 AM
When you have sex with a family member
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:08:54 AM
I'll take the floor if you don't mind, gentlemen.

Officers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies did salute more or less in the modern way, but privates and NCOs saluted bringing their three middle fingers to their forehead, showing the palm of the hand. And the cause of this difference was...?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 02:10:49 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:08:54 AM
I'll take the floor if you don't mind, gentlemen.

Officers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies did salute more or less in the modern way, but privates and NCOs saluted bringing their three middle fingers to their forehead, showing the palm of the hand. And the cause of this difference was...?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthetruthaboutsuccess.files.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2Floser.jpg&hash=886945a38903cc6ce0fe497008725bc420795dc4)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 23, 2009, 02:12:06 AM
So far we've had two questions with less then satisfactory answers.

"Where is Bomber Harris from?" which we have three answers:

Rhodesia, England and his mother.

And "What is a Viking" which we have two answers:

A thread in the wrong forum and a pirate.  So far this thread sucks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 23, 2009, 02:22:20 AM
Palms forward probably meant they had to have clean hands. So the salute was different to ensure that the men kept their palms clean for some reason?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:38:31 AM
Quote from: Viking on July 23, 2009, 02:22:20 AM
Palms forward probably meant they had to have clean hands. So the salute was different to ensure that the men kept their palms clean for some reason?

Nope. That was a bit misleading, I mentioned that they showed the palm to give you an idea of the position of the hand.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 23, 2009, 03:34:14 AM
Genetics?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on July 23, 2009, 05:06:58 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:08:54 AM
I'll take the floor if you don't mind, gentlemen.

Officers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies did salute more or less in the modern way, but privates and NCOs saluted bringing their three middle fingers to their forehead, showing the palm of the hand. And the cause of this difference was...?

just to be different? Officers can't salute the same way as the ordinary soldier.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 05:11:16 AM
Quote from: Octavian on July 23, 2009, 05:06:58 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:08:54 AM
I'll take the floor if you don't mind, gentlemen.

Officers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies did salute more or less in the modern way, but privates and NCOs saluted bringing their three middle fingers to their forehead, showing the palm of the hand. And the cause of this difference was...?

just to be different? Officers can't salute the same way as the ordinary soldier.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3653%2F3390182310_f86c82cb95.jpg&hash=e7bd4c051ca11892fd1b1bcbf408daa52efd23a1)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Cerr on July 23, 2009, 05:23:14 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 02:08:54 AM
I'll take the floor if you don't mind, gentlemen.

Officers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic armies did salute more or less in the modern way, but privates and NCOs saluted bringing their three middle fingers to their forehead, showing the palm of the hand. And the cause of this difference was...?
Was it something to do with showing that their fingers that were most needed in combat (like for firing a gun), were ok?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Josephus on July 23, 2009, 07:02:01 AM
Quote from: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 01:49:20 AM
When you have sex with a family member

About once a week. What do I win?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:41:18 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.

There is some doubt about who copied who, but generally it's assumed that was the reason. Some say that it was because officers used bicornes, but in several armies both soldiers and officers used them and in those armies soldiers normally used their bicornes left to right, alowing them to 'knuckle their foreheads', officers back to front or 'twisted'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:54:25 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:41:18 AM
There is some doubt about who copied who, but generally it's assumed that was the reason. Some say that it was because officers used bicornes, but in several armies both soldiers and officers used them and in those armies soldiers normally used their bicornes left to right, alowing them to 'knuckle their foreheads', officers back to front or 'twisted'.
Exactly.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on July 23, 2009, 08:03:23 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.

I read somewhere (no idea of the accuracy) that the officer salute evolved from the act of lifting one's helmet visor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Tamas on July 23, 2009, 08:30:22 AM
Quote from: Malthus on July 23, 2009, 08:03:23 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.

I read somewhere (no idea of the accuracy) that the officer salute evolved from the act of lifting one's helmet visor.

Yeah thats what I read as well: the knights raised the visor to honor the enemy/fellow knight by showing their identity or something.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 23, 2009, 02:57:18 PM
Wiki suggests that Roman Legionaries shaded their eyes when faced with the luminence which was their commander as a means of homage.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: BuddhaRhubarb on July 23, 2009, 09:26:45 PM
nice reboot so far. :p
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Tonitrus on July 23, 2009, 09:55:09 PM
Quote from: Malthus on July 23, 2009, 08:03:23 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.
I read somewhere (no idea of the accuracy) that the officer salute evolved from the act of lifting one's helmet visor.

This is the version we were taught in basic training.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 09:57:46 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on July 23, 2009, 09:55:09 PM
Quote from: Malthus on July 23, 2009, 08:03:23 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.
I read somewhere (no idea of the accuracy) that the officer salute evolved from the act of lifting one's helmet visor.

This is the version we were taught in basic training.

They lied to you then.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Tonitrus on July 23, 2009, 10:28:49 PM
Quote from: Jaron on July 23, 2009, 09:57:46 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on July 23, 2009, 09:55:09 PM
Quote from: Malthus on July 23, 2009, 08:03:23 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 23, 2009, 07:30:38 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 23, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 23, 2009, 07:00:48 AM
Nope, it's far easier than that...  :lol:
Something to do with serfs/peasants knuckling their foreheads?
That's what I am guessing.  The enlisted salute evolved from knuckling the forehead, while the officer salute evolved from raising the hat.
I read somewhere (no idea of the accuracy) that the officer salute evolved from the act of lifting one's helmet visor.

This is the version we were taught in basic training.

They lied to you then.

Well, in basic, one of our instructors(an enlisted NCO) for a period of classroom instruction, taught us that 9/11 was a conspiracy, and that it was a missile that blew a hole in the Pentagon. 

No, I'm not kidding.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Siege on July 23, 2009, 10:42:12 PM
tje romans knuckle their armor or shield, depending if they were officers or enlisted.

Modern salute evolved from lifting the visor, to the gesture of taking off head gear, to showing your right hand unarmed.

What the fuck is that about 'knuckling the head?
Never heard that one before.



Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: BuddhaRhubarb on July 24, 2009, 01:02:44 AM
Quote from: Siege on July 23, 2009, 10:42:12 PM
What the fuck is that about 'knuckling the head?
Never heard that one before.

Ironic, much?

:p
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 01:46:04 AM
OK, Grumbler probably will know this one, but it's too good not to post it. Why did Austrians think white uniforms were actually the easiest to keep clean and attractive on campaign?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 24, 2009, 03:52:08 AM
Because they were racist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 24, 2009, 04:42:07 AM
Like modern Americans they used bleach instead of actually washing them thoroughly.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 24, 2009, 06:02:53 AM
In Austria the dirt is white.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 06:04:11 AM
Raz, Brainy, you are closer than you think to the truth...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on July 24, 2009, 06:08:26 AM
They clean them with snow?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 06:56:19 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 24, 2009, 06:08:26 AM
They clean them with snow?

Nope, snow would have worked with any color.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 07:00:29 AM
They washed them in limewater, which acts as a natural bleaching agent?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 07:03:39 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 01:46:04 AM
OK, Grumbler probably will know this one, but it's too good not to post it. Why did Austrians think white uniforms were actually the easiest to keep clean and attractive on campaign?
I'll stay out of this one.  Good question, though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 07:07:11 AM
They would lay the uniforms out between campaigns and hope the sun bleached them back to white?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 24, 2009, 07:10:57 AM
I have no idea. I even googled it to no avail. :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 07:12:17 AM
I actually decided to google it too after my second guess and also cannot find the answer.  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 24, 2009, 07:16:32 AM
White means any dirt is easily visible and thus the soldiers make a greater effort to keep the uniforms clean. On a blue or red or green background dirt might go un-noticed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 12:45:06 PM
Should I post the answer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 12:46:14 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 12:45:06 PM
Should I post the answer?
Yes, if our brilliant minds haven't deduced the answer by now then it's not going to ever happen.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 24, 2009, 12:47:44 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 12:45:06 PM
Should I post the answer?

Hah, I just found the answer through the google.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: MadImmortalMan on July 24, 2009, 12:57:14 PM
I thought it was because it would be easier for dyers to get the color right. Keeping it clean---no idea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 01:12:20 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 24, 2009, 12:47:44 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 12:45:06 PM
Should I post the answer?

Hah, I just found the answer through the google.

I wonder if it's the same I read.

OK, it's true white uniforms could be 'cleaned' with dirt and even with chalk too (all armies used chalk to 'clean' white leather equipment, by the way) mainly because they weren't truely white but natural wool... they would probably look a a very pale cream or gray to us.

And that's the reason, that white uniforms weren't dyed. Dyes were so bad in those days that uniforms of other colors looked old and worn out in far less time than white ones. In addition white uniforms were cheaper, making them even more attractive for cash starved Austria.

I was going to make another question, what trick did soldiers use to hide holes in their shoes if they had a parade, etc (answer: paint their feet black with shoe polish) but I have already made two...

@MadInmortalMan

Forget about getting the color right. In those days, prior to the Industrial Revolution, that was an unachievable dream... Regiments tried hard to achieve uniformity but memories from this epoch leave it abundantly clear that many battalions in campaign were indeed a motley crew, with civilian pants, coats from several batches that didn't really match, etc, etc...

For example many French battalions in Spain in 1809-10 were indeed in a sorry state, with a mix of blue and white coats, bicorns and shakos, all in the same unit...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 24, 2009, 01:57:09 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 24, 2009, 01:12:20 PM
I wonder if it's the same I read.

OK, it's true white uniforms could be 'cleaned' with dirt and even with chalk too (all armies used chalk to 'clean' white leather equipment, by the way) mainly because they weren't truely white but natural wool... they would probably look a a very pale cream or gray to us.

The one I read just said they could be 'cleaned' with chalk, missing the dirt, but otherwise yes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 06:20:51 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 24, 2009, 01:57:09 PM
The one I read just said they could be 'cleaned' with chalk, missing the dirt, but otherwise yes.
They commonly used pipe clay, which is a white "dirt" (not really a clay unless mixed with water) that was cheap and covered up the stains (until the next rain, anyway).  Chalk was also used, but was more expensive. 

Leaving the uniforms undyed also was cheaper.  The Napoleonic French army experimented with white uniforms for the same reasons.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 06:22:05 PM
Here's a softball:  why is the commanding officer of a warship always called "captain?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 24, 2009, 08:31:17 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 06:22:05 PM
Here's a softball:  why is the commanding officer of a warship always called "captain?"

Ego?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: The Brain on July 24, 2009, 08:31:17 PM
Ego?
More like "super ego" from my experience.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 25, 2009, 03:54:40 PM
It simplified signalling?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: BuddhaRhubarb on July 25, 2009, 07:32:05 PM
"Commodore" sounded too gay?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on July 26, 2009, 03:13:03 AM
Quote from: grumbler on July 24, 2009, 06:22:05 PM
Here's a softball:  why is the commanding officer of a warship always called "captain?"

Tradition!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 26, 2009, 07:51:59 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 26, 2009, 03:13:03 AM
Tradition!
You are on the right track.

Biggish hint:  it is the same reason the crew is called "the ship's company."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 27, 2009, 03:28:32 PM
I didn't want to answer because, if I'm right, it's quite related with Spanish history. Anyway... during the XVI century the biggest ships, the galleons for example, carried one company of infantry... commanded by a captain. In consequence, the ships had to be commanded by captains to avoid the godamned landlubbers being in charge!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:21:52 AM
I take the floor, gentlemen.

Napoleonic trivia, part MMCLVIII: Russian warships of this era had a much shorter life span than those of other powers, quite a few were scrapped after barely 10 years afloat. Why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sophie Scholl on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on July 29, 2009, 01:49:19 AM
I guess it has something to do with faulty reactor shielding.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sophie Scholl on July 29, 2009, 01:56:55 AM
Erm... desperation/lack of options?  They wanted to get a fleet in action as quickly as possible?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on July 29, 2009, 02:35:59 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.
Quality building is considered a vice in Russia?

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sophie Scholl on July 29, 2009, 02:45:52 AM
Seriously Wags?  Now you're just being a retard with your quoting. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on July 29, 2009, 02:48:58 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?

Not enough space to cure it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on July 29, 2009, 03:02:41 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 02:45:52 AM
Seriously Wags?  Now you're just being a retard with your quoting. :rolleyes:
Well fuck you too moron.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 29, 2009, 03:57:35 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?

Not using it is treason!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 29, 2009, 04:12:09 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?

The wood could be damaged by cold and they had limited/none heated curing facilities for the wood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 04:59:04 AM
They used larch wood, which sucks for shipbuilding, but is cheap and plentiful in Russia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 05:16:38 AM
I don't see how timber supply can be the answer since Russia's had to have stuff similar to Sweden and Finland, which IIRC supplied high quality shipbuilding wood.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on July 29, 2009, 06:00:05 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 29, 2009, 02:48:58 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:54:22 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on July 29, 2009, 01:44:52 AM
Usage of inferior wood?  Not aged long enough so it warped or something?  No idea.

Indeed, the wood the Russians used wasn't 'cured' long enough (a process that took years in English, French, Spanish or Dutch shipyards) but why did they use that wood?

Not enough space to cure it?

Was it sick? :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 06:04:30 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 05:16:38 AM
I don't see how timber supply can be the answer since Russia's had to have stuff similar to Sweden and Finland, which IIRC supplied high quality shipbuilding wood.

Yi is close to the right answer...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 06:35:01 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 06:04:30 AM
Yi is close to the right answer...
Saying it wasn't timber quality is close to the right answer?:puzzled:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 06:42:46 AM
I could go for un indicio, vato.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 29, 2009, 06:45:34 AM
They probably used something inferior to hold the wood together.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 06:45:41 AM
They got their wood from Finland and the Finns intentionally provided them with crap wood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on July 29, 2009, 06:52:34 AM
It was cheaper?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 29, 2009, 06:55:47 AM
The wood was held together with pipe clay and undyed Austrian uniforms.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 06:59:43 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 06:42:46 AM
I could go for un indicio, vato.

What's a "vato", friendo?

Hint: Great Britain in 1805 had at least 140 ships of the line. But in spite of the crisis that led to Trafalgar far less than 50% of them were in actual service... and pretty much the same happened with the British, Dutch, Spanish and French fleets during the XVIII century and the Napoleonic Wars.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 07:01:37 AM
errr.... the Baltic is infested with some kind of worm that really likes to eat wood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 07:01:37 AM
errr.... the Baltic is infested with some kind of worm that really likes to eat wood?

Nope. I will say it in another way: Why did Britain, France, Spain, etc. build so many ships when they couldn't find crews for more than 30% or 40% of them at the most?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 29, 2009, 07:10:26 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 06:59:43 AM
What's a "vato", friendo?
Central American equivalent of dude.  No clue what it actually means.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on July 29, 2009, 08:06:57 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 07:01:37 AM
errr.... the Baltic is infested with some kind of worm that really likes to eat wood?

Nope. I will say it in another way: Why did Britain, France, Spain, etc. build so many ships when they couldn't find crews for more than 30% or 40% of them at the most?

There wasn't enough sheer hulks?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 29, 2009, 08:11:47 AM
Who was the guy who used to google/wiki every trivia question and then deny he had done that?  Agelastus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 29, 2009, 11:05:56 AM
We don't know! and when we tried to google it we FAILED!

Just tell us the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 29, 2009, 11:13:37 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 07:08:22 AM
Why did Britain build so many ships when they couldn't find crews for more than 30% or 40% of them at the most?

They were optimistic about how many ships they'd be able to crew with American pressgangs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 29, 2009, 12:02:42 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 27, 2009, 03:28:32 PM
I didn't want to answer because, if I'm right, it's quite related with Spanish history. Anyway... during the XVI century the biggest ships, the galleons for example, carried one company of infantry... commanded by a captain. In consequence, the ships had to be commanded by captains to avoid the godamned landlubbers being in charge!
Close enough. In fact, the "captain" was, indeed, the commander of the ship's company of soldiers.  The modern naval crew is, in fact, descended from those soldiers, and not the civilian crews who used to man the ship (under the "master").  This is also why the RN has a position in the British Army order of precedence.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: saskganesh on July 29, 2009, 05:27:27 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on July 29, 2009, 01:21:52 AM
I take the floor, gentlemen.

Napoleonic trivia, part MMCLVIII: Russian warships of this era had a much shorter life span than those of other powers, quite a few were scrapped after barely 10 years afloat. Why?

guessing with thanks from google! these ships were temporary, and were built to escape high timber taxes. once they reached destination, they were salvaged and the wood was sold for profit. Russia was a timber exporter so the practise was widespread, maybe aided by a corrupt tsarist naval bureaucracy who got paid twice for 1) building the warships and then after a polite period of floating storage 2) selling the timber at market.

???
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Siege on July 29, 2009, 06:57:39 PM
Whoa, so pre-XIX century ships weren't durable?

What life-span are we talking about here? Years?



Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 30, 2009, 01:54:49 AM
Quote from: Siege on July 29, 2009, 06:57:39 PM
Whoa, so pre-XIX century ships weren't durable?

What life-span are we talking about here? Years?

On the contrary, HMS Victory is still afloat for a reason. If timber was properly cured (a process that took years) wooden ships could last for 100 years in service and some actually did.

Sorry about the delay, but the reason, ironically, was that Russia had a secure, cheap and endless supply of everything needed to build ships: timber, hemp, pitch, copper, iron... and workers too, more dirt cheap serfs that you can shake a stick at.

The other powers had to take into account that their vital naval supplies were always in danger. Just Denmark closing the Sund would cut their vital supply line and force them to close their shipyards once they exhausted their stocks.

Regarding timber, their answer was to buy in times of peace, cure it properly, build all the ships they could, and make sure that the ships would last for decades. In war they kept building ships if they could, but crewing the ships already built and kept in reserve was much faster.

The Russians were in the opposite situation. They controlled the supply and the prices, and serfs weren't paid at all... in consequence the Tsar paid a far lower price for a new ship of the line than Britain, France or Spain.  in those conditions it made perfect sense to build shoddy ships with green timber. Sure, they would rot in 10 or 15 years, but why bother spending time, space and resources in curing the timber when one has all the inmense forests of Russia and Siberia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 02:55:01 AM
You're right, I was close. :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: MadImmortalMan on July 30, 2009, 11:41:57 AM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 30, 2009, 07:38:31 AM

The Victory is in dry dock and probably has been for many, many years.

Constitution is still in the sea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 11:59:10 AM
Which countries were the first to introduce a nationwide minimum wage?

Either one of two will do, if you get both you get a handjob from Jaron.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on July 30, 2009, 12:01:25 PM
For that matter, when they brought Wasa up from the deep she still floated.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 11:59:10 AM
Which countries were the first to introduce a nationwide minimum wage?

Either one of two will do, if you get both you get a handjob from Jaron.

Oh, what the hell, before Googling I guess Germany and France.

...and after Googling I see that I have turbo-failed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 12:03:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 11:59:10 AM
Which countries were the first to introduce a nationwide minimum wage?

Either one of two will do, if you get both you get a handjob from Jaron.

The Soviet Union and The German Empire. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:03:47 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 11:59:10 AM
Which countries were the first to introduce a nationwide minimum wage?

Either one of two will do, if you get both you get a handjob from Jaron.

Oh, what the hell, before Googling I guess Germany and France.

...and after Googling I see that I have turbo-failed.
No handjob for you!!  Nor for Viking.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 12:06:39 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:03:47 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 12:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 11:59:10 AM
Which countries were the first to introduce a nationwide minimum wage?

Either one of two will do, if you get both you get a handjob from Jaron.

Oh, what the hell, before Googling I guess Germany and France.

...and after Googling I see that I have turbo-failed.
No handjob for you!!  Nor for Viking.

Thanks be to hod for no handjob from Jaron.

However, after googling it I find that my first three guesses before my "trick question" filter kicked in, and led me to conclude that Bismarck probably did it and that it probably happened after universal sufferage in the west and assuming that communism probably did have a minimum wage, included both.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:07:48 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2009, 12:06:39 PM
Thanks be to hod for no handjob from Jaron.

However, after googling it I find that my first three guesses before my "trick question" filter kicked in, and led me to conclude that Bismarck probably did it and that it probably happened after universal sufferage in the west and assuming that communism probably did have a minimum wage, included both.
Huh?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 12:09:00 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:07:48 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2009, 12:06:39 PM
Thanks be to hod for no handjob from Jaron.

However, after googling it I find that my first three guesses before my "trick question" filter kicked in, and led me to conclude that Bismarck probably did it and that it probably happened after universal sufferage in the west and assuming that communism probably did have a minimum wage, included both.
Huh?

Viking is claiming that he originally had the answer and talked himself out of it.  I call bullshit.   ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 12:12:06 PM
Quote from: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 12:09:00 PM

Viking is claiming that he originally had the answer and talked himself out of it.  I call bullshit.   ;)

I'm laying a claim to schmuckdom, why would I bullshit?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:52:12 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.

L'Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806, why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 12:53:50 PM
Austerlitz.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.

Huh.  I ruled out Australia because you specified a national rate - I was sure it would be provincial jurisdiction in Australia (like it is in Canada).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:58:25 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
Huh.  I ruled out Australia because you specified a national rate - I was sure it would be provincial jurisdiction in Australia (like it is in Canada).
Newsweek could be writing bullshit.  I can't vouch for it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 01:01:34 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 12:53:50 PM
Austerlitz.

Right. Your floor.

Next time, I'm going Nouvelle-France on you lot.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 01:03:15 PM
 :)

Napoleon = OSSUM. :yeah:

But then again he was a Corsican. -_-

Gimme a little bit to think something up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 01:04:54 PM
The French submarine Le Surcouf was part of an invasion force during the Second World War.  Under what flag did it serve and where did the invasion occur?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:12:43 PM
Lets take a stab in the dark.  Vichy flag, invasion of... Norway?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 01:12:58 PM
Siezed by the Japs i 1940 and took part in the invasion of Malaya?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 01:13:44 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:12:43 PM
Lets take a stab in the dark.  Vichy flag, invasion of... Norway?

Invasion of Norway 9 April 1940
Start of Fall Gelb (invasion of belgium) 10 May 1940

unpossible.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:16:31 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2009, 01:13:44 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:12:43 PM
Lets take a stab in the dark.  Vichy flag, invasion of... Norway?

Invasion of Norway 9 April 1940
Start of Fall Gelb (invasion of belgium) 10 May 1940

unpossible.

Meh - I figured it would break the rules to google even side facts like that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 01:19:38 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:16:31 PM

Meh - I figured it would break the rules to google even side facts like that.

but come on.. getting the order of declarations of war in 1940 should be easy...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 01:20:45 PM
You are all...not close.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 01:26:56 PM
Okay, lets go with the more obvious guess:

Free French forces, invasion of Normandy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 01:34:21 PM
British flag, invasion of Madagascar.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 30, 2009, 01:42:04 PM
Kriegsmarine, the Moon.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 01:44:43 PM
Free France, South of France?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 30, 2009, 01:47:24 PM
Sons of Horus, Terra.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: frunk on July 30, 2009, 02:29:09 PM
Free French, Operation Torch?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on July 30, 2009, 02:38:53 PM
Quote from: frunk on July 30, 2009, 02:29:09 PM
Free French, Operation Torch?

Would have to be under the British Flag then.  The cooperation of the Free French was an iffy proposition.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on July 30, 2009, 02:43:38 PM
Given the problems between the British and Free French I am guessing that they were not part of any allied effort.  Was there an invasion conducted by only Free French forces?  Not sure but that would be my guess  -  as far as it goes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 30, 2009, 02:43:57 PM
Free French, St Pierre et Miquelon
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on July 30, 2009, 02:44:35 PM
Ah, that fits my description....  Do I win. :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 02:46:56 PM
Quote from: Maximus on July 30, 2009, 02:43:57 PM
Free French, St Pierre et Miquelon
Correct. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 02:47:08 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 30, 2009, 02:44:35 PM
Ah, that fits my description....  Do I win. :P
NON!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 02:57:28 PM
Remember Max, the Yi Rule is dead * so ask all the Mennonite questions you want to. :)

* 24 Hour Rule and Timmy Rule still in effect.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 02:59:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 02:57:28 PM
Timmy Rule
:huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 03:00:49 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 02:59:14 PM
:huh:
No questions on numbers, e.g. how many men of the Black Watch were present and fit for duty at the battle of Waterloo.

Dates still OK.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 03:29:38 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 03:00:49 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 02:59:14 PM
:huh:
No questions on numbers, e.g. how many men of the Black Watch were present and fit for duty at the battle of Waterloo.

Dates still OK.

800, thats about one battalion. the other battalion in the regiment was probably in scotland
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Josephus on July 30, 2009, 03:32:45 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.

Huh.  I ruled out Australia because you specified a national rate - I was sure it would be provincial jurisdiction in Australia (like it is in Canada).

Fucking lawyers

;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 03:36:41 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2009, 03:29:38 PM
800, thats about one battalion. the other battalion in the regiment was probably in scotland
Games I've played always have British liine batallion strengths at 500-600.:nerd:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 03:39:15 PM
Quote from: Josephus on July 30, 2009, 03:32:45 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 12:56:04 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.

Huh.  I ruled out Australia because you specified a national rate - I was sure it would be provincial jurisdiction in Australia (like it is in Canada).

Fucking lawyers

;) ;) ;)

According to a rather dubious wiki page I was right - Australia's states brought in minimum wage legislation, but no national legislation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage_history
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 04:39:59 PM
While we await Max, here is a softball:  who was the only one of Napoleon's brothers never to command troops in battle?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 04:55:47 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 04:39:59 PM
While we await Max, here is a softball:  who was the only one of Napoleon's brothers never to command troops in battle?

Damn how inadequate he must have felt.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: FunkMonk on July 30, 2009, 04:59:24 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 12:37:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
One is NZ.

No idea the other, would be funny if it was India :lol:
Hooray! :cheers:

The other one is Oztralia.
Goddamnit, I knew that one but wasn't online.  :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 05:32:28 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2009, 04:55:47 PM
Damn how inadequate he must have felt.  :lol:
The "success" of his brothers made him seem a military genius in comparison!  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on July 30, 2009, 05:35:09 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 04:39:59 PM
While we await Max, here is a softball:  who was the only one of Napoleon's brothers never to command troops in battle?

Lucien?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 06:04:26 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 30, 2009, 05:35:09 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 04:39:59 PM
While we await Max, here is a softball:  who was the only one of Napoleon's brothers never to command troops in battle?

Lucien?
Bingo! :woot:  You win jack shit, because it is Max's turn, but you can throw a softball.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on July 30, 2009, 06:06:30 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 06:04:26 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 30, 2009, 05:35:09 PM
Quote from: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 04:39:59 PM
While we await Max, here is a softball:  who was the only one of Napoleon's brothers never to command troops in battle?

Lucien?
Bingo! :woot:  You win jack shit, because it is Max's turn, but you can throw a softball.

My obscure knowledge of Napoleon would come in handy some day. And the teachers said I'd be a failure. I SHOWED THEM.  :P

I have no softballs ready.  :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:11:02 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 30, 2009, 06:06:30 PM
My obscure knowledge of Napoleon would come in handy some day. And the teachers said I'd be a failure. I SHOWED THEM.  :P
Don't listen to teachers.  Teachers are stupid -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 06:12:00 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:11:02 PM
Don't listen to teachers.  Teachers are stupid -_-
Hey! :ultra:  I resemble that remark!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:12:16 PM
 :lol: :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 30, 2009, 06:21:31 PM
Ok, sorry for the delay, I was on my way to class when I answered that.

Of what nationality(by birth) was the viceroy of Peru in 1800?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 06:23:14 PM
French?

( I assume Spanish is just too obvious)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:23:50 PM
Filipino?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 30, 2009, 06:24:33 PM
No and no
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:27:14 PM
Chinese?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
I cheated and Googled the answer and am not particularly surprised at it.  Silly Spaniards employed a lot of those buggers.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: katmai on July 30, 2009, 06:56:08 PM
Peruvian?
Porto?
Dutch?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 06:57:19 PM
Turkish?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 06:59:53 PM
I'm thinking some form of Italian.

But for 1800 how precise do I need to be.  Naples?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on July 30, 2009, 07:01:08 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 30, 2009, 06:59:53 PM
I'm thinking some form of Italian.

But for 1800 how precise do I need to be.  Naples?

It ain't Italian, so that's close enough...and wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 07:04:02 PM
British?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on July 30, 2009, 07:10:33 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 30, 2009, 07:04:02 PM
British?
That's my guess as well.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 07:13:36 PM
Irish.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 30, 2009, 07:37:38 PM
German?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 07:38:37 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2009, 07:37:38 PM
German?
A nationality in 1800?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Siege on July 30, 2009, 08:55:39 PM
Israeli?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 30, 2009, 09:24:28 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 07:13:36 PM
Irish.
Bingo, Ambrose O'Higgins by name, minor nobility from County Sligo.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 09:39:03 PM
The Duke of Eckmuhl is better known by what name?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 09:52:40 PM
Marshal Davout?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 30, 2009, 10:02:45 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 09:52:40 PM
Marshal Davout?
Yup.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 10:09:12 PM
Pertaining to the book I finished somewhat recently...

What semi-famous French general was given credit  by the Western press for the "Miracle on the Vistula" despite having next to nothing to do with the victory there?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 30, 2009, 11:30:31 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 10:09:12 PM
Pertaining to the book I finished somewhat recently...

What semi-famous French general was given credit  by the Western press for the "Miracle on the Vistula" despite having next to nothing to do with the victory there?

Weygand?  (had to look up how to spell his name right).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 12:13:58 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on July 30, 2009, 11:30:31 PM
Weygand?  (had to look up how to spell his name right).

Correct.  Poor bastard was actually surprised when he got back to France to a hero's welcome--he had no idea what he'd done right!

You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 31, 2009, 12:34:25 AM
Which high level Bolshevik leader reportedly died of the Spanish Flu?  I saw reportedly cause facts change in Russia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 12:39:48 AM
Bukharin?

Edit : No idea who it was, but it definitely wasn't the B-man--he died in '38.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on July 31, 2009, 12:55:40 AM
Trotsky. Stalin's personal physicians attempted to treat him, but he died from ice pick-related complications during surgery.

At least, according to the "Newly Revised and Updated Official History of Russia: 5th ed."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on July 31, 2009, 01:02:54 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on July 31, 2009, 12:34:25 AM
Which high level Bolshevik leader reportedly died of the Spanish Flu?  I saw reportedly cause facts change in Russia.

I've got no idea. but I think the joke was 'In the Soviet Union we know what the future holds; it's the past what changes every day'
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 31, 2009, 02:01:26 AM
Hint:  He was a commie.

Interestly he had a brother who also grew up to be an important man for a very different cause.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on July 31, 2009, 03:38:27 AM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 30, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
I cheated and Googled the answer and am not particularly surprised at it.  Silly Spaniards employed a lot of those buggers.

Yup, we surely liked our Wild Geese and their descendants.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 06:48:37 AM
Sverdlov?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 31, 2009, 07:57:18 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 06:48:37 AM
Sverdlov?

I don't want to wait all day for a new question so, AFAIC google that's right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:03:03 AM
I knew it was either him or Voroshilov... one of the cats that had cities named after them early on.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 31, 2009, 08:16:16 AM
Ask away!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:35:19 AM
Providence, Rhode Island was abandoned and burned to the ground during what war?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 08:43:13 AM
Revolutionary?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:49:52 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 08:56:17 AM
King Phillips?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 09:09:44 AM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 31, 2009, 09:00:12 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:35:19 AM
Providence, Rhode Island was abandoned and burned to the ground during what war?

The Stonewall riots ?
:blink:
Anyway, Viking is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on July 31, 2009, 09:15:08 AM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 31, 2009, 09:00:12 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:35:19 AM
Providence, Rhode Island was abandoned and burned to the ground during what war?

The Stonewall riots ?

:lol:

Now *there's* a mental image to savour. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 09:20:04 AM
A man named Coignet used chickenwire to invent one of the most important technologies in modern civilisation. What is that technology?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 09:21:38 AM
Radar?

Edit : Man, I was way off.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on July 31, 2009, 09:21:51 AM
Barbed Wire?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 09:23:37 AM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 09:21:38 AM
Radar?

Edit : Man, I was way off.
That was going to be my guess.  :lol:

Reinforced concrete?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 09:26:40 AM
Telegraph wires?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 09:37:15 AM
Quote from: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 09:23:37 AM
Quote from: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 09:21:38 AM
Radar?

Edit : Man, I was way off.
That was going to be my guess.  :lol:

Reinforced concrete?

Bingo. He first used chicken wire as a structure for bird houses then he expanded the technology using a heavier steel grating to build full size buildings making steel re-enforced concrete resistant to all forces acting on it, not just the compressive stress like regular concrete.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 09:46:47 AM
In that vein;

What did the romans use as a substitute for concrete as mortar and structural castings?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on July 31, 2009, 10:18:48 AM
The blood of their enemies.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 10:28:47 AM
Quote from: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 09:46:47 AM
In that vein;

What did the romans use as a substitute for concrete as mortar and structural castings?

This really sounds strange

1) Concrete is cement plus a filler, it is not used as mortar. Cement is used as mortar.
2) They used Concrete for "structural casting" in buildings (assuming it means what I think it means).

If the question is what material often replaced volcanic ash as the filler when money was being saved then ground recycled pottery is the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on July 31, 2009, 10:39:29 AM
Viking, you over thought this.

It was a trick question.  The answer is nothing.  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 10:50:09 AM
Dung?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 12:16:39 PM
Quote from: Viking on July 31, 2009, 10:28:47 AM

This really sounds strange

1) Concrete is cement plus a filler, it is not used as mortar. Cement is used as mortar.
2) They used Concrete for "structural casting" in buildings (assuming it means what I think it means).

If the question is what material often replaced volcanic ash as the filler when money was being saved then ground recycled pottery is the answer.

Cement is the powder mixed with water and aggregate to make concrete.

They also used concrete but they used something else that was often cheaper to make than cement.

It is frequently found between stones on pillars where the immense weight of the structure would crack the stones if no mortar was used. It is found on bridge pillars as well as the corner pillars that support the dome of the Haggia Sophia. It was also sometimes poured around the base of bridge pillars to prevent erosion.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 31, 2009, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 31, 2009, 09:00:12 AM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 08:35:19 AM
Providence, Rhode Island was abandoned and burned to the ground during what war?

The Stonewall riots ?

:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: I laughed and laughed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 12:43:04 PM
You stood by and laughed while bloodthirsty savages burned Providence to the ground!? :ultra:

Tim: Puerto Rico Nero.  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on July 31, 2009, 12:51:15 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 12:43:04 PM
You stood by and laughed while bloodthirsty savages burned Providence to the ground!? :ultra:

The rioters at Stonewall had a different fluid of choice.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 01:00:06 PM
I don't know.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on July 31, 2009, 01:12:56 PM
The floor seems to be open, so I will throw an easy one out there: By date of commission, who was the United States first 5-star general, and in what year was he promoted to that rank?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 01:14:13 PM
Pershing... 1918?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 01:14:41 PM
McClelland, 186...2?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on July 31, 2009, 01:17:15 PM
Grant or does he not count?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on July 31, 2009, 01:23:33 PM
Actually,  after double-checking wiki, it seems I may have made a mistake. My intended answer was: George Washington, 1864. I was under the impression that Congress posthumously promoted Washington in that year, so that Grant wouldn't outrank him; wiki says Washington wasn't promoted until 1976, and then to the rank of General of the Armies, or a six-star rank (which is apparently what Pershing held). Another potential source of confusion is whether or not the rank of General of the Army (Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan's rank) is equivalent to a 5-star general (it is), since none of them actually wore 5-stars on their uniform. Because of these discrepencies, I yield the floor, shame-faced.  :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 01:28:30 PM
I knew that George Washington received a posthumous 5-star promotion, but I thought you meant which person was the first to be awared five stars in chronological order of the award.  IIRC Washington got a later promotion to 6 stars and the title "General of the United States", which was Congress's way of making sure nobody would ever outrank Washington under any circumstances.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 31, 2009, 01:30:24 PM
Quote from: Kleves on July 31, 2009, 01:23:33 PM
Actually,  after double-checking wiki, it seems I may have made a mistake. My intended answer was: George Washington, 1864. I was under the impression that Congress posthumously promoted Washington in that year, so that Grant wouldn't outrank him; wiki says Washington wasn't promoted until 1976, and then to the rank of General of the Armies, or a six-star rank (which is apparently what Pershing held). Another potential source of confusion is whether or not the rank of General of the Army (Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan's rank) is equivalent to a 5-star general (it is), since none of them actually wore 5-stars on their uniform. Because of these discrepencies, I yield the floor, shame-faced.  :blush:


Grant was General of the Army which was at the time a 4 star rank.

Marshal was the first 5 star general, and IIRC the reason there is no Field Marshal rank in the US. They thought it would be silly if he was Field Marshal Marshal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 01:33:00 PM
But Tim, it would have been Field Marshal Marshall. -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 31, 2009, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 01:33:00 PM
But Tim, it would have been Field Marshal Marshall. -_-
Well than that makes it A Okay.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on July 31, 2009, 01:34:37 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 31, 2009, 01:30:24 PM
Grant was General of the Army which was at the time a 4 star rank.
Grant wore 4 stars, as did Sheridan, while Sherman wore 2. I don't think they had the stars hammered out at that point. Wasn't Marshall's rank that of General of the Army?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on July 31, 2009, 01:33:00 PM
But Tim, it would have been Field Marshal Marshall. -_-

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tvgasm.com%2Fnewsgasm%2FFred%2520Weller%2520In%2520Plain%2520Sight%2520USA.jpg&hash=6ef5a705843b17f8673927e079489dbe52cf9d10)

Marshal Marshall Mann approves of this joke.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 04:36:11 PM
The answer was lead. I'm out for the weekend so feel free.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Maximus on July 31, 2009, 04:36:11 PM
The answer was lead. I'm out for the weekend so feel free.

Alles fliesst. In terms of civil engineering should be a lubricant. It sounds strange. Do you have any more detail about it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 05:26:08 PM
Since the floor is free...

on March 25, 1945, PM Winston Churchill visited eisenhower's headquarters on the front.  Later that day he, Montgomery, and a few officers actually crossed the Rhine river for a short visit, before returning to the other side and returning home.

What two things did Churchill do while on the other side of the Rhine?



(no idea if this is ridiculously easy or not - I'd never heard the story till a few days ago).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on July 31, 2009, 05:26:46 PM
Shoot and consume a German soldier.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 05:31:22 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 05:26:08 PM
Since the floor is free...

on March 25, 1945, PM Winston Churchill visited eisenhower's headquarters on the front.  Later that day he, Montgomery, and a few officers actually crossed the Rhine river for a short visit, before returning to the other side and returning home.

What two things did Churchill do while on the other side of the Rhine?



(no idea if this is ridiculously easy or not - I'd never heard the story till a few days ago).

Drink whiskey and smoke a cigar.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 05:33:25 PM
It's entirely possible he smoked a cigar, but that's not what I was looking for.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on July 31, 2009, 05:35:51 PM
I bet he pissed in the river.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 31, 2009, 05:38:53 PM
Was Churchill still Prime minister then?

I'm going with "banged a hooker and killed a German".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on July 31, 2009, 05:40:24 PM
Oh and Cal was right on my question.  His brother went to France joined the army and became a General, and fought for the Free French.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 05:51:04 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on July 31, 2009, 05:36:21 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 05:26:08 PM
Since the floor is free...

on March 25, 1945, PM Winston Churchill visited eisenhower's headquarters on the front.  Later that day he, Montgomery, and a few officers actually crossed the Rhine river for a short visit, before returning to the other side and returning home.

What two things did Churchill do while on the other side of the Rhine?



(no idea if this is ridiculously easy or not - I'd never heard the story till a few days ago).

He took a piss.

And a wild guess, was sick.

Yes, he pissed (on the ground though - German soil, not in the river).

That of course was the amusing part, but he also made a point of doing something else.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 31, 2009, 05:57:39 PM
1) Insulted Stalin (hey! I got to germany first! U suXXorZ)
2) Tried to plot with FDR against Stalin
3) Symbolically ordered an attack to be launched.
4) Visited a site connected to his "Illustrious Ancestor"

these are my guesses, just to save time.

but then again, pissing and smoking are two things.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on July 31, 2009, 05:58:24 PM
Went back in time and ejaculated into the primordial ooze.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 06:20:12 PM
He may have smoked a cigar, but thee was no reference to that.

Since the crowd seems bored with this one, I'll just say they had lunch.  There was a funny photo of Churchill, Montgomery, and a few others huddled around a tiny folding table having a picnic on a cold March day on the banks of the Rhine in the middle of a war zone.

The first of Anger or Armyknife can give the next question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 04:23:38 AM
 :huh: I had the eating lunch part.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on August 01, 2009, 06:47:48 AM
Quote from: Barrister on July 31, 2009, 06:20:12 PM
He may have smoked a cigar, but thee was no reference to that.

Since the crowd seems bored with this one, I'll just say they had lunch.  There was a funny photo of Churchill, Montgomery, and a few others huddled around a tiny folding table having a picnic on a cold March day on the banks of the Rhine in the middle of a war zone.

The first of Anger or Armyknife can give the next question.

I have nothing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 07:40:28 AM
24 hour rule and all that.

Helium is named after a specific object. It got that name after that object was observed by a Frenchman in India in the 19th century. Now, without naming the object, which property of the object led to the conclusion that helium must exist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 10:03:43 AM
That's more of a science question.  I'm going to say the detectablity of Helium led to the conclusion that it must exist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 10:03:43 AM
That's more of a science question.  I'm going to say the detectablity of Helium led to the conclusion that it must exist.

Well, with that logic Alariste's Russian Ship of the Line question is more of an economics question. The question remains, which property of the observed object led to the conclusion that Helium must exist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on August 01, 2009, 10:22:20 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 07:40:28 AM
24 hour rule and all that.

Helium is named after a specific object. It got that name after that object was observed by a Frenchman in India in the 19th century. Now, without naming the object, which property of the object led to the conclusion that helium must exist.

I'm thinking the floating without blowing up, probably.

EDIT:  That's not an "object", Viking.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:31:30 AM
Quote from: ulmont on August 01, 2009, 10:22:20 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 07:40:28 AM
24 hour rule and all that.

Helium is named after a specific object. It got that name after that object was observed by a Frenchman in India in the 19th century. Now, without naming the object, which property of the object led to the conclusion that helium must exist.

I'm thinking the floating without blowing up, probably.

EDIT:  That's not an "object", Viking.

Neither the buoyancy nor the flammability of object led to the conclusion.

From dictionary.com

I say way. It is an object.

Quoteob⋅ject

 /n. ˈɒbdʒɪkt, -dʒɛkt; v. əbˈdʒɛkt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [n. ob-jikt, -jekt; v. uhb-jekt] Show IPA
Use object in a Sentence
–noun
1.    anything that is visible or tangible and is relatively stable in form.
2.    a thing, person, or matter to which thought or action is directed: an object of medical investigation.
3.    the end toward which effort or action is directed; goal; purpose: Profit is the object of business.
4.    a person or thing with reference to the impression made on the mind or the feeling or emotion elicited in an observer: an object of curiosity and pity.
5.    anything that may be apprehended intellectually: objects of thought.
6.    Optics. the thing of which a lens or mirror forms an image.
7.    Grammar. (in many languages, as English) a noun, noun phrase, or noun substitute representing by its syntactical position either the goal of the action of a verb or the goal of a preposition in a prepositional phrase, as ball in John hit the ball, Venice in He came to Venice, coin and her in He gave her a coin. Compare direct object, indirect object.
8.    Computers. any item that can be individually selected or manipulated, as a picture, data file, or piece of text.
9.    Metaphysics. something toward which a cognitive act is directed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 10:38:20 AM
I googled the answer and I have to say I doubt I would have ever guessed this.  Neat question :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
Well it has to be something to do with the sun since it led to the detection of helium.

Which property of the sun?

err...

sun dogs
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
Well it has to be something to do with the sun since it led to the detection of helium.

Which property of the sun?

err...

sun dogs
:huh: Do you mean sun spots?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:57:35 AM
Quote from: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 10:38:20 AM
I googled the answer and I have to say I doubt I would have ever guessed this.  Neat question :)

I try to ask questions which are very easily googled. I check before asking that you can get the answer with usually the most obvious query for google.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:59:55 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
Well it has to be something to do with the sun since it led to the detection of helium.

Which property of the sun?

err...

sun dogs
:huh: Do you mean sun spots?

Neither sun spots nor sun dogs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 11:05:15 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
sun dogs
:huh: Do you mean sun spots?

No I did not mean sun spots.  I meant sun dogs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 11:28:35 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 11:05:15 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
sun dogs
:huh: Do you mean sun spots?

No I did not mean sun spots.  I meant sun dogs.

Regarding Sun Dogs, they would also have the same property as the object which I am looking for if the object were the sun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 06:02:50 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 10:03:43 AM
That's more of a science question.  I'm going to say the detectablity of Helium led to the conclusion that it must exist.

Well, with that logic Alariste's Russian Ship of the Line question is more of an economics question. The question remains, which property of the observed object led to the conclusion that Helium must exist.

I answered it!  It's detectability allowed the conclusion that it must exist.  As with all things.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 01, 2009, 06:05:51 PM
The blurriness around the edges?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:09:51 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 06:02:50 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 10:11:37 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 01, 2009, 10:03:43 AM
That's more of a science question.  I'm going to say the detectablity of Helium led to the conclusion that it must exist.

Well, with that logic Alariste's Russian Ship of the Line question is more of an economics question. The question remains, which property of the observed object led to the conclusion that Helium must exist.

I answered it!  It's detectability allowed the conclusion that it must exist.  As with all things.

OK, wrong. The object has been detectable since either 540 million years ago or when it came into existence, which ever is later.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:11:01 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 01, 2009, 06:05:51 PM
The blurriness around the edges?

No, but this property was observed in the blurriness around the edges at a time when the rest of the object was covered by something else.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 06:22:02 PM
Stop dancing. Next question please.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:33:20 PM
French Astronomer Pierre Janssen went to India in 1868 to observe a total eclipse of the sun. He observed the corona and looked at the spectrum of the light. He found a line in the yellow region near the two sodium lines. Originally thinking that his equipment was faulty. His results were looked at and other scientists found the line when the looked at the sun as well. Since that specific wavelength didn't occur with any known element.  So astronomers postulated that the a new element which they called helium after the sun in greek (Helios). Actual helium was identified by a British chemist working on a mineral.

Today it is usually found in natural gas in certain US deposits which resulted in the US having a virtual monopoly on helium in the time of airships.

I'll cede the floor since none of you schmucks are literate in the history of science.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 06:44:17 PM
Science questions are gay.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 06:56:10 PM
Quote from: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 06:44:17 PM
Science questions are gay.
True.

My turn now? :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 07:04:33 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 11:28:35 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 11:05:15 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
sun dogs
:huh: Do you mean sun spots?

No I did not mean sun spots.  I meant sun dogs.

Regarding Sun Dogs, they would also have the same property as the object which I am looking for if the object were the sun.
Well, now I'm intrigued. What are sun dogs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 07:14:38 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dogs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dogs)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 07:22:49 PM
Q: Which pharao wrote the play A Mummy's House?

A: Peribsen.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 01, 2009, 09:11:16 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 06:56:10 PM
Quote from: The Brain on August 01, 2009, 06:44:17 PM
Science questions are gay.
True.

My turn now? :)

yeah, why not.. whoever wants it
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on August 01, 2009, 11:12:43 PM
Who where the Baker Street Irregulars during ww2?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on August 01, 2009, 11:33:45 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on August 01, 2009, 11:12:43 PM
Who where the Baker Street Irregulars during ww2?

PAC!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on August 01, 2009, 11:40:35 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:33:20 PM
French Astronomer Pierre Janssen went to India in 1868 to observe a total eclipse of the sun.

Which, one will note, is more of an "event" than an "object."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 01, 2009, 11:51:44 PM
Quote from: ulmont on August 01, 2009, 11:40:35 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:33:20 PM
French Astronomer Pierre Janssen went to India in 1868 to observe a total eclipse of the sun.

Which, one will note, is more of an "event" than an "object."

But the Sun is an object and helium was named after it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 02, 2009, 03:40:12 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 01, 2009, 07:04:33 PM

Well, now I'm intrigued. What are sun dogs?

It's like two suns in the sky.  I saw one once.  I sat around a long time in a parking lot trying to figure out why we now had two suns.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 02, 2009, 03:41:21 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 01, 2009, 06:09:51 PM
OK, wrong. The object has been detectable since either 540 million years ago or when it came into existence, which ever is later.

No the dectability of helium. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 04, 2009, 01:52:42 PM
Judar Pasha, who conquered the Songhai Empire in the late 16th century, was originally of what ethnicity?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 04, 2009, 02:39:09 PM
Pashtu
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 04, 2009, 02:42:09 PM
Sami.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 04, 2009, 02:45:37 PM
Spanish.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 04, 2009, 02:46:18 PM
Jewish
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 04, 2009, 02:52:13 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 04, 2009, 02:45:37 PM
Spanish.
Correct.  A Spaniard captured as a boy and turned into a eunuch. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 04, 2009, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 04, 2009, 02:52:13 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 04, 2009, 02:45:37 PM
Spanish.
Correct.  A Spaniard captured as a boy and turned into a eunuch. :)

Eunuch isn't an ethnicity.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 04, 2009, 03:28:54 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 04, 2009, 02:52:13 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 04, 2009, 02:45:37 PM
Spanish.
Correct.  A Spaniard captured as a boy and turned into a eunuch. :)

Okay, this may be a hard one, even for us military history geeks ...

The city of Naples was taken twice in sieges by exactly the same notable strategy: soldiers crept through a broken aqueduct into the city. Allegedly the exact same aqueduct was used on both occasions - some 900 years apart, showing that some learn from history and some don't  ;) .

Who were the successful generals in each case?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 04, 2009, 05:02:16 PM
Garibalidi and Norman dude.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 06:44:45 AM
hmmm....

case 1: Roger Guiscard d'Hauteville
case 2: Mark Clark
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 05, 2009, 07:04:08 AM
I don't think anybody is getting the generals....


1. Lombards
2. French
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 07:09:43 AM
Oh, yikes.  Was the Lombard general Totila?

If it was 900 years after the Lombards, that would be in like the 1500s for the French general.  I'm trying to remember the name of that famous French general who fought the Spanish in Italy around that time.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 08:07:13 AM
Heh, as I said, this is a tough one. Should I give more clues?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 08:08:22 AM
Yes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 08:11:01 AM
Okay ... the first general of the two was famous for having an overbearing wife who was a reformed "actress".

That should give the game away ...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on August 05, 2009, 08:37:57 AM
Quote from: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 08:11:01 AM
Okay ... the first general of the two was famous for having an overbearing wife who was a reformed "actress".

That should give the game away ...

I would have Guessed Belisarius for the first, but wasn't it Justinian that had the reformed actress wife?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 08:41:00 AM
:yes:

Justinian didn't do the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, Belisarius (and I think Narses?) did.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: Threviel on August 05, 2009, 08:37:57 AM
Quote from: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 08:11:01 AM
Okay ... the first general of the two was famous for having an overbearing wife who was a reformed "actress".

That should give the game away ...

I would have Guessed Belisarius for the first, but wasn't it Justinian that had the reformed actress wife?

Belisarius is correct - his wife Antonia was a reformed actress & a personal best buddy of Theodora (they met in their "acting" days).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on August 05, 2009, 08:45:54 AM
Quote from: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 08:41:00 AM
:yes:

Justinian didn't do the Byzantine reconquest of Italy, Belisarius (and I think Narses?) did.

Narses relieved Belisarius after Justinian got nervous.

The ostrogoths did offer Belisarius the western imperial crown.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 08:47:27 AM
Oh yeah, I forgot.

Anyway, that makes the second conquest circa 1465.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on August 05, 2009, 11:01:33 AM
Somewhat too late, but emperor Charles after the sack of Rome 1527?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 05, 2009, 11:29:47 AM
Quote from: Threviel on August 05, 2009, 11:01:33 AM
Somewhat too late, but emperor Charles after the sack of Rome 1527?

Nope, earlier than that ...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on August 05, 2009, 12:15:02 PM
Who ever was Louis the great's general?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on August 05, 2009, 12:20:16 PM
Prolly someone like Charles of Anjou, they were always running around claiming southern Italy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 05, 2009, 12:22:25 PM
Hmmm... yeah, probably an Angevin but I think Charles was an inheriter, not a fighter.

Rene d'Anjou?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:19:09 PM
New, somewhat better question: Who was the first person since the 1600's to hold both an active military commision and a cabinet position in the British government?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 15, 2009, 07:22:14 PM
Churchill. One or the other.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:29:04 PM
Churchill's not who I was thinking of. Is First Lord of the Admiralty a cabinet position?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 15, 2009, 07:31:36 PM
Quote from: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:29:04 PM
Churchill's not who I was thinking of. Is First Lord of the Admiralty a cabinet position?

Is the Pope the Antichrist (non-rhetorical)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 15, 2009, 08:21:32 PM
Quote from: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:29:04 PM
Churchill's not who I was thinking of. Is First Lord of the Admiralty a cabinet position?

Does this mean Churchill came before whoever you're thinking of?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 15, 2009, 08:23:22 PM
Marlborough
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 08:48:21 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 15, 2009, 08:21:32 PM
Quote from: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:29:04 PM
Churchill's not who I was thinking of. Is First Lord of the Admiralty a cabinet position?

Does this mean Churchill came before whoever you're thinking of?
Yes. Although the man I'm thinking of was his contemporary.

Yi: Malborough is not who i was thinking of, either.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 09:04:35 PM
Ok, since my original question may have been wrong, or at least suspect, let me narrow the field a bit: The man I'm thinking of famously wore his military uniform while executing his government duties, which greatly upset the first non-royal (the husband, at least) to be married in Buckingham palace's chapel.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: grumbler on August 15, 2009, 09:22:13 PM
Sounds like Kitchner.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 11:03:16 PM
Kitchener, yep. He wore his Field Marshal's uniform to a meeting with Douglas Haig in France. Haig's wedding was the first non-royal one in the history of Buckingham palace.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 16, 2009, 03:54:52 AM
Quote from: grumbler on August 15, 2009, 09:22:13 PM
Sounds like Kitchner.

I had thought he had been retired.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on August 16, 2009, 06:33:33 AM
Quote from: Kleves on August 15, 2009, 07:29:04 PM
Churchill's not who I was thinking of. Is First Lord of the Admiralty a cabinet position?
First Lord of the Admiralty used to be, yeah.  They could be military or civilian until the Napoleonic wars when only civilians were appointed while the First Sea Lord was the military position.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 11:05:12 AM
You let this thread die while I was away. :mad:

Here is an easy  one to get things going.

As we all know Columbus tried to shop his idea of travelling west to reach the Indies in several Royal Courts.  One of those was Portugual.  However he was unsuccessful pursuading the Portugese because on his arrival in Portugual the King's attention was taken by another event.

What was it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 24, 2009, 11:08:01 AM
The capture of Ceuta?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 24, 2009, 11:08:20 AM
His wedding
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 11:14:41 AM
Both wrong but Viking is closer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on August 24, 2009, 12:10:51 PM
Capture of Tangier?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 12:13:06 PM
Not the capture of something but it does have to do with Africa.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on August 24, 2009, 12:43:58 PM
Oh, dammit, someone had just returned, hadn't they...who the hell was it...

Aw, Hades, I am sure it is the wrong year, but let's see...

Da Gama?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 12:49:16 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 12:13:06 PM
Not the capture of something but it does have to do with Africa.
The circumnavigation of Africa?

Malthus, tell us the name of the second general!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 24, 2009, 01:12:55 PM
Da Gama made his most famous voyage in 1498.

OTOH the Cape of Good Hope had been rounded in 1487 IIRC. Could be a contender.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 01:24:07 PM
You guys are definitely hot.  Now you just need the name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 24, 2009, 01:28:09 PM
Sorry, no can do. I knew the name (95% sure) but then I happened to see the name when googling something else.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on August 24, 2009, 01:37:01 PM
I have to disqualify myself as well, I am afraid, as I was interested enough to check Wikipedia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:42:31 PM
Bartholomeu Diaz had returned?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 01:43:49 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:42:31 PM
Bartholomeu Diaz had returned?

Ding Ding Ding.

The floor is yours - thanks to the honesty of the other two.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:50:56 PM
Which two future explorers of the Pacific are along the exact same river, at the same time, in North America in 1759 ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 24, 2009, 01:56:33 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:50:56 PM
Which two future explorers of the Pacific are along the exact same river, at the same time, in North America in 1759 ?

Cook, Dampier, St. Lawrence?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:58:24 PM
Quote from: Viking on August 24, 2009, 01:56:33 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 01:50:56 PM
Which two future explorers of the Pacific are along the exact same river, at the same time, in North America in 1759 ?

Cook, Dampier, St. Lawrence?

1 and 3 are good. N° 2 is quite dead by 1759
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 02:11:34 PM
Bougainville
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 02:23:02 PM
Yep. Cook was surveying the St. Lawrence for the Royal Navy. Bougainville was defending Quebec.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 02:27:14 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 24, 2009, 02:23:02 PM
Yep. Cook was surveying the St. Lawrence for the Royal Navy. Bougainville was defending Quebec.

Very cool bit of trivia.

Well done.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 03:01:11 PM
Go ahead if you got one canuck.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 24, 2009, 06:03:20 PM
I pass to the Brain.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 24, 2009, 11:36:28 PM
What's the story behind this picture?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage1.jpg&hash=25c6caa6dc63ff3918a935d15fcf78ccca59b847)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 24, 2009, 11:41:42 PM
balloon crash
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 24, 2009, 11:48:58 PM
Attaching a wicker basket was insufficient in moving the giant lead ball.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zanza on August 25, 2009, 01:00:47 AM
Some Italian general or prince tries to fly with a balloon over the North Pole?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 25, 2009, 02:42:03 AM
Quote from: Zanza on August 25, 2009, 01:00:47 AM
Some Italian general or prince tries to fly with a balloon over the North Pole?

Very close.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 26, 2009, 03:00:59 PM
Its got to be an challenge of some sort to travel to the North Pole by Balloon.  Since you are you, there must be a Swedish connection so one or all of the Balloonists is Swedish.  Only two are in the shot so I am assuming this isnt the rescue party - they would also be in the shot.  Not a lot of equipment or supplies lying about so it is unlikely they survived to be saved.

I suppose the real question is why did they crash.  Aside from the obvious answer that they were Swedes, that remains a mystery.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Warspite on August 26, 2009, 03:48:36 PM
Was the ambient air temperature so cold that the gas in the balloon could not be heated sufficiently to provide height?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 26, 2009, 03:51:49 PM
@CC: Good reasoning, you win.

It's the Swedish 1897 Andrée expedition to get to the North Pole by hydrogen balloon. The picture is obviously taken after they were forced to land by hydrogen loss and ice after 2 days in the air. After the landing they started a 3 month trek across the ice trying to reach either of two prepared supply dumps. They kept journals and took photographs. After fighting ice and fatigue they were finally forced to make camp on the island of Kvitøya where they died shortly after. In 1930 their remains were discovered and caused quite a sensation in Sweden. Theirs is a great story of Victorian ideals and Vernesque technology.

Some photos, and some of their journals:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage5.jpg&hash=f1d36ec6ec37fdc6d5adb4c1b0a06c0ddca16032)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage7.jpg&hash=4031f78e96ae50697e245f994bad8667cdc7c0d9)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage4.jpg&hash=15863a1a01c362095cbe57c9768b69df53e00de0)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage3.jpg&hash=262f84cda6a90f757af7fb1b815e260ca5b6f73d)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FImage6.jpg&hash=f4bc57283c20c4db01a79637608652a9773507df)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 26, 2009, 03:54:37 PM
Quote from: Warspite on August 26, 2009, 03:48:36 PM
Was the ambient air temperature so cold that the gas in the balloon could not be heated sufficiently to provide height?

The balloon hadn't been tested thoroughly because of time issues and leaked more hydrogen gas than calculated. Also the practical problems of ballooning in arctic summer weather and such had probably been underestimated.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 26, 2009, 03:55:53 PM
Quote from: Warspite on August 26, 2009, 03:48:36 PM
Was the ambient air temperature so cold that the gas in the balloon could not be heated sufficiently to provide height?
I don't think it works like that.

However, depending on the fuel used to heat the balloon, it could have gotten cold enough that it would not light. I think it would stay lit once started though.

Alternately, if it was a lighter-than air balloon, deflation due to the gas cooling might cause it to lose positive buoyancy.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 26, 2009, 04:12:45 PM
That is very cool!

No pun intended.

More proof that reality is often stranger then fiction.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 26, 2009, 04:31:47 PM
Ok, this one might be a bit more difficult.

Everyone remembers who Pizarro was.  But does anyone know who his partner in the conquest of the Inca was? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 04:43:36 PM
Lots of people, IIRC, but you are perhaps thinking of Almagro ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 26, 2009, 05:14:06 PM
Oex, I thought I had a stumper there.  Well done.

I await your question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 06:26:19 PM
Well, it's not quite fair, since I am teaching colonial history. I should have let others answer.

Who is this guy who links Mozart with Voltaire, clockmaking with arms selling, the American Insurgents to Louis XVI; spy, harpist, inventor, publisher, judge and speculator... (as well as his first occupation) ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 26, 2009, 06:30:53 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 06:26:19 PM
Well, it's not quite fair, since I am teaching colonial history. I should have let others answer.

Who is this guy who links Mozart with Voltaire, clockmaking with arms selling, the American Insurgents to Louis XVI; spy, harpist, inventor, publisher, judge and speculator... (as well as his first occupation) ?
The Scottish banker dude for France.  Locke?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 06:38:13 PM
If you are thinking of John Law, no, that's not him. He died in 1729, in exile, in Venice.

(Though that guy sure lived an interesting life on its own merit).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 26, 2009, 07:12:53 PM
I'm guessing Casanova.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 26, 2009, 07:23:37 PM
I forget the name but was he the guy that built 3 clockwork androids that still work? Czech iirc?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 07:49:06 PM
He's a Casanova type alright. But not Casanova.

Max: perhaps you are thinking of Jacquet-Droz, the Swiss automaton maker.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on August 27, 2009, 01:13:12 AM
Hungarian?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 27, 2009, 06:15:49 AM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 07:49:06 PM
Max: perhaps you are thinking of Jacquet-Droz, the Swiss automaton maker.
Yea that sounds right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 27, 2009, 07:29:33 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on August 27, 2009, 01:13:12 AM
Hungarian?

Nope, he's a French guy (and perhaps less well-known than I thought).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on August 28, 2009, 12:53:36 PM
You surely can't mean the Count of St. Germain!!!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 28, 2009, 01:42:38 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on August 28, 2009, 12:53:36 PM
You surely can't mean the Count of St. Germain!!!

I know he knew Mozart and was a spy (or at least claimed to be).  Don't know about Voltaire but probably wasn't French.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on August 28, 2009, 01:46:20 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 06:26:19 PM
Well, it's not quite fair, since I am teaching colonial history. I should have let others answer.

Who is this guy who links Mozart with Voltaire, clockmaking with arms selling, the American Insurgents to Louis XVI; spy, harpist, inventor, publisher, judge and speculator... (as well as his first occupation) ?

Pierre Beaumarchais?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 28, 2009, 01:46:53 PM
Although it sounds like the Count of St. Germain, wasn't he thought a complete fraud (i.e. never proved to have done any of the many things he claimed to do)?  If so then the question is a little misleading.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 28, 2009, 01:53:19 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 28, 2009, 01:46:53 PM
Although it sounds like the Count of St. Germain, wasn't he thought a complete fraud (i.e. never proved to have done any of the many things he claimed to do)?  If so then the question is a little misleading.

Well it's unlikely he was immortal but he did seem to be a talented chemist and musician. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 28, 2009, 06:32:01 PM
I am dying to google.  There is something just on the edge of my memory but I just cant recall the name.  Does he have any connection with the low countries?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 28, 2009, 07:13:44 PM
I think Sav got it right since I google that name and it fits.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 30, 2009, 12:32:58 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on August 28, 2009, 01:46:20 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on August 26, 2009, 06:26:19 PM
Well, it's not quite fair, since I am teaching colonial history. I should have let others answer.

Who is this guy who links Mozart with Voltaire, clockmaking with arms selling, the American Insurgents to Louis XVI; spy, harpist, inventor, publisher, judge and speculator... (as well as his first occupation) ?

Pierre Beaumarchais?

Yep, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, he invented pedals for the harp, taught it to one of the daughters of Louis XV (IIRC), bought an office of judge of hunt and forest, made lots of money speculating, published the first edition of Voltaire's complete works, sold weapons to the American Insurgents under a false name (Hortalez) for which his heirs only got paid in the 1820s... and of course was an author. He is the one who wrote Figaro, which Mozart turned into the opera.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on August 30, 2009, 09:14:12 PM
I don't have anything; someone else can give the next question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 30, 2009, 11:52:35 PM
In 1856, the city of Charleston gave Congressman Preston Brooks a cane with what inscription?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on August 30, 2009, 11:59:36 PM
Hit him again?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on August 31, 2009, 12:02:03 AM
Are you sure that the city actually gave him one with that, though?  Do you have a link corroborating it?  I thought it was just a thing that a lot of gifted canes to him had on them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 31, 2009, 12:03:57 AM
http://www.hithimagain.com/origins/ (http://www.hithimagain.com/origins/)

At any rate, that answer is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 31, 2009, 01:06:23 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<

I'm sorry the question I asked that was answered 7 minutes later was too obscure for you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 01:08:41 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 31, 2009, 01:06:23 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<

I'm sorry the question I asked that was answered 7 minutes later was too obscure for you.

...by a fellow sourthern American.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on August 31, 2009, 01:17:43 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 01:08:41 AM
...by a fellow sourthern American.

Floor's yours, counselor.  I'm too tired to come up with a decent, non-Yi violating question at the moment.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 31, 2009, 01:28:28 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 01:08:41 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 31, 2009, 01:06:23 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<

I'm sorry the question I asked that was answered 7 minutes later was too obscure for you.

...by a fellow sourthern American.

It is something taught In junior high in the US.  I wouldn't doubt a great many Americans would know it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 31, 2009, 07:11:15 AM
:yes: I knew it too.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 31, 2009, 07:17:29 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<
Of course there was. Why the hell was it dropped?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 31, 2009, 07:29:46 AM
I'm all for reinstating it. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 07:34:32 AM
Quote from: Maximus on August 31, 2009, 07:17:29 AM
Of course there was. Why the hell was it dropped?
Six months without a question?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 31, 2009, 08:06:13 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 07:34:32 AM
Six months without a question?
Does it necessarily follow that that rule was the cause?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Liep on August 31, 2009, 08:13:26 AM
What is the Yi rule?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on August 31, 2009, 08:44:11 AM
Quote from: Liep on August 31, 2009, 08:13:26 AM
What is the Yi rule?
No questions are to be asked about your own country.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 31, 2009, 10:18:29 AM
"Who's question is it?"


that is unless we want Preston Brooks to render another debate moot
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 10:53:02 AM
These are dangerous times for the Languish History Thread.  The floor belongs to BB and he has 24 hours to think of the best question he can to demonstrate the need for the Yi Rule.

I expect that if you have no knowledge of Canada's north, BB's question will be impossible to answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 31, 2009, 10:55:21 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 10:53:02 AM
These are dangerous times for the Languish History Thread.  The floor belongs to BB and he has 24 hours to think of the best question he can to demonstrate the need for the Yi Rule.

I expect that if you have no knowledge of Canada's north, BB's question will be impossible to answer.

I'm sure the question will involve mounties and ukrainian tractors. Or red coated cossacks at least....
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:00:04 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 10:53:02 AM
These are dangerous times for the Languish History Thread.  The floor belongs to BB and he has 24 hours to think of the best question he can to demonstrate the need for the Yi Rule.

I expect that if you have no knowledge of Canada's north, BB's question will be impossible to answer.

:shifty:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 11:05:22 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 01:08:41 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 31, 2009, 01:06:23 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 12:58:13 AM
I think there was some merit to the Yi rule. <_<

I'm sorry the question I asked that was answered 7 minutes later was too obscure for you.

...by a fellow sourthern American.
I knew the answer immediately and would have posted it if Habbaku hadn't already.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 11:07:09 AM
Quote from: Maximus on August 31, 2009, 08:06:13 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 07:34:32 AM
Six months without a question?
Does it necessarily follow that that rule was the cause?
Yes, without question it killed the thread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 31, 2009, 11:15:34 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He made abridged homemade versions of famous movies starring himself and his negro friend.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"

So I am guessing he was lucky because he found a gold strike, sold it and was one of the few propectors to actually make money.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:53:28 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"

So I am guessing he was lucky because he found a gold strike, sold it and was one of the few propectors to actually make money.

He did strike gold, but that wasn't all that unusual.  It was a gold rush after all.  Thats not what made him the Lucky Swede.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:55:11 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"

Indeed.  It is often said that more gold was made by prospecting the miner's pockets than was made in the hills of the Klondike.

But no.  As mentioned, the Lucky Swede was a miner.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 31, 2009, 12:01:33 PM
I wikipedia'ed it, and it's funny
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 31, 2009, 02:47:57 PM
No idea, probably has something to do with vegetables.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 02:49:56 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:55:11 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"

Indeed.  It is often said that more gold was made by prospecting the miner's pockets than was made in the hills of the Klondike.

But no.  As mentioned, the Lucky Swede was a miner.
Then it has to be something specific about how or where he found the gold that made it a fluke.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 31, 2009, 02:51:17 PM
Maybe he used rutabagas in panning for gold.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on August 31, 2009, 03:01:16 PM
I have always supported the Yi rule. I hope it gets reinstated.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: The Brain on August 31, 2009, 03:01:16 PM
I have always supported the Yi rule. I hope it gets reinstated.

Thank God people are coming to their senses on this.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 03:29:43 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: The Brain on August 31, 2009, 03:01:16 PM
I have always supported the Yi rule. I hope it gets reinstated.

Thank God people are coming to their senses on this.
If it's reinstated this thread will quickly die. Most people, even people on this board know far more about the history of their nation than that of others.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 03:39:14 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 02:49:56 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:55:11 AM
Quote from: Viking on August 31, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 11:06:16 AM
During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, one prospector, Charles Anderson, became famous as the "Lucky Swede".

What did he do to earn that nickname?

He got into selling whiskey or mining supplies?

Edit: ehh.. that might have made him "the smart swede"

Indeed.  It is often said that more gold was made by prospecting the miner's pockets than was made in the hills of the Klondike.

But no.  As mentioned, the Lucky Swede was a miner.
Then it has to be something specific about how or where he found the gold that made it a fluke.

And what do you think that "something specific" was?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 31, 2009, 03:39:26 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 03:29:43 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 31, 2009, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: The Brain on August 31, 2009, 03:01:16 PM
I have always supported the Yi rule. I hope it gets reinstated.

Thank God people are coming to their senses on this.
If it's reinstated this thread will quickly die. Most people, even people on this board know far more about the history of their nation than that of others.

WTF? you sure you're not getting this the wrong way round? I can ask questions about minor characters in the Sagas of secondary importance. I'm sure the spanish can ask about the cum stains on Franco's pants, the 'murricans about which brand of canned horseradish the donner party used as relish and the germans about exactly which of the two village breweries in Bad Homburg adopted the Reinheitgebot first. So unless you want this thread to degenerate into in-joke-ping-pong then we need the Yi Rule.

And if you want to argue against the Yi Rule, then I suggest you do so after you tell me

"What do a former Telia executive and a man who had his head impaled by King Olaf Tryggvason have in common?"

N.B. this is for timmay only. The rest of you don't need to worry about this one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 03:42:59 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 31, 2009, 03:29:43 PM
If it's reinstated this thread will quickly die. Most people, even people on this board know far more about the history of their nation than that of others.

But that's exactly the problem Jimmy.  My question is an extremely easy question if you know anything at all about gold rush history.  But I could ask an even easier question and probably no one on this board could get the answer, because gold rush history isn't widely known all over the world.

By forcing people to answer question about other countries, it hopefully ensures that questions are about topics that are widely known all over the world.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on August 31, 2009, 03:55:15 PM
Follow Yi rule. Unless you are capable of either tying your national trivia question to an international event or an event of a larger scope than local politics or are giving hints which might enable an informed participant to guess/answer.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 04:57:38 PM
People can ask madly esoteric and unanswerable questions about a country not their own as well.  Dropping the Yi rule doesn't change the prevailing spirit, which is questions that are tough and informative but not impossible and useless.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 05:05:05 PM
Charley Anderson was one of a whole community of prospectors living in a small community called Forty Mile.  In early 1896 George Carmack, Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie made an enormous discovery of gold on Rabbit Creek (quickly renamed to Bonanza Creek), a tributary of the Klondike River.  The community of Forty Mile quickly emptied and all the prospectors struck up claims in the Klondike area.

Charley Anderson delayed leaving Forty Mile, and when he arrived in the Klondike all the good prospects were taken.  He took to drinking heavily.  One night during a binge he agreed to buy a claim from another miner for $800.  The next morning he was horrified - it was widely expected that claim would be worthless.  Anderson tried to sell his claim, but there were no takers.

Nearly out of money he figured he had no other option but to start mining his claim.

He took out one million dollars worth of gold, and was forever known as the Lucky Swede.

But as happened to so many Klondike gold kings, by the end of his life the money was spent, his dancing-girl wife had left him, and he was back resorting to menial labour to make ends meet.


I'll try thinking of a Yi-approved question, but if someone else can sneak in they're welcome to.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on August 31, 2009, 05:13:59 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 04:57:38 PM
People can ask madly esoteric and unanswerable questions about a country not their own as well.

:yes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 05:53:27 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 05:05:05 PM
I'll try thinking of a Yi-approved question, but if someone else can sneak in they're welcome to.
:rolleyes: Why don't you just try thinking of a question you think is good.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 06:47:30 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 31, 2009, 05:53:27 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 31, 2009, 05:05:05 PM
I'll try thinking of a Yi-approved question, but if someone else can sneak in they're welcome to.
:rolleyes: Why don't you just try thinking of a question you think is good.

I thought mine was a good question.  It's always an amusing story to tell. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 02:45:27 PM
The term "Triad" was first applied to certain Chinese secret societies in 1821 by Dr William Milne, principal of the Anglo-Chinese college in Malacca.  His coinage was derived from one of the many aliases the societies used, namely the Samhehui (Three United Society).  There are a number of possible explanations for what these three unities represent.  I'm looking for three different explanations, victory going to whoever contributes the most accurate information and context overall (though Mono gets a minor handicap).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:00:51 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 02:45:27 PM
The term "Triad" was first applied to certain Chinese secret societies in 1821 by Dr William Milne, principal of the Anglo-Chinese college in Malacca.  His coinage was derived from one of the many aliases the societies used, namely the Samhehui (Three United Society).  There are a number of possible explanations for what these three unities represent.  I'm looking for three different explanations, victory going to whoever contributes the most accurate information and context overall (though Mono gets a minor handicap).

Heaven, People, Ruler?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:04:43 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:00:51 PMHeaven, People, Ruler?

This is close (I'd score it 1.5 out of 3), but not quite right, for the modern explanation (i.e. the explanation you'll usually hear from triad members themselves and in the media).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 01, 2009, 03:05:04 PM
Little. Yellow. Different.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:05:40 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 01, 2009, 03:05:04 PM
Little. Yellow. Different.

0/3
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:06:10 PM
Heaven, Earth, Duty?

Guessing Heaven was one, twitched the other two a bit.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:07:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:06:10 PM
Heaven, Earth, Duty?

Guessing Heaven was one, twitched the other two a bit.

2/3, and the 1 is different than the 0.5 in your previous guess.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:07:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:06:10 PM
Heaven, Earth, Duty?

Guessing Heaven was one, twitched the other two a bit.

2/3, and the 1 is different than the 0.5 in your previous guess.

Ancestor, Earth, Boss?

Edit: that extra info just confused me more.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:11:48 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:07:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:06:10 PM
Heaven, Earth, Duty?

Guessing Heaven was one, twitched the other two a bit.

2/3, and the 1 is different than the 0.5 in your previous guess.

Ancestor, Earth, Boss?

1/3

I'm surprised you changed two of your previous answers when you had 2/3 previously  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:13:00 PM
Ok, lets play mastermind!!!

Heaven, Earth, Rubber duck.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 01, 2009, 03:15:48 PM
Heaven, Earth, Duty
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2009, 03:16:28 PM
Heaven, Earth, Halfling
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:17:33 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 01, 2009, 03:16:28 PM
Heaven, Earth, Halfling

This is the closest so far :)

2.5/3

Of course, there are two other explanations that no one has ventured at as well, but perhaps they are too obscure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:18:41 PM
DoH!

Heaven, Earth, People!!

Edit: but didn't I get 1.5 for Heaven, People, Ruler?

Edit2: Halfling gets 0.5 points... geddit?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2009, 03:21:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:18:41 PM
DoH!

Heaven, Earth, People!!

people was only half right, why I said halfling.  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2009, 03:25:23 PM
Oh and I'll guess Heaven, Earth, Body
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 03:27:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:18:41 PM
DoH!

Heaven, Earth, People!!

Edit: but didn't I get 1.5 for Heaven, People, Ruler?

Edit2: Halfling gets 0.5 points... geddit?

Heave, Earth, People also gets 2.5 because I'm being a stickler.  In fact, with a different translator from Chinese might get be worth the full three points.

So that's one explanation out of three possible (and the one you'll find on wikipedia).  Any takers on the other explanations?  I'll post them later tonight if there are no takers.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Heaven, Soil, People?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 01, 2009, 03:41:59 PM
Heaven, Earth, Peasants?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 01, 2009, 03:53:59 PM
Heaven, Earth, China
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 04:19:12 PM
The point was awarded to Heaven, Earth and People.

The answer I was looking for was Heaven, Earth and Man, but I think the difference between "man" and "people" is one that lies in the English-Chinese translation rather than the substance of the actual meaning.  No point in reducing it to semantics.

Now, would anyone like to guess what the other possible origin for the Three United Society?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 01, 2009, 04:21:10 PM
Hey Jacob, who is the chick in your avatar?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 04:22:11 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 01, 2009, 04:21:10 PM
Hey Jacob, who is the chick in your avatar?

I probably knew way back when when I made the avatar, but now I don't remember at all.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 05:39:06 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 04:19:12 PM
The point was awarded to Heaven, Earth and People.

The answer I was looking for was Heaven, Earth and Man, but I think the difference between "man" and "people" is one that lies in the English-Chinese translation rather than the substance of the actual meaning.  No point in reducing it to semantics.

Now, would anyone like to guess what the other possible origin for the Three United Society?

isn't "人" (ren) used for both man and people?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on September 01, 2009, 05:40:57 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 05:39:06 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 04:19:12 PM
The point was awarded to Heaven, Earth and People.

The answer I was looking for was Heaven, Earth and Man, but I think the difference between "man" and "people" is one that lies in the English-Chinese translation rather than the substance of the actual meaning.  No point in reducing it to semantics.

Now, would anyone like to guess what the other possible origin for the Three United Society?

isn't "人" (ren) used for both man and people?

Only Squares think that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 05:46:07 PM
I think the next question is mine.


The poor man Böttgers little magic trick resulted in the discovery of a great secret which made the man that kidnapped him much richer than he already was. What was the great secret?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 05:53:33 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 05:46:07 PM
I think the next question is mine.


The poor man Böttgers little magic trick resulted in the discovery of a great secret which made the man that kidnapped him much richer than he already was. What was the great secret?

Sure if no one can come up with the other two explanations for the three unities.  You got the easy one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on September 01, 2009, 06:00:49 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 05:53:33 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 05:46:07 PM
I think the next question is mine.


The poor man Böttgers little magic trick resulted in the discovery of a great secret which made the man that kidnapped him much richer than he already was. What was the great secret?

Sure if no one can come up with the other two explanations for the three unities.  You got the easy one.

But you have to give us the answer and background.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 01, 2009, 06:03:48 PM
Quote from: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 05:53:33 PM

Sure if no one can come up with the other two explanations for the three unities.  You got the easy one.

You wanted one answer. We obviously didn't know and just started guessing. I don't think anyone of us suddenly gonna brainstorm the other meanings, unless they are gold, opium and blood.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 06:25:36 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on September 01, 2009, 06:00:49 PMBut you have to give us the answer and background.

According to the legend when the Shaolin temple was destroyed by the Qing emperor (at the incitement of the grand secretary, claiming that the monks would rebel) only five monks survived.  The monks set up a society, the Tiandihui (the Heaven and Earth Society), to overthrow the Qing.  The Tiandihui was originally headquarted in Muk Yeung City in Fujian.  The five monks failed to overthrow the Qing and split up, each founding a lodge in different parts of China to continue the struggle.  Before they parted, they devised a series of secret signs and signals by which their followers were meant to identify each other.  In the 19th the second of these lodges, the Samhehui, in Guandong province became quite powerful.  It was called the Samhehui (Three United Society) because the lodge was founded near three rivers.

So that's the second explanation.

The Tiandihui were first noticed by the Qing empire when the society tried to rebel in 1786 in Taiwan.  Once the rebellion was repressed, the Emperor ordered a task force to investigate the origin of the society.  After a three year investigation, involving many officials across the country the investigation concluded that the Tiandihui was founded in 1761 or 1762 by the monk Hung Erh at the Guanyin Temple in Gaoxi village, Zhanpu county, Zhangshou prefecture in Fujian province.  Modern scholarship is suspicious of the Shaolin founding legend and leans towards the Tiandihui being the natural evolution of various mutual protection societies divorced from any political aims.  The Samhehui alias of the Tiandihui is posited as being named after the three primary founders, Hung, Lee and Zhu, the statues of which appear on triad altars.

And that's the third explanation.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on September 01, 2009, 06:27:41 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 01, 2009, 06:03:48 PMYou wanted one answer. We obviously didn't know and just started guessing. I don't think anyone of us suddenly gonna brainstorm the other meanings, unless they are gold, opium and blood.

Maybe someone who didn't post yet happened to know :)

But yeah, all yours.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2009, 05:52:42 PM
Time has passed.

What is the origin of the word "nerd?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 02, 2009, 06:35:19 PM
Dr. Seuss book
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 02, 2009, 06:35:49 PM
Yup.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 08, 2009, 06:50:03 PM
I think Peter is maybe not going to ask a question.

Thomas Bayes developed Bayseian mathematics to assist him in what pursuit?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 08, 2009, 08:32:17 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 08, 2009, 06:50:03 PM
I think Peter is maybe not going to ask a question.

Thomas Bayes developed Bayseian mathematics to assist him in what pursuit?

Gambling?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 08, 2009, 09:39:30 PM
Picking up chicks, duh.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 09, 2009, 06:22:58 AM
No and no.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:29:25 AM
Proving the existence of god?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 09, 2009, 06:30:08 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:29:25 AM
Proving the existence of god?
Bingo.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 09, 2009, 07:11:37 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 09, 2009, 06:30:08 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:29:25 AM
Proving the existence of god?
Bingo.

Really?  Was he satisfied with the result?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 09, 2009, 07:21:44 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 09, 2009, 07:11:37 AM
Really?  Was he satisfied with the result?
I didn't ask him.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 07:27:35 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 09, 2009, 06:30:08 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:29:25 AM
Proving the existence of god?
Bingo.

Using lots of bad evidence to made up for lack of any good. Couldn't have been anything else.

I'm thinking about a question as we speak.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 07:32:35 AM
Newton invented Calculus, but what did he call it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 09, 2009, 12:31:56 PM
Leibniz's system?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jos Theelen on September 09, 2009, 12:49:11 PM
A system for calculating slopes and surfaces with very small numbers?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on September 09, 2009, 01:51:22 PM
God's Math?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 01:59:56 PM
Nope, nope and nope.

Leibnitz called it calculus after he independently invented it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 09, 2009, 02:45:16 PM
:frusty:

I'm sure this was mentioned in the Baroque Cycle but I can't remember it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 09, 2009, 04:10:51 PM
Pythagorean super numbers.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 04:47:38 PM
it was neither pythagorean super numbers nor :frusty:

Hint: the root word is synonymous with change and flow
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 09, 2009, 04:48:45 PM
dynamics?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 09, 2009, 04:52:15 PM
Ejaculation.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 04:53:17 PM
nope, and you're just taking the piss
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on September 09, 2009, 04:55:52 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 07:32:35 AM
Newton invented Calculus, but what did he call it?

Fluctions?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:50:24 PM
Quote from: Malthus on September 09, 2009, 04:55:52 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 07:32:35 AM
Newton invented Calculus, but what did he call it?

Fluctions?

You win!!!

He called it fluctions when he invented it and KEPT IT SECRET SO NOBODY ELSE COULD GET ANY GOOD IDEAS USING IT. When he found out Leibnitz had invented it as well he huffed and puffed and published.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 11, 2009, 02:11:32 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 06:50:24 PM
Quote from: Malthus on September 09, 2009, 04:55:52 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 09, 2009, 07:32:35 AM
Newton invented Calculus, but what did he call it?

Fluctions?

You win!!!

He called it fluctions when he invented it and KEPT IT SECRET SO NOBODY ELSE COULD GET ANY GOOD IDEAS USING IT. When he found out Leibnitz had invented it as well he huffed and puffed and published.

See, software patents and 'intellectual property' claims were already a source of problems in the 1700s... not to mention inflated egos!  :P

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 02:29:27 AM
A dispute between Russia and France over possession of something that you could hold in your hand led to the Crimean War. What was that something?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on September 11, 2009, 02:58:19 AM
Quote from: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 02:29:27 AM
A dispute between Russia and France over possession of something that you could hold in your hand led to the Crimean War. What was that something?

What privileges Orthodox and Catholic churches would have in Palestine?

It's a little too big to allow holding it in your hand.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on September 11, 2009, 03:01:10 AM
Keys to a church, can't recall which one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 03:07:20 AM
Quote from: HVC on September 11, 2009, 03:01:10 AM
Keys to a church, can't recall which one.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on September 11, 2009, 11:25:22 AM
I suck at thinking up questions, so the floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 11:53:51 AM
Alrightly then. Prior to the Crimean War, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia raised tensions with France by refusing to use this salutation when addressing Napoleon III. What was the salutation? Also, bonus points if you can tell me which salutation Nicholas finally did deign to use.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on September 11, 2009, 12:28:52 PM
Imperial Majesty?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 04:06:00 PM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on September 11, 2009, 12:28:52 PM
Imperial Majesty?
Nope. It's not a salutation unique to France or Russia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 11, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Cousin?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 11, 2009, 04:16:15 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on September 11, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Cousin?
Close.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 11, 2009, 07:29:34 PM
Brother?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 11, 2009, 08:59:09 PM
"Hey bro!"

He eventually settled for "'Sup, dawg?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 11, 2009, 10:20:48 PM
You're really on a Crimean war bend Kleves.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 12, 2009, 04:34:32 AM
President?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 12, 2009, 05:07:08 AM
Quote from: merithyn on September 11, 2009, 07:29:34 PM
Brother?
Bingo! The Tsar was upset by the other European monarchs addressing Nappy III as "brother," when he regarded the Emperor as a mere usurper. The Tsar would only go as addressing Napoleon as "my dear friend."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 12, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
I'll squeeze one in until Meri shows up.

Who was the first socialist elected to the US Congress?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 12, 2009, 02:35:30 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 12, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
I'll squeeze one in until Meri shows up.

Who was the first socialist elected to the US Congress?

I thought we did away with the suspension of the Yi Rule?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 12, 2009, 02:39:08 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 12, 2009, 02:35:30 PM
I thought we did away with the suspension of the Yi Rule?
Beeb and Max agitated for it, vox populii did not speak.

Hold a vote if you want to.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 12, 2009, 02:58:23 PM
Debs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 12, 2009, 02:59:17 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 12, 2009, 02:58:23 PM
Debs?
Nope.  Pretty sure Debs was never elected to any public office.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 12, 2009, 03:07:30 PM
Wasn't Milwaukee the first US city to elect a Socialist mayor?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:09:20 AM
So is this shit happening or what? If not I have a question about American history (ha!) just to prove Peter Wigger wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 06:34:15 AM
I have a question.

This guy was:

a) The greatest Ukrainian religious figure
b) Had a Moldavian father and a Hungarian mother
c) His family ruled two different realms in the 16th and 17th century
d) Is a saint in three different churches
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 07:08:19 AM
Sorry, Yi rule is killing in the poll. No questions about saints from men who stare at crosses.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 13, 2009, 08:06:22 AM
Basil?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 08:29:23 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 07:08:19 AM
Sorry, Yi rule is killing in the poll. No questions about saints from men who stare at crosses.

It's not a crime to simply recognise you don't know the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 13, 2009, 08:38:53 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 06:34:15 AM
I have a question.

This guy was:

a) The greatest Ukrainian religious figure
b) Had a Moldavian father and a Hungarian mother
c) His family ruled two different realms in the 16th and 17th century
d) Is a saint in three different churches

Zapolya?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on September 13, 2009, 08:40:36 AM
BB
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 09:11:16 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 13, 2009, 08:38:53 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 06:34:15 AM
I have a question.

This guy was:

a) The greatest Ukrainian religious figure
b) Had a Moldavian father and a Hungarian mother
c) His family ruled two different realms in the 16th and 17th century
d) Is a saint in three different churches

Zapolya?

No.

The family was Orthodox.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Liep on September 13, 2009, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: Jaron on September 13, 2009, 08:40:36 AM
BB

Booty Bay?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 13, 2009, 09:23:02 AM
Quote from: Liep on September 13, 2009, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: Jaron on September 13, 2009, 08:40:36 AM
BB

Booty Bay?

Hoops.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 13, 2009, 09:33:48 AM
Emil somebody.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 13, 2009, 09:34:40 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 09:11:16 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 13, 2009, 08:38:53 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 06:34:15 AM
I have a question.

This guy was:

a) The greatest Ukrainian religious figure
b) Had a Moldavian father and a Hungarian mother
c) His family ruled two different realms in the 16th and 17th century
d) Is a saint in three different churches

Zapolya?

No.

The family was Orthodox.

How about that Skanderbegalike Moldavian guy the super general in EUIII the balkantards got into the game... Stefan something?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 10:11:01 AM
The answer is Petru Movila (Moghila), Metropolitan of Kyiv, Halych and All-Rus' from 1633 until 1646. He was probably the last great Ukrainian figure that expected to see Ukraine as the third realm within the Commonwealth. Wikipedia is, unfortunately, very uninformative about the subject.

His father was Hospodar of Moldavia and Wallachia, his uncle and two cousins were Hospodars of Moldavia, while another cousin was the wife of a polish king. He is considered  the father of Modern Orthodoxy and is considered the man that saved Ukraine from catholicism. As a trivia notion, his "Orthodox Creed" is the third most important profession of faith in Orthodoxy after the Nicene Creed and the "Dogmatik" of St. Ioan Damaskinos.

-----------

Viking, that's Stephen III the Great. Usually placed very high on the "greatest generals list"...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 13, 2009, 10:24:52 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 10:11:01 AM

Viking, that's Stephen III the Great. Usually placed very high on the "greatest generals list"...

Was he better than Jon Scarecrow (of Icelandic Civil War fame)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 13, 2009, 10:28:01 AM
Sorry. Had friends over all day yesterday.

Name the last Tsar of Bulgaria.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 10:36:34 AM
Quote from: merithyn on September 13, 2009, 10:28:01 AM
Sorry. Had friends over all day yesterday.

Name the last Tsar of Bulgaria.

Too easy. Simeon II, also prime-minister of Bulgaria 5 years ago.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:13:34 PM
Question: Who was the most prolific executioner in history?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 13, 2009, 03:26:32 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:13:34 PM
Question: Who was the most prolific executioner in history?

Eichmann
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 13, 2009, 03:29:20 PM
Do you mean the person doing the actual killing or the one who ordered it done?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:29:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 13, 2009, 03:29:20 PM
Do you mean the person doing the actual killing or the one who ordered it done?

Actual killing.

Edit: don't place here people that threw nuclear bombs or closed people in gas chambers.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on September 13, 2009, 03:37:05 PM
Jack Ketch.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on September 13, 2009, 03:38:54 PM
Sanson?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:40:32 PM
Nope.

Clue: he killed most of his victimes with a german gun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on September 13, 2009, 03:45:40 PM
I thought you meant state-appointed executionner, as in the dude who delivers the sentences (death) from tribunals.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:48:17 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on September 13, 2009, 03:45:40 PM
I thought you meant state-appointed executionner, as in the dude who delivers the sentences (death) from tribunals.

He was a state-appointed executioner in all but name (since modern times have destroyed the good reputation of the word "executioner").
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 13, 2009, 03:57:32 PM
That's a rather ironic usage of the word prolific.

or is it...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:00:05 PM
Is that the Russian guy who shot 30,000 people with a handgun? I may have dreamt it and anyway I don't have a name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 04:05:01 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:00:05 PM
Is that the Russian guy who shot 30,000 people with a handgun? I may have dreamt it and anyway I don't have a name.

Bingo. Vasili Mikhailovich Blokhin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Blokhin).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:34:20 PM
Great.

Which was the biggest Old West shootout between bandits and upstanding citizens (no military actions or Indians or Mexicans) counted by the number of people killed?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on September 13, 2009, 04:45:07 PM
Go for the obvious - OK Corral?

:unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 13, 2009, 06:14:00 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:13:34 PM
Question: Who was the most prolific executioner in history?

Vlad Dracul?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 06:29:47 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 13, 2009, 06:14:00 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 03:13:34 PM
Question: Who was the most prolific executioner in history?

Vlad Dracul?

I've got a thousand stories as interesting as the "Dracula" story. His son, Mihnea, is not well-known, even though he was as ruthless as his father: "As soon as Mihnea began to rule he at once abandoned his sheep's clothing and plugged up his ears like an asp.... He took all the greater boyars captive, worked them hard, cruelly confiscated their property, and even slept with their wives in their presence. He cut off the noses and lips of some, others he hanged, and still others drowned.". He was murdered by assasins, who were strangled while they tried to escape by his son, the grandson of Dracula.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 13, 2009, 06:51:49 PM
I didn't even know asps had ears.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 07:02:43 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 13, 2009, 06:51:49 PM
I didn't even know asps had ears.

That's the point. He loses his ears (metaphorically) in order to be free to do whatever he wants, without being able to hear the cries for mercy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 13, 2009, 07:54:09 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 13, 2009, 07:02:43 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 13, 2009, 06:51:49 PM
I didn't even know asps had ears.

That's the point. He loses his ears (metaphorically) in order to be free to do whatever he wants, without being able to hear the cries for mercy.

Hopefully he picked up the heat sense in the bargain.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 14, 2009, 08:05:37 AM
Yi rule back in. It's official.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 14, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:34:20 PM
Great.

Which was the biggest Old West shootout between bandits and upstanding citizens (no military actions or Indians or Mexicans) counted by the number of people killed?

Hmmm... Tom Horn, perhaps?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 12:21:30 PM
Quote from: Barrister on September 13, 2009, 04:45:07 PM
Go for the obvious - OK Corral?

:unsure:

No, only 3 killed there IIRC.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 12:21:55 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on September 14, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 13, 2009, 04:34:20 PM
Great.

Which was the biggest Old West shootout between bandits and upstanding citizens (no military actions or Indians or Mexicans) counted by the number of people killed?

Hmmm... Tom Horn, perhaps?

A specific shootout?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 14, 2009, 12:28:00 PM
Waco.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on September 14, 2009, 12:33:46 PM
Quote from: Kleves on September 14, 2009, 12:28:00 PM
Waco.

:D

Oklahoma City saw more people killed though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 12:34:09 PM
Reno shot a kid in Waco just to watch it die.



HINT: the shootout involved a very famous outlaw gang which was almost wiped out in it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 14, 2009, 12:56:49 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 12:34:09 PM
Reno shot a kid in Waco just to watch it die.



HINT: the shootout involved a very famous outlaw gang which was almost wiped out in it.

Wasn't that the James gang shootout in, well, wherever?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 14, 2009, 12:59:29 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 12:34:09 PM
Reno shot a kid in Waco just to watch it die.



HINT: the shootout involved a very famous outlaw gang which was almost wiped out in it.

Jesse James and his gang?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 01:08:11 PM
No, not the James gang. Though the gang in question tried to do something spectacular in order to compete with the James legend. This proved fatal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 01:11:05 PM
Viking, I saw that!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 14, 2009, 01:13:46 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 01:11:05 PM
Viking, I saw that!

:blush:

Dalton gang?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lucky-luke.de%2Fe5%2Fe24%2Fe44%2FdieDaltons.gif&hash=05baceff6226a30368a953d38aef13d5f937ce1b)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 01:37:11 PM
Since Americans don't know their own "history" I will give it to you Viking. Yes, the gang was the Daltons (though not their cousins) and the shootout took place October 5, 1892 in Coffeyville, Kansas.

The Daltons planned to rob two banks at the same time and rode into town disguised. But a townsperson recognized them and while the Daltons were in the banks making their withdrawals the citizens armed themselves. When the Daltons exited the banks, in the words of horribly overrated movie Boondock Saints "there was a FIREFIGHT!". A ten minute shootout when the Daltons tried to get to their horses which they had been forced by construction to leave in what became known as Death Alley left four citizens dead and three wounded. Four of the Dalton gang were dead and the fifth, Emmett Dalton, was badly wounded and captured. The Daltons had gotten their immortality, but at a price.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 02:10:47 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 14, 2009, 01:47:08 PM
I have an easy question for Americans.

Name a famous guy, ex-king of two different Kingdoms, that encountered the Jersey Devil while living in America.

Are you Viking? No? Then STFU.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 14, 2009, 02:16:50 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 02:10:47 PM
Are you Viking? No? Then STFU.

You didn't give him time to answer the first question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 14, 2009, 03:02:22 PM
Duude, you mean they were not fictional? WTF? I was taking the piss.

but... a broken clock and all that...


OK, the more USAian history.

The Clovis Culture is a name given to a group of early americans living about 12 to 13 thousand years ago and are sometimes associated with the disappearance of megafauna in north america. They are a source of a lot of "funny" theorizing by both palentologists, anthropologists and historians since they sort of exist in the boundry layer between those fields. Clovis cuture sites have one clear identifying feature. What is that feature and what makes it characteristically clovis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 14, 2009, 03:10:08 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 14, 2009, 03:02:22 PM
Clovis cuture sites have one clear identifying feature. What is that feature and what makes it characteristically clovis.

Is it the "Clovis Points" of the arrowheads (which, IIRC, are generally a bit more rounded than later triangle-shaped ones)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 14, 2009, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: ulmont on September 14, 2009, 03:10:08 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 14, 2009, 03:02:22 PM
Clovis cuture sites have one clear identifying feature. What is that feature and what makes it characteristically clovis.

Is it the "Clovis Points" of the arrowheads (which, IIRC, are generally a bit more rounded than later triangle-shaped ones)?

The arrow- and spearheads are the identifying feature. However, the rounded shape of the clovis points isn't the main feature. Rounded points are found in layers from other periods in the US and in France (leading to the hypothesis that clovis man sailed across the atlantic). The rounded shape of the arrow- and spearheads is not the feature. The are of course rounded as you say.

I still need to know how the archeologists tell the American Clovis points from the French Soultrean points (and other American points).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 14, 2009, 06:22:38 PM
A notch on each side?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 14, 2009, 06:27:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 14, 2009, 06:22:38 PM
A notch on each side?

Bingo the flute (nice technical term that) was used to wedge the point into a arrow or spear which was then fastened using animal gut which was tied around the fluted area fixing both the head and the body.

Yi is up. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 14, 2009, 06:28:55 PM
I got nuffin, puffin.  Pass.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 14, 2009, 07:52:27 PM
In 1902, French author Emile Zola was mysteriously murdered.  Nobody was ever charged with the crime.  What unusual method was used to kill Zola?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 14, 2009, 08:43:30 PM
Stopped up chimney. CO2 was the culprit. :D

And I was pretty sure that no one was ever charged because it was never really determined that he'd been murdered. :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 05:20:41 PM
I'm fairly sure I'm right (unless I'm getting him mixed up with Flaubert; both died relatively young), so I'll just go with that and ask my question.

Where does the name of The Corded Ware Culture come from, and what does it represent?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 15, 2009, 05:22:48 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 05:20:41 PM
I'm fairly sure I'm right (unless I'm getting him mixed up with Flaubert; both died relatively young), so I'll just go with that and ask my question.

Where does the name of The Corded Ware Culture come from, and what does it represent?

Isn't it a neolithic culture hanging around central Europe.  I think the name refers to their pottery.  Possibly Pre-Indo-Europeans.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:27:15 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 05:20:41 PM
I'm fairly sure I'm right (unless I'm getting him mixed up with Flaubert; both died relatively young), so I'll just go with that and ask my question.

Where does the name of The Corded Ware Culture come from, and what does it represent?
If we go by the Kurgan hypothesis of the Indo-European expansion, the Corded Ware represent the early western branching off of the Indo-European peoples from the Caspian Steppe into Eastern, Central and eventually Western Europe, with the Yamna culture representing late Proto-Indo-Europeans or early Indo-Iranians who stayed in the Urheimat.  So they would probably be the Germans, Proto-Celts-Latins, maybe the Balto-Slavs as well, maybe Albanian.  I think it is generally accepted that Greek, Armenian maybe some other Paleo-Balkan languages wouldn't be in that group and were later additions, as they are very closely related to the Indo-Iranians.  They share almost the entire Chariot-related vocabulary and have pretty similar words/concepts as far as their religion goes (both have words for "prepare for horse-sacrifice"), and linguistically are pretty close.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:30:32 PM
It is a really fascinating period of history, helps to explain why almost every culture of Eurasia of the period was doing almost exactly the same thing, or why the Celts, Slavs, Armenians and Mongols have such closely related artistic styles.  The Horse, The Wheel and Language is a fascinating read.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:27:15 PM
If we go by the Kurgan hypothesis

That there can be only one?   :P :lmfao:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:27:15 PM
If we go by the Kurgan hypothesis

That there can be only one?   :P :lmfao:
The Anatolian and Armenian hypothesis are also thrown around, but don't make a whole lot of sense as Anatolian peninsula had some really weird native languages possibly related to modern Caucasian languages when the Hittites came in there, while the Kurgan hypothesis has the Indo-Europeans sharing a border with the Uralic (and, a ways away, the Altaic) peoples for most of their early history, which I think is reflected in the relative closeness of the Uralic and Indo-European families and in certain elements of their ancient vocabulary (for instance, the Uralic term for Slave is derived from the word Aryan).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:41:10 PM
Something very, very similar happened with the Comanche, for instance.  They started off as an obscure people in California related to the Aztecs somehow, they adopted the horse before everyone else, and before you know it they are raiding as far as Central Mexico and Austin, Texas.  In this model, the Indo-Europeans were originally closely related to the Uralic (and, if you go back far enough, maybe the Altaic) peoples, but they started migrating South, came into contact with Caucasian and Semitic peoples who influenced their language, adopted the chariot and domesticated the horse before everyone else, and before you know it they are in Ireland and Central China.  With the horse, the Steppe is basically a big ocean that doesn't need pricey ocean going vessels, and it tens to also breed fantastically hearty, well organized warriors with access to way more horses than settled peoples, and rewards extremely cutthroat cultures that have to learn to adopt every strength and assimilate every conquered people.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on September 15, 2009, 05:43:19 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 14, 2009, 01:37:11 PM
horribly overrated movie Boondock Saints

It's hard for a movie to be overrated when the studio that produced it didn't think it worth releasing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:45:25 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:27:15 PM
If we go by the Kurgan hypothesis

That there can be only one?   :P :lmfao:
The Anatolian and Armenian hypothesis are also thrown around, but don't make a whole lot of sense

You fail:  teh Joke.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurgan_%28Highlander%29
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:49:46 PM
Quote from: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:45:25 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: ulmont on September 15, 2009, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 05:27:15 PM
If we go by the Kurgan hypothesis

That there can be only one?   :P :lmfao:
The Anatolian and Armenian hypothesis are also thrown around, but don't make a whole lot of sense

You fail:  teh Joke.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurgan_%28Highlander%29
He's from the Pontic-Caspian steppe, he probably got his name from the Hypothesis, or where the hypothesis' name comes from, the Indo-European/Hunnish burial mounds of the area that are fairly typical across all the Kurganized (Indo-Europeanized) cultures of Eurasia, and those where were effected by them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 06:06:33 PM
Raz got it, though Queeqeg  gets serious points for thoroughness. :blink:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on September 15, 2009, 06:10:00 PM
Spellus dissed the Bell-Beaker People by ignoring them, so he sucks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 06:26:18 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 06:06:33 PM
Raz got it, though Queeqeg  gets serious points for thoroughness. :blink:
How did he get it?  He said where they were, not where they come from, got their ethnicity wrong (said they were pre-Indo European), and said they were Neolithic when they were mostly in the Copper and Bronze age. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 06:28:53 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 06:26:18 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 06:06:33 PM
Raz got it, though Queeqeg  gets serious points for thoroughness. :blink:
How did he get it?  He said where they were, not where they come from, got their ethnicity wrong (said they were pre-Indo European), and said they were Neolithic when they were mostly in the Copper and Bronze age.

He got the pottery thing. ^_^

But you're right on the rest. Consider yourself the next question asker.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 15, 2009, 06:30:22 PM
Quote from: PDH on September 15, 2009, 06:10:00 PM
Spellus dissed the Bell-Beaker People by ignoring them, so he sucks.
Wasn't the Bell-Beaker culture a break off of Corded Ware, and presumably a mix of Indo-Europeanized peoples (proto-Celts, Italics) and those highly influenced by Indo-European culture (probably the Etruscans, the non-Indo-European Iberians)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 15, 2009, 09:03:01 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 14, 2009, 08:43:30 PM
Stopped up chimney. CO2 was the culprit. :D

And I was pretty sure that no one was ever charged because it was never really determined that he'd been murdered. :unsure:
Yes sorry, you were right.  IIRC a bedroll was stuffed in the top of his chimney, so little doubt it was done intentionally.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 10:32:51 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 15, 2009, 09:03:01 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 14, 2009, 08:43:30 PM
Stopped up chimney. CO2 was the culprit. :D

And I was pretty sure that no one was ever charged because it was never really determined that he'd been murdered. :unsure:
Yes sorry, you were right.  IIRC a bedroll was stuffed in the top of his chimney, so little doubt it was done intentionally.

Not according to a newspaper article of the time. It was a faulty stove pipe.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF (http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 12:02:35 AM
Okay, during his civil war King Steve of England had a mercenary Fleming as his main commander.  What was the of the famed mercenary?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on September 16, 2009, 12:20:49 AM
 :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 16, 2009, 12:22:06 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 12:02:35 AM
Okay, during his civil war King Steve of England had Mercenary Flem as his main commander.  What was the of the famed mercenary?

You really oughta proofread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 12:39:32 AM
Better?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 16, 2009, 12:43:40 AM
 :lol:

I assume the ____ of the mercenary is not Mercenary Flem then.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 16, 2009, 02:05:18 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 12:39:32 AM
Better?

It's not.

Better would be by using this phrase:

"Okay, during his civil war King Stephen of England had a Fleming mercenary as his main commander.  What was the name of the famed mercenary?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:30:49 AM
It's a trick question, Belgium doesn't exist, and neither does Flemingia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 05:41:00 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 16, 2009, 02:05:18 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 12:39:32 AM
Better?

It's not.

Better would be by using this phrase:

"Okay, during his civil war King Stephen of England had a Fleming mercenary as his main commander.  What was the name of the famed mercenary?"

Okay, that's a good question.  Lets go with that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 16, 2009, 06:59:18 AM
I would propose a new rule.

No person names. It's almost impossible for someone without proper and exhaustive knowledge of 12th century England to know such a name. A question like this ("What was XX's position during King Stephan's reign prior to him becoming Count of Kent?") can be more easily deduced...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 07:07:27 AM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 10:32:51 PM
Not according to a newspaper article of the time. It was a faulty stove pipe.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF (http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF)
I guess I did not RC.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 07:08:02 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 16, 2009, 06:59:18 AM
I would propose a new rule.

No person names. It's almost impossible for someone without proper and exhaustive knowledge of 12th century England to know such a name. A question like this ("What was XX's position during King Stephan's reign prior to him becoming Count of Kent?") can be more easily deduced...
I object because, as a libertarian, I hate excessive regulation. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 07:35:27 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 16, 2009, 06:59:18 AM
I would propose a new rule.

No person names. It's almost impossible for someone without proper and exhaustive knowledge of 12th century England to know such a name. A question like this ("What was XX's position during King Stephan's reign prior to him becoming Count of Kent?") can be more easily deduced...

Dude, you asked the question!  I do happen to know the answer...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 07:40:57 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 16, 2009, 07:35:27 AM
Dude, you asked the question!  I do happen to know the answer...
:lol: Nice.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 16, 2009, 12:52:53 PM
There are formal rules and then there are informal rules. I don't know if we have a formal rule about for instance no dates/years but the informal rule is enough.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 01:00:36 PM
At one point there was the something corollary which stated you are not to ask questions such as:

Q.  How many Union soldiers were killed at Gettysburg on July 2nd, 1863?
A. 3,218.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 16, 2009, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 01:00:36 PM
At one point there was the something corollary which stated you are not to ask questions such as:

Q.  How many Union soldiers were killed at Gettysburg on July 2nd, 1863?
A. 3,218.
We still have that.  The Timmy Rule.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 16, 2009, 03:32:17 PM
Honestly, we just need to have question-givers stop trying to impress everybody with their arcane knowledge.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 16, 2009, 03:36:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 16, 2009, 03:32:17 PM
Honestly, we just need to have question-givers stop trying to impress everybody with their arcane knowledge.

Yes, when American posters try that it just gets very awkward.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 03:37:09 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 16, 2009, 03:32:17 PM
Honestly, we just need to have question-givers stop trying to impress everybody with their arcane knowledge.

:huh:

I thought that was the whole point of a thread listed as "Trivia"...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 16, 2009, 03:40:41 PM
Nah, the point of trivia is for the people *answering* to impress people. For that to happen, there needs to be some likelihood that people will actually know the answers.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 16, 2009, 03:45:06 PM
I think it's perfectly acceptable to ask a question that makes people say, "I didn't know that, that's kinda cool."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 16, 2009, 03:49:38 PM
What was the belgian guy's name?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 16, 2009, 03:54:00 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 16, 2009, 03:40:41 PM
Nah, the point of trivia is for the people *answering* to impress people. For that to happen, there needs to be some likelihood that people will actually know the answers.

Yes, but the likelihood must be fairly small.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 16, 2009, 03:58:25 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 16, 2009, 03:45:06 PM
I think it's perfectly acceptable to ask a question that makes people say, "I didn't know that, that's kinda cool."

It is. The possible outcomes of a non-fail question is 1) a correct answer that is impressive 2) no correct answer but an interesting explanation by the guy who asked 3) neither 1 nor 2 but at least some interesting points were made by the guessers 4) other (boobs etc).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on September 16, 2009, 04:04:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 03:49:38 PM
What was the belgian guy's name?

That's a very vague question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:10:37 PM
Quote from: garbon on September 16, 2009, 04:04:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 03:49:38 PM
What was the belgian guy's name?

That's a very vague question.

I assume he is referring to the current question about King Stephen's Flemish mercenary - which I am ashamed to say I do not know the answer to, although I will guess at Eustace de Warrenne.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on September 16, 2009, 04:35:23 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:10:37 PM
I assume he is referring to the current question about King Stephen's Flemish mercenary - which I am ashamed to say I do not know the answer to, although I will guess at Eustace de Warrenne.

I know. :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:37:18 PM
Quote from: garbon on September 16, 2009, 04:35:23 PM
I know. :P

Of course you do, I was just being  :bowler:

:sneaks away:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:52:31 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:10:37 PM
Quote from: garbon on September 16, 2009, 04:04:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 03:49:38 PM
What was the belgian guy's name?

That's a very vague question.

I assume he is referring to the current question about King Stephen's Flemish mercenary - which I am ashamed to say I do not know the answer to, although I will guess at Eustace de Warrenne.

I was talking about Tin-Tin.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:52:31 PM
I was talking about Tin-Tin.  ;)

Not Poirot!? Well I'll be :boff:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 16, 2009, 05:07:42 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:52:31 PM
I was talking about Tin-Tin.  ;)

Not Poirot!? Well I'll be :boff:

Poirot is fictional :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on September 16, 2009, 06:36:31 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 07:07:27 AM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 10:32:51 PM
Not according to a newspaper article of the time. It was a faulty stove pipe.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF (http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF)
I guess I did not RC.  ;)

RC? :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 16, 2009, 06:37:18 PM
Quote from: merithyn on September 16, 2009, 06:36:31 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 07:07:27 AM
Quote from: merithyn on September 15, 2009, 10:32:51 PM
Not according to a newspaper article of the time. It was a faulty stove pipe.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF (http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9801EFDF1E3DEE32A25753C3A96F9C946397D6CF)
I guess I did not RC.  ;)

Read Carefully, I'm guessing.

RC? :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 06:46:04 PM
IIRC = if I recall correctly

ERGO

RC = recall correctly

:cool:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 09:11:57 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 05:07:42 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:52:31 PM
I was talking about Tin-Tin.  ;)

Not Poirot!? Well I'll be :boff:

Poirot is fictional :contract:

So what - isn't that true of Belgium when you get right down to it. :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 16, 2009, 09:15:29 PM
RC = Royal Crown. Stop being lazy gits.

OMGITMETTTWWSIWJUTFIFNO.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on September 17, 2009, 12:22:52 AM
Quote from: Caliga on September 16, 2009, 06:46:04 PM
IIRC = if I recall correctly

ERGO

RC = recall correctly

:cool:

(Bare)(back) = (having sex without a condom on) (a penis)

ERGO

Slimback = having a small penis
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 17, 2009, 12:54:58 AM
Okay, this total loss of focus indicates nobody knows the answer.  It was Bill of Ypres.  Floor's open you numbskulls. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 17, 2009, 01:13:50 AM
OK, an easy one to get things moving...

Back in the first days of oceanic steam ships, one of the hottest arguments matched screw propellers against paddle wheels, but the Royal Navy settled the argument conclusively and once for all. How?

Note: Shouldn't that be Guillaume d'Yprés?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 17, 2009, 02:30:28 AM
My keyboard only writes in American.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 17, 2009, 03:45:55 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 09:11:57 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 05:07:42 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 16, 2009, 04:56:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 16, 2009, 04:52:31 PM
I was talking about Tin-Tin.  ;)

Not Poirot!? Well I'll be :boff:

Poirot is fictional :contract:

So what - isn't that true of Belgium when you get right down to it. :P

hmmm.. it seems you are adapting to the meme.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 17, 2009, 04:00:48 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on September 17, 2009, 01:13:50 AM
OK, an easy one to get things moving...

Back in the first days of oceanic steam ships, one of the hottest arguments matched screw propellers against paddle wheels, but the Royal Navy settled the argument conclusively and once for all. How?

Note: Shouldn't that be Guillaume d'Yprés?

They held a race in the channel in the 1840s. The screw propeller ship won, but the navy was expecting to pick the screw propeller anyway since the propeller had the advantage of not being veunerable to enemy gunnery by being inside the ship and below the waterline.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 17, 2009, 04:20:08 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on September 17, 2009, 01:13:50 AM
OK, an easy one to get things moving...

Back in the first days of oceanic steam ships, one of the hottest arguments matched screw propellers against paddle wheels, but the Royal Navy settled the argument conclusively and once for all. How?

Note: Shouldn't that be Guillaume d'Yprés?

They used Paddle Wheel factories as target practice.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 17, 2009, 05:18:52 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on September 17, 2009, 01:13:50 AM
OK, an easy one to get things moving...

Back in the first days of oceanic steam ships, one of the hottest arguments matched screw propellers against paddle wheels, but the Royal Navy settled the argument conclusively and once for all. How?

Note: Shouldn't that be Guillaume d'Yprés?

They tied a paddle wheeler and a screw ship stern-to-stern and then tried to see which would pull the other along with both ships at full power - presumably they had identical steam plants.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 17, 2009, 05:26:33 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 17, 2009, 05:18:52 AM
They tied a paddle wheeler and a screw ship stern-to-stern and then tried to see which would pull the other along with both ships at full power - presumably they had identical steam plants.


Good enough.

In fact what the British did was build HMS Rattler, equipped with screw propeller but otherwise identical to the paddle wheelers of the Prometheus class, and conduct a series of trials and races. Rattler won fair and square... actually and as you say, those RN steampunk nerds even decided to chain both ships (Rattler and Alecto) and hold a tug-of-war contest. Initially Alecto seemed to be winning, but that was because her captain (in a quite unsportsmanlike way, I say) had had their machines ready while Rattler didn't. In the end Rattler towed Alecto 2,5 miles in an hour.

http://www.pdavis.nl/ShowShip.php?id=137 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 17, 2009, 05:48:36 AM
Cheers Alatriste.

A nice simple one.

Who was the only known woman to be married to both Syphax of the Masaesyli and Massinissa of the Massylii?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 19, 2009, 12:19:41 PM
Cleopatra!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 19, 2009, 12:19:41 PM
Cleopatra!

No! :D

But I really didn't think this was such a difficult question...there have been a number of plays, poems and operas about this apparently charming young lady. :( The name was even used for one of the female members of the Breckinridge family.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 19, 2009, 03:18:26 PM
Myra?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 19, 2009, 12:19:41 PM
Cleopatra!

No! :D

But I really didn't think this was such a difficult question...there have been a number of plays, poems and operas about this apparently charming young lady. :( The name was even used for one of the female members of the Breckinridge family.
Sophon somerthing?  Sophonissibia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on September 19, 2009, 03:37:07 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 19, 2009, 12:19:41 PM
Cleopatra!

No! :D

But I really didn't think this was such a difficult question...there have been a number of plays, poems and operas about this apparently charming young lady. :( The name was even used for one of the female members of the Breckinridge family.
Sophon somerthing?  Sophonissibia?

Sophonisba.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Sophon somerthing?  Sophonissibia?

Slightly misspelt, but close enough - you're up Queequeg.

Sorry Sahib - he was first and for a name like that I can't hold the spelling against him.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on September 19, 2009, 04:49:32 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 04:18:14 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 03:36:18 PM
Sophon somerthing?  Sophonissibia?

Slightly misspelt, but close enough - you're up Queequeg.

Sorry Sahib - he was first and for a name like that I can't hold the spelling against him.

In my generosity I was going to concede to him anyway  -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 07:04:40 PM
The first Chinese dynasty to expand exert total control over China proper and eventually into what is now Central China, this dynasty is the origin of the word "China" and was famous for its totalitarian policies, especially in regards to philosophical works.  However, early in its history, this state was regarded as semi-barbarous by other Chinese states, as it was a bulwark against incursions by this nomadic people, and mixed with them, and eventually this Chinese dynasty began the introduction of Steppe art and technology into China. 

Name
1) The dynasty
2) The nomadic people

First should be easy, and I'd except reasonably close relatives of the second. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 07:09:22 PM
Qin certainly, but it's too early for the Hsiung-nu.

I need to think... :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 19, 2009, 07:12:00 PM
I've looked it up, and I am pissed at myself. :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 19, 2009, 08:36:10 PM
Quin and Yue-Chi?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on September 19, 2009, 08:37:27 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 19, 2009, 07:04:40 PM
The first Chinese dynasty to expand exert total control over China proper and eventually into what is now Central China, this dynasty is the origin of the word "China" and was famous for its totalitarian policies, especially in regards to philosophical works.  However, early in its history, this state was regarded as semi-barbarous by other Chinese states, as it was a bulwark against incursions by this nomadic people, and mixed with them, and eventually this Chinese dynasty began the introduction of Steppe art and technology into China. 

Name
1) The dynasty
2) The nomadic people

First should be easy, and I'd except reasonably close relatives of the second.

The answer is Nurhachi, first emperor of Manchu dynasty.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 19, 2009, 08:43:39 PM
The diamond, Jaron. The deal was for the diamond!  <_<
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on September 19, 2009, 08:45:33 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 19, 2009, 08:43:39 PM
The diamond, Jaron. The deal was for the diamond!  <_<

:goodboy:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 20, 2009, 01:55:20 AM
Quote from: Jaron on September 19, 2009, 08:37:27 PM

The answer is Nurhachi, first emperor of Manchu dynasty.
You are literally thousands of years off. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 20, 2009, 02:09:07 AM
I believe there was a dynasty named the Chin.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 20, 2009, 02:20:45 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 20, 2009, 02:09:07 AM
I believe there was a dynasty named the Chin.
Qin=Chin.

Need answer to second, far less obvious question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 20, 2009, 02:38:14 AM
Turks?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 20, 2009, 06:16:12 AM
Xiongnu. Quite an easy question.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 20, 2009, 10:41:05 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 20, 2009, 02:20:45 AM
Qin=Chin.

Need answer to second, far less obvious question.

I believe Caliga has given the correct answer, even if misspelled. Right?

alexandru H.

Hsiung-Nu and Xiongnu are one and the same - and incorrect, as I realised when I posted my answer (the date is too early, and the geographical location is marginally wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 21, 2009, 06:59:04 PM
Agelastus is right, and Xiongnu is wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 21, 2009, 07:57:42 PM
So I'm right?  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on September 21, 2009, 08:10:18 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 21, 2009, 07:57:42 PM
So I'm right?  :huh:
Hmm.

Well.

Technically, no, but this is a pretty obscure topic and I'm giving you credit as the few sources we have compare them to the Yue-Zhi/Chi and that's impressively obscure.

I was looking for the Rong, or more generally the Wusun.  Indo-European Central Asian nomads who introduced a lot of vocabulary (iirc, words for Horse and Apple) into ancient Chinese  and had a big impact on their material culture and military (the chariot, cavalry).  Most evidence I've seen suggest that the Wusun were Indo-Iranian, but that's open to debate.  I would have accepted Saka too, mostly as it appeals to my EB fetish. 

Ancient Chinese histories speak of red haired, large men with odd noses and deep faces, and it is entirely  likely that this was true. Always thought that was neat.   
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 21, 2009, 11:47:46 PM
Yep, you're up Caliga. Although it appears I need to do some more research, as the Yue-zhi (who later became the Kushans, probably) seemed to be the absolutely correct answer to me. At 05.47AM UK time, I am off to do said research.

So where's our next question? ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:11:04 AM
The inhabitants of Taumako Island in the Solomons chain are renowned for having what special skill?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on September 23, 2009, 07:16:38 AM
They practice penile subincision, so as to have sex and ejaculate from the base of the penis, outside the vagina?



(as practiced by many primitive societies to avoid malthusian population pressure)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:20:42 AM
Quote from: miglia on September 23, 2009, 07:16:38 AM
They practice penile subincision, so as to have sex and ejaculate from the base of the penis, outside the vagina?



(as practiced by many primitive societies to avoid malthusian population pressure)
Eeeeeeek!  No, but thanks for the mental image. :x
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 23, 2009, 07:37:03 AM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:11:04 AM
The inhabitants of Taumako Island in the Solomons chain are renowned for having what special skill?

Prehensile penises?
Or boobs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 23, 2009, 07:46:21 AM
Making awesome boomerangs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:49:34 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 23, 2009, 07:37:03 AM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:11:04 AM
The inhabitants of Taumako Island in the Solomons chain are renowned for having what special skill?

Prehensile penises?
Or boobs?
No, no... and those sound like mutations to me, not skillz. -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:49:43 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 23, 2009, 07:46:21 AM
Making awesome boomerangs?
Nein.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 23, 2009, 07:53:29 AM
Hmmmm....

Advanced breath control techniques allowing them to dive deeper to collect pearls?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:54:01 AM
Nope.  Good guess, though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on September 23, 2009, 10:11:40 AM
They're cargo-cultists, and they build landing strips?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 11:06:25 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 23, 2009, 11:11:35 AM
They can hear frequencies outside the usual range for humans.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:02:12 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:11:04 AM
The inhabitants of Taumako Island in the Solomons chain are renowned for having what special skill?

Trick question?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 23, 2009, 12:05:19 PM
Is it boob related?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:08:11 PM
OK I'll make a guess.

They can sell snow to the eskimos. The skill was only discovered by chance in 1997 and has little to no impact on their everyday lives.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:17:53 PM
If they still have the skill how the fuck is it history?

L2T
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 03:11:53 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:17:53 PM
If they still have the skill how the fuck is it history?

L2T
<_<

By virture of still having this skill, the islanders are collectively a living relic, so to speak. -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 03:12:48 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 23, 2009, 12:05:19 PM
Is it boob related?
No.

I knew this was obscure but I figured someone would guess it eventually.  If nobody has it by tonight I'll give the answer and cede control of the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 23, 2009, 03:33:37 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 03:12:48 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 23, 2009, 12:05:19 PM
Is it boob related?
No.

I knew this was obscure but I figured someone would guess it eventually.  If nobody has it by tonight I'll give the answer and cede control of the floor.
They still shrink heads?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 23, 2009, 03:39:52 PM
Are these the folks who raise pigs with tusks growing through their jaws?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 23, 2009, 03:47:17 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 07:54:01 AM
Nope.  Good guess, though.

Do they make jewellery?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 03:56:23 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 03:11:53 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:17:53 PM
If they still have the skill how the fuck is it history?

L2T
<_<

By virture of still having this skill, the islanders are collectively a living relic, so to speak. -_-

They can name all 50 states?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on September 23, 2009, 03:57:52 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 03:11:53 PM
Quote from: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 12:17:53 PM
If they still have the skill how the fuck is it history?

L2T
<_<

By virture of still having this skill, the islanders are collectively a living relic, so to speak. -_-

Hmmm.

Traditional style boat-making?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 23, 2009, 04:00:56 PM
Riding to work on dinosaurs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 23, 2009, 04:30:07 PM
Hey, the answer to Caliga's question really is rather cool. Somebody's on the right lines, but I won't say who... :)



Yes, I again got impatient and looked it up. :Embarrass:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 23, 2009, 04:35:29 PM
Navigate by sticking their hands in the sea?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 23, 2009, 08:42:42 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 23, 2009, 04:35:29 PM
Navigate by sticking their hands in the sea?
I think I'm going to give you credit for getting it (Malthus was close too).

The island, despite being in Melanesia, is a Polynesian outlier, and the inhabitants are the only Polynesians who still know how to navigate via traditional Polynesian methods, which do involve things like feeling the water, smelling the air, and other less 'mystical' practices like bird and cloud observation and so forth.  In the past few decades there has been a revival in interest in their techniques and Polynesians from elsewhere have traveled to the island to learn from the 'masters'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 23, 2009, 08:51:28 PM
You *think* you'll give it to me?  I'll nailed it motherfucker. :mad:

No tengo pregunta.  El piso esta abierto.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: DisturbedPervert on September 23, 2009, 08:57:16 PM
Quote from: miglia on September 23, 2009, 07:16:38 AM
They practice penile subincision, so as to have sex and ejaculate from the base of the penis, outside the vagina?



(as practiced by many primitive societies to avoid malthusian population pressure)
:x

I think it'd be easier to just pull out than to cut a hole in my wiener
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on September 23, 2009, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on September 23, 2009, 08:57:16 PM
Quote from: miglia on September 23, 2009, 07:16:38 AM
They practice penile subincision, so as to have sex and ejaculate from the base of the penis, outside the vagina?

(as practiced by many primitive societies to avoid malthusian population pressure)
:x

I think it'd be easier to just pull out than to cut a hole in my wiener
You won't know til you try it :contract: :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 23, 2009, 10:04:30 PM
The Duke of Wellington famously called this man the "greatest living soldier." Who was Wellington speaking of?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on September 23, 2009, 10:14:29 PM
Quote from: Kleves on September 23, 2009, 10:04:30 PM
The Duke of Wellington famously called this man the "greatest living soldier." Who was Wellington speaking of?

Bonaparte?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 23, 2009, 10:16:00 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on September 23, 2009, 10:14:29 PM
Bonaparte?
Nope. IIRC, he called Napoleon a  "mere butcher" or something similar after Waterloo.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on September 23, 2009, 11:44:30 PM
Ney?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 23, 2009, 11:49:11 PM
Blucher?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 24, 2009, 12:27:07 AM
Blucher was my guess as well.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 24, 2009, 01:17:52 AM
Nope. Not anyone from the Napoleonic Wars, in fact.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 01:33:04 AM
Washington?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 24, 2009, 02:44:01 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 01:33:04 AM
Washington?
Nope. Closer though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 24, 2009, 02:46:54 AM
Marlborough?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 24, 2009, 02:48:42 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 24, 2009, 02:46:54 AM
Marlborough?
Wellington was referring to the greatest living general, so no.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 02:54:59 AM
Quote from: Kleves on September 24, 2009, 02:44:01 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 01:33:04 AM
Washington?
Nope. Closer though.

I looked it up.  I am surprised.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 24, 2009, 03:12:12 AM
If it's linked with Washington... is it Burgoyne?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 03:44:18 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on September 24, 2009, 03:12:12 AM
If it's linked with Washington... is it Burgoyne?
:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 04:22:26 AM
Quote from: Kleves on September 23, 2009, 10:04:30 PM
The Duke of Wellington famously called this man the "greatest living soldier." Who was Wellington speaking of?

It's not a Frenchman nor an Indian, Wellington didn't rate any General he fought. Blücher has been guessed and honestly if he had compared Charles Hapsburg or Kutuzov to himself he would have been able to rate many a french Marshall higher. Post 1815 and Pre Wellington's death, since that is the period where he wouldn't rate himself and would be asked. So greatest Military achievement between Waterloo and the Crimean War, wogs don't count, and I'm not sure when Wellington died.

So, Bolivar, Radetsky, Scott. Pickings are pretty slim actually. Radetsky beat Italian rebels, Bolivar led a rebellion against a country that no longer really existed.

Winfield Scott?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 05:45:52 AM
I think Viking won.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on September 24, 2009, 06:16:52 AM
Quote from: HVC on September 23, 2009, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: DisturbedPervert on September 23, 2009, 08:57:16 PM
Quote from: miglia on September 23, 2009, 07:16:38 AM
They practice penile subincision, so as to have sex and ejaculate from the base of the penis, outside the vagina?

(as practiced by many primitive societies to avoid malthusian population pressure)
:x

I think it'd be easier to just pull out than to cut a hole in my wiener
You won't know til you try it :contract: :P

Or you could ask a member of the community of westerners who have "gone native", so to speak, and have tried it, and even made websites about it.

http://www.bme.com/news/people/A10101/subint.html (not quite safe for work)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on September 24, 2009, 06:39:12 AM
That's a little weird.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 06:56:15 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 05:45:52 AM
I think Viking won.
Given the lengthy deductive stuff posted, he probably Googled it and that was all an attempt to obfuscate that fact. ^_^

He's right, though--I Googled it myself.  I really don't think anyone would have guessed it, so I'm cool with that.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 07:02:06 AM
Quote from: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 06:56:15 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 05:45:52 AM
I think Viking won.
Given the lengthy deductive stuff posted, he probably Googled it and that was all an attempt to obfuscate that fact. ^_^

He's right, though--I Googled it myself.  I really don't think anyone would have guessed it, so I'm cool with that.  :)

I'm insulted.  :cry:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 07:08:45 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 24, 2009, 07:02:06 AM
I'm insulted.  :cry:
:hug:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on September 24, 2009, 07:10:17 AM
I remember reading that somewhere (about Scott). I wonder where.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 07:15:34 AM
Ok it seems I am up.

Back in the days when Homeopathy was actually cutting edge medicine and the balance of the black and yellow bile, blood and phlegm were the basis for diagnosis and treatment in medicine Edward Jenner observed that one group of people did not get Smallpox as often and were more likely to survive it if contracted. Which group of people was this and why did Jenner (correctly) surmise they were immune?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 07:17:41 AM
Dairy farmers, because they handled cows alot?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 07:19:11 AM
Milkmaids, because of exposure to cowpox.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 07:27:34 AM
Pftt.  They beat me to it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on September 24, 2009, 07:27:45 AM
Farmhands because they handled both cows and dairy maids?  :perv:

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 07:28:24 AM
Quote from: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 07:19:11 AM
Milkmaids, because of exposure to cowpox.
Yeah, I think that's right.  I knew it was something like this.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 07:30:48 AM
Quote from: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 07:19:11 AM
Milkmaids, because of exposure to cowpox.

Bingo. Direct contact with cows put them in contact with cowpox which gave them immunity to smallpox. Which led him to create a smallpox vaccine based on cowpox.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 24, 2009, 07:36:46 AM
None of that is actually true, of course. Jenner just said that so he could play doctor with young milkmaids.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 07:43:15 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 24, 2009, 07:36:46 AM
None of that is actually true, of course. Jenner just said that so he could play doctor with young milkmaids.

meh, he didn't need that.. his favourite pickup line was "Have you seen my hot air balloon anywhere?" Jenner had game y'all.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 07:59:52 AM
Prior to his invention of the diesel engine, Rudolph Diesel built an external combustion engine using something other than water vapour as the gas. What did he use, and what happened to this engine? Either answer will suffice.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 08:09:49 AM
Quote from: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 07:59:52 AM
Prior to his invention of the diesel engine, Rudolph Diesel built an external combustion engine using something other than water vapour as the gas. What did he use, and what happened to this engine? Either answer will suffice.

Alcohol and it exploded?

Edit: and just for caliga... my rationalisation. The boiler fluid had to be a fluid with a reasonably low boiling point. I'm assuming that this fuid has a lower boiling point than water (to make the engineering of the boiler easier and cheaper), stable at room temperature and was available in the late 1800s. So ethanol, petroleum etc.etc. of the various candidates ethanol is my preferred as it is a single compound so it boils at one temperature (as opposed to petroleum which will boil at many), boils at 78 degC (iirc) and can be distilled reasonably easily and cheaply into a pure form so as to avoid fowling in the boiler tubes.

Edit2: by Alcohol I mean Ethanol (C2H5OH)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on September 24, 2009, 08:22:25 AM
You have 1 right, the other is not.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 08:31:25 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on September 24, 2009, 08:22:25 AM
You have 1 right, the other is not.

Ethanol and it was destroyed when local drunks raided it for hootch?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 24, 2009, 08:37:34 AM
but seriously my next 4 guesses.

Octane - it exploded
Heptane - it exploded
Hexane - it exploded
Pentane - it exploded
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on September 24, 2009, 08:39:58 AM
Nope - Yes

but it's not my question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 11:11:49 AM
natural gas?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 24, 2009, 08:37:34 AM
but seriously my next 4 guesses.

Octane - it exploded
Heptane - it exploded
Hexane - it exploded
Pentane - it exploded
Well obviously it exploded, it was a external combustion engine. :P Looking for something a little more detailed than that.

It wasn't an alkane gas.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 02:02:03 PM
Hydrogen?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on September 24, 2009, 02:06:54 PM
Coal tar?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 24, 2009, 10:11:31 PM
Nope. I'll give it to Viking since he got the explosion part. He used ammonia. The explosion nearly killed him, he was in the hospital for months and suffered permanent eye damage. Afterward he turned his attention toward internal combustion.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:43:47 AM
Ok,

The Ptolmaic view of the "solar" system obviously had the earth in the middle and with the heavenly bodies orbiting the earth. While this works fine for the "stationary" sun it breaks down for the moon (since in reality remember the moon orbits the earth every month but transits the sky every night/day). It gets worse for mars, venus, jupiter, saturn and mercury; which the ancients were very much aware of.

How did the Ptolmaic system explain this. I'm just looking for the name, if you can add a comprehendable explanation of how it worked, so much better.   
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 25, 2009, 05:51:53 AM
I recently read an article in a history magazine about the evolution of the view of the solar system which touched on the subject and the increasingly difficult calculations court astronomers had to go through to properly predict the course of the planets.

As I don't have the article here (I borrowed said magazine to a coworker) I notice my memory isn't too keen, but I go out on a limb. They reasoned that the celestial bodies were attached to spheres around which they revolved while the spheres itself would also follow an (independent) motion?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 25, 2009, 05:55:15 AM
Epicycles
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:06:54 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 25, 2009, 05:55:15 AM
Epicycles

Bingo. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 25, 2009, 06:09:44 AM
Syt can have it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 06:26:55 AM
Some more trivia: epicycles didn't fully explain the movements of the planets, either, so they added epicycles within epicycles. That also didn't work, and by the time Copernicus came around, the Ptolemaic model had gotten quite complex with a large number of epicycles.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:29:30 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 06:26:55 AM
Some more trivia: epicycles didn't fully explain the movements of the planets, either, so they added epicycles within epicycles. That also didn't work, and by the time Copernicus came around, the Ptolemaic model had gotten quite complex with a large number of epicycles.

More trivia. Copernicus used them himself when the real elliptical orbits of the planets observed from earth didn't fit the predictions of his circular heliocentric orbits. He called the epicyclets.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on September 25, 2009, 07:30:00 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:29:30 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 06:26:55 AM
Some more trivia: epicycles didn't fully explain the movements of the planets, either, so they added epicycles within epicycles. That also didn't work, and by the time Copernicus came around, the Ptolemaic model had gotten quite complex with a large number of epicycles.

More trivia. Copernicus used them himself when the real elliptical orbits of the planets observed from earth didn't fit the predictions of his circular heliocentric orbits. He called the epicyclets.

Johannes Kepler FTW!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 25, 2009, 09:07:35 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 25, 2009, 06:09:44 AM
Syt can have it.

Open floor!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on September 25, 2009, 09:12:52 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 24, 2009, 04:22:26 AM
Winfield Scott?
A bit late but: yep, you got it. Wellington avidly followed Scott's progress on a map mounted in his study. When Scott broke away from his supply lines after Vera Cruz, Wellington predicted that the Mexicans would make short work of Scott and his army. When Scott not only survived, but won a series of crushing victories and captured Mexico city, Wellington was moved to declare him the world's greatest living soldier.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 09:40:22 AM
Probably a softball, but here it goes:

Which country contributed the 2nd highest peak number of troops to the Vietnam war, and the 3rd highest to the 2nd Iraq war? Note that I'm looking for foreign countries, so South Vietnam and Iraq aren't counted for this.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 25, 2009, 09:42:02 AM
Australia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on September 25, 2009, 09:42:41 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 25, 2009, 09:42:02 AM
Australia?

Being part of the ANZAC, that seems to make sense.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 09:43:14 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 09:40:22 AM
Probably a softball, but here it goes:

Which country contributed the 2nd highest peak number of troops to the Vietnam war, and the 3rd highest to the 2nd Iraq war? Note that I'm looking for foreign countries, so South Vietnam and Iraq aren't counted for this.

South Korea (if Australia proves to be wrong, which was my first guess).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 09:48:05 AM
QuoteAustralia?
Nope.
That's what I had thought, too.

QuoteSouth Korea (if Australia proves to be wrong, which was my first guess).

That's it. 50,000 ROK Marines were sent to Vietnam to assist the Americans. From what I've read, they were quite effective, and according to my uncle who served in Vietnam with the USMC, you did not mess around with the ROK MC.

They also sent 3,200 troops to northern Iraq for peacekeeping and reconstruction. UK had ~40,000 at peak in Iraq, and Australia, 2,000.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 11:46:48 AM
During the 1860s the Royal Prussian Army was equipped with breech loading rifles. Now, despite having quick loading personal weapons with decent range the drill was to fire from the hip. Why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on September 25, 2009, 04:49:31 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 11:46:48 AM
During the 1860s the Royal Prussian Army was equipped with breech loading rifles. Now, despite having quick loading personal weapons with decent range the drill was to fire from the hip. Why?

Does it have something to do with the cavalry? I suppose horsemen would shoot like that while on horseback...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 04:54:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 11:46:48 AM
During the 1860s the Royal Prussian Army was equipped with breech loading rifles. Now, despite having quick loading personal weapons with decent range the drill was to fire from the hip. Why?

The seal on the breach was inadequate, meaning you risked losing an eye every time the rifle was fired. I believe this was a design flaw with the Dreyse needle gun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:17:06 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 04:54:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 11:46:48 AM
During the 1860s the Royal Prussian Army was equipped with breech loading rifles. Now, despite having quick loading personal weapons with decent range the drill was to fire from the hip. Why?

The seal on the breach was inadequate, meaning you risked losing an eye every time the rifle was fired. I believe this was a design flaw with the Dreyse needle gun.

Because it used paper cartridges (iirc) the breech block seal was damaged after a few shots. So this is right. Over to you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
What was Rome's secret "anti-elephant weapon" that saw its only known use at the battle of Beneventum against Pyrrhus of Epirus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
What was Rome's secret "anti-elephant weapon" that saw its only known use at the battle of Beneventum against Pyrrhus of Epirus?

The Spiked Carts/Chariots that were supposed to intimidate/spear the Elephants, it didn't work. The Draught animals were petrified of the elephants and the whole scheme failed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 05:52:25 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
What was Rome's secret "anti-elephant weapon" that saw its only known use at the battle of Beneventum against Pyrrhus of Epirus?

The Spiked Carts/Chariots that were supposed to intimidate/spear the Elephants, it didn't work. The Draught animals were petrified of the elephants and the whole scheme failed.

Wrong weapon, wrong battle (that's Asculum, before he sashayed off to Sicily.) The one used at Beneventum was much simpler (assuming Dionysius is to be believed, which at least one prominent historian did.)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:58:45 PM
Large bronze horns they used to try and startle the elephants with blasts of sound.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 25, 2009, 06:02:00 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:17:06 PM
Because it used paper cartridges (iirc) the breech block seal was damaged after a few shots. So this is right. Over to you.
Paper cartridge in a breech loader?  That sounds odd.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:03:19 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 05:58:45 PM
Large bronze horns they used to try and startle the elephants with blasts of sound.

Not the one that springs to my mind; I'll have to re-research Beneventum.

I'm looking for something considerably more grotesque...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 25, 2009, 06:05:16 PM
Elephant penis grappling hooks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:06:09 PM
Is this the pigs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:09:23 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:06:09 PM
Is this the pigs?

Yes...but you could add a bit more detail for the masses, please (if Scullard believed it who am I to argue?)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:10:27 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:06:09 PM
Is this the pigs?

I'm pretty sure the flaming pigs of RTW fame are fictional.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:11:50 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:09:23 PM
Yes...but you could add a bit more detail for the masses, please (if Scullard believed it who am I to argue?)
I've no idea.  I remember reading the Romans used pigs against elephants.  I also played RTW, so I thought maybe they were fire pigs.  I mentioned the Roman fire pigs to a classicist friend of mine and was promptly slapped down.  I never read about the pigs again :sadblush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:16:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:10:27 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:06:09 PM
Is this the pigs?

I'm pretty sure the flaming pigs of RTW fame are fictional.

Not according to Dionysius, who's one of our few sources for the war. H H Scullard believed it to be not merely possible but fairly likely as well.

Given the ineffectiveness of the Romans previous try (the anti-elephant ox-carts) I can also see them being willing to try anything at this point, so I must admit I consider that it very likely happened as well.

Basically, you take a pig, tar him up, light him up, and let him go (hopefully in the direction of elephants, who are reputedly scared of fire and small squealing things.)

Fairly gross, but at least you could eat the roast pig after the battle.

Sheilbh's up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:17:34 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 24, 2009, 06:56:15 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 24, 2009, 05:45:52 AM
I think Viking won.
Given the lengthy deductive stuff posted, he probably Googled it and that was all an attempt to obfuscate that fact. ^_^

He's right, though--I Googled it myself.  I really don't think anyone would have guessed it, so I'm cool with that.  :)
I totally knew this one, if only I'd paid attention to this thread.  :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:20:01 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_pig

Colour me unconvinced. But since you cite a source and you claim it was used only once (as opposed to fire and screaming javelineers).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:23:45 PM
I don't know if this is actually well known or not.

In the US it used to be the convention not to actively campaign to become President as it was unbecoming of the office.  Rather your friends and supporters would campaign for you.  Who was the first major candidate to campaign, stumping round the country?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:26:36 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:23:45 PM
I don't know if this is actually well known or not.

In the US it used to be the convention not to actively campaign to become President as it was unbecoming of the office.  Rather your friends and supporters would campaign for you.  Who was the first major candidate to campaign, stumping round the country?
Stephen Douglas did as he tried to save the country from Civil War. The exertion may have directly led to his premature death.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:27:14 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:26:36 PM
Stephen Douglas
It is well known.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:28:00 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:27:14 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:26:36 PM
Stephen Douglas
It is well known.
So if I know something it has to be well known?  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:20:01 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_pig

Colour me unconvinced. But since you cite a source and you claim it was used only once (as opposed to fire and screaming javelineers).

Dionysius is, admittedly, not always the most reliable of historians. Moreover, I freely admit that many historians do not believe him.

However, H H Scullard, who wrote perhaps the definitive account of Elephants in ancient warfare ("The Elephant in the Greek and Roman World", Cornell University Press, Ithaca NY, 1974) does feel that they were probably used.

I actually did not know the Aelianus reference referred to by the Wikipedia article.

The idea is no more absurd than Hannibal's trick with the cattle from the second Punic War.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:32:28 PM
What antebellum senator from a slave state took a mulatto slave as his common law wife in a flagrant breach of law and custom?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:38:19 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:32:28 PM
What antebellum senator from a slave state took a mulatto slave as his common law wife in a flagrant breach of law and custom?

Point of order. As far as I am aware, you are a citizen of the USA - what happened to the Yi rule?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 25, 2009, 06:39:21 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:32:28 PM
What antebellum senator from a slave state took a mulatto slave as his common law wife in a flagrant breach of law and custom?
Ooh, Viking is going to go all berserker on you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:41:44 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:38:19 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:32:28 PM
What antebellum senator from a slave state took a mulatto slave as his common law wife in a flagrant breach of law and custom?

Point of order. As far as I am aware, you are a citizen of the USA - what happened to the Yi rule?

Not to mention bad grammar.


Edit: and don't go claiming that the CSA is a foreign country...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:41:49 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 06:38:19 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:32:28 PM
What antebellum senator from a slave state took a mulatto slave as his common law wife in a flagrant breach of law and custom?

Point of order. As far as I am aware, you are a citizen of the USA - what happened to the Yi rule?
I forgot about the Yi rule, I'll come up with another question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:44:32 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:28:00 PM
So if I know something it has to be well known?  :mad:
:o

The question was answered in three minutes, which suggests it's well known.  Not that Tim only has common knowledge
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 06:47:03 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:44:32 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:28:00 PM
So if I know something it has to be well known?  :mad:
:o

The question was answered in three minutes, which suggests it's well known.  Not that Tim only has common knowledge

No, that merely suggests that a person who knew the answer was on languish when the question was asked.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:50:59 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 25, 2009, 06:44:32 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 06:28:00 PM
So if I know something it has to be well known?  :mad:
:o

The question was answered in three minutes, which suggests it's well known.  Not that Tim only has common knowledge
Ah, okay. :hug:

How did Miyamoto Musashi win his famous duel Sasaki Kojirō?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 25, 2009, 07:01:50 PM
KI-AYIIII
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on September 25, 2009, 07:03:02 PM
With a quick-draw plus massive cut?

Edit:  Google says "not so much."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 07:07:07 PM
gun?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 07:17:22 PM
All way off so far.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 25, 2009, 07:19:48 PM
It's not well known.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 25, 2009, 07:23:17 PM
I once again looked it up as I did not know.

All I can say is  :lmfao:.

That Musashi guy, he is "da man". :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 07:25:38 PM
Poison?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 07:29:07 PM
I'll give this another hour then give the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 25, 2009, 07:30:58 PM
Did he use his enormous sexual power?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on September 25, 2009, 07:46:16 PM
Threw dust in his eyes?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 07:46:53 PM
In an attempt to use logic.

1) It's only a good question if he didn't use a sword.
2) Since I have heard of him and know he is a famous samurai famous for swordsmanship then he didn't cheat (though I did guess gun and poison).

So I'm guessing he used something humble and non-military to demonstrate his prowess. Possibly some form of agricultural instrument, like nunchucks (originally used for threshing wheat).

Pitchfork, no, Scythe, no, Staff, possible, Chopsticks, possible and cool.

Chopsticks?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 07:55:45 PM
You're on the right track.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 07:59:35 PM
Bamboo staff?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 08:08:44 PM
Actually, he carved a massive bokken (wooden sword) out of an oar. He arrived at the duel late by boat, coming in at the peak of the incoming tide. Kojirō, a famous master who carried an unusually long sword, was pissed and they had words. "You can't beat me with that stick" etc. They fought and it turned out Musashi had timed his arrival well, the sun was in Kojirō's eyes and Musashi smashed his head in. He then fled from Kojirō's disciples on the outgoing tide.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 25, 2009, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 08:08:44 PM
Actually, he carved a massive bokken (wooden sword) out of an oar. He arrived at the duel late by boat, coming in at the peak of the incoming tide. Kojirō, a famous master who carried an unusually long sword, was pissed and they had words. "You can't beat me with that stick" etc. They fought and it turned out Musashi had timed his arrival well, the sun was in Kojirō's eyes and Musashi smashed his head in. He then fled from Kojirō's disciples on the outgoing tide.

What kind of duel is it when the loser's friends get to try and kill the winner?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 08:13:54 PM
Quote from: Viking on September 25, 2009, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 08:08:44 PM
Actually, he carved a massive bokken (wooden sword) out of an oar. He arrived at the duel late by boat, coming in at the peak of the incoming tide. Kojirō, a famous master who carried an unusually long sword, was pissed and they had words. "You can't beat me with that stick" etc. They fought and it turned out Musashi had timed his arrival well, the sun was in Kojirō's eyes and Musashi smashed his head in. He then fled from Kojirō's disciples on the outgoing tide.

What kind of duel is it when the loser's friends get to try and kill the winner?
Musashi is only regarded as a sword saint in retrospect, even he admits he was scum as a young man.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 25, 2009, 09:24:13 PM
I think Tim should be considered Japanese for Yi Rule purposes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 05:50:42 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 25, 2009, 09:24:13 PM
I think Tim should be considered Japanese for Yi Rule purposes.

An interest in anime and manga does not make him Japanese. :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 26, 2009, 06:03:01 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 05:50:42 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 25, 2009, 09:24:13 PM
I think Tim should be considered Japanese for Yi Rule purposes.

An interest in anime and manga does not make him Japanese. :contract:

It does make him subhuman though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:10:27 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 26, 2009, 06:03:01 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 05:50:42 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 25, 2009, 09:24:13 PM
I think Tim should be considered Japanese for Yi Rule purposes.

An interest in anime and manga does not make him Japanese. :contract:

It does make him subhuman though.

Bollocks.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with most anime or manga. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
ban
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:14:35 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
ban

Why, have you done something wrong?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:15:59 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:14:35 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
ban

Why, have you done something wrong?

You have no idea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:19:18 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:15:59 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:14:35 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
ban

Why, have you done something wrong?

You have no idea.

No idea what crimes you have committed?

Or no idea that you were making a pathetic stab at my support for most anime and manga, a bugbear for several figures on this forum?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:23:07 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:19:18 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:15:59 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:14:35 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
ban

Why, have you done something wrong?

You have no idea.

No idea what crimes you have committed?

Or no idea that you were making a pathetic stab at my support for most anime and manga, a bugbear for several figures on this forum?

They're only crimes if you get caught.

You seem very defensive about your taste crime. Care to explain?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:37:24 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:23:07 AM
They're only crimes if you get caught.

How true...

Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:23:07 AM
You seem very defensive about your taste crime. Care to explain?

Not particularly. I just know from experience that the ratio on this forum is about 5% "anime lovers", 15% "anime haters", and 80% "couldn't give a damn about either side but wish they would get a life"rs.

And calling someone "sub-human" due to his taste in entertainment is a tad extreme. If you told me that Tim only watched tentacle porn or read incest hentai, then you might have had a point with the "sub-human" comment, but, as I know very well from this and other forums, Tim is much more conventional in his tastes than that. ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:44:00 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:37:24 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:23:07 AM
They're only crimes if you get caught.

How true...

Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:23:07 AM
You seem very defensive about your taste crime. Care to explain?

Not particularly. I just know from experience that the ratio on this forum is about 5% "anime lovers", 15% "anime haters", and 80% "couldn't give a damn about either side but wish they would get a life"rs.

And calling someone "sub-human" due to his taste in entertainment is a tad extreme. If you told me that Tim only watched tentacle porn or read incest hentai, then you might have had a point with the "sub-human" comment, but, as I know very well from this and other forums, Tim is much more conventional in his tastes than that. ;)

When the time comes I will personally herd your kind into the gas chambers. I guess that makes me one of the 15%.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 06:46:28 AM
Quote from: The Brain on September 26, 2009, 06:44:00 AM
When the time comes I will personally herd your kind into the gas chambers. I guess that makes me one of the 15%.

:lmfao:

I'd threaten to do the same, but I'm not feeling that silly this morning...let's continue this after I've had a few drinks this evening. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 26, 2009, 08:17:46 AM
I think his numbers are suspect. I'd guess the majority are in the "mild dislike/disinterest in anime and may take the occasional pot-shot" category.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 26, 2009, 08:17:46 AM
I think his numbers are suspect. I'd guess the majority are in the "mild dislike/disinterest in anime and may take the occasional pot-shot" category.

They're at least as accurate as government statistics - UK ones anyway.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on September 26, 2009, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 26, 2009, 08:17:46 AM
I think his numbers are suspect. I'd guess the majority are in the "mild dislike/disinterest in anime and may take the occasional pot-shot" category.

They're at least as accurate as government statistics - UK ones anyway.

Most British are innumerate anyway.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 04:58:03 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on September 26, 2009, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on September 26, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on September 26, 2009, 08:17:46 AM
I think his numbers are suspect. I'd guess the majority are in the "mild dislike/disinterest in anime and may take the occasional pot-shot" category.

They're at least as accurate as government statistics - UK ones anyway.

Most British are innumerate anyway.

I'm not even going to dispute this. I've seen the effects of our "everyone deserves an A" culture/drive of the last 20 or 30 years. I'm only glad that I was sent to a public school, not the local comprehensive, and that this was before they really started to drive standards down in the nineties and beyond.

I suggest if anyone wants to collect the actual statistics on this issue for Languish, they start a poll.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 03, 2009, 06:28:01 PM
VIKING WHERE ARE YOU?

Timmy conceded the question to you, I believe. as you had the closest answer. Don't let Yi be proved right, please... :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 03, 2009, 06:29:49 PM
24 h rule. You ask a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 03, 2009, 06:36:20 PM
A nice easy one to get us going then.

Who took over command of the Swedish/Protestant army at the battle of Lutzen after the death of the Swedish king, Gustavus Adolphus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 03, 2009, 07:00:13 PM
Horn.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 03, 2009, 07:07:25 PM
Prince Bernhard?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 03, 2009, 07:26:31 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 03, 2009, 07:07:25 PM
Prince Bernhard?

Yep. Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, to be more precise.

You're up, Brain. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 03, 2009, 07:33:13 PM
I should go to bed. Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 03, 2009, 07:37:21 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 03, 2009, 07:33:13 PM
I should go to bed. Open floor.

Damn you, so should I! I was only hanging around online until someone answered the question!

Although I may just decide to stay awake and watch the Japanese Grand Prix.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 04, 2009, 02:44:41 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 03, 2009, 06:28:01 PM
VIKING WHERE ARE YOU?

Timmy conceded the question to you, I believe. as you had the closest answer. Don't let Yi be proved right, please... :mad:

well, I didn't get it right so I wasn't looking in on this thread... but since the floor is open.

The New Zealand Rugby team is called the All Blacks. The name is though to have been given due to the team playing in all black kit. Though there is a (probably wrong) myth about how the all blacks got their name based on a newspaper article about the team. What is that myth?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 03:36:57 AM
The article claimed the owner was going to replace everyone with African players?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 04, 2009, 03:49:26 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 04, 2009, 03:36:57 AM
The article claimed the owner was going to replace everyone with African players?

Given the racist attitude towards maoris having 15 Boba Fetts on the team would have been enough for that, but that is not the case.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 09:24:57 AM
They played in black face?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 04, 2009, 09:27:20 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 04, 2009, 09:24:57 AM
They played in black face?

nope

Hint 1
The Newspaper description which started the myth could just as well be applied to the All Blacks today.

Hint 2
It was about their playing style.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 04, 2009, 09:33:29 AM
They played like gorillas?  :pinch:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 04, 2009, 10:09:13 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 04, 2009, 09:33:29 AM
They played like gorillas?  :pinch:

That is true, but that is not the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 04, 2009, 12:39:57 PM
Viking, I apologise, but I am going to give them a clue.

Having looked it up, I cannot answer the question, but as a hint, think about the reason I have posted a couple of times for my not being able to read the Guardian the one time I have bought it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 04, 2009, 12:55:00 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 04, 2009, 12:39:57 PM
Viking, I apologise, but I am going to give them a clue.

Having looked it up, I cannot answer the question, but as a hint, think about the reason I have posted a couple of times for my not being able to read the Guardian the one time I have bought it.

You dsylxeci P.O.S.!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 04, 2009, 01:15:53 PM
So instead of a (kinda) history trivia question, we now have an Agelastus trivia question?  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 05, 2009, 05:14:41 AM
24 hrs

They played as if they were "all backs".

So I open up the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 05:47:52 AM
Easy one: The HMS Victoria was a British battleship that was sunk in 1893 in the Mediterranean. What happened?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 06:48:27 AM
Ran aground?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 06:49:15 AM
Nope. Even more embarrassing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 06:52:00 AM
Magazine explosion?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 06:52:18 AM
Admiral Tryon (commanding the Mediterranean Fleet from Victoria) mistook his turning radiuses, no-one had the guts to tell him he was wrong or turn without an order from him, and Admiral Markham (his second in command) rammed Victoria with his own battleship that was leading the other column.

Which, if I recall correctly, was Victoria's own sister ship! :lmfao:

Stupid, stupid combination, rams and a single forward firing turret.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 06:53:20 AM
It was rammed by another battleship during training maneuvers. HMS Camperdown perhaps?

Meh... Too late.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 06:54:15 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 06:52:18 AM
Admiral Tryon (commanding the Mediterranean Fleet from Victoria) mistook his turning radiuses, no-one had the guts to tell him he was wrong or turn without an order from him, and Admiral Markham (his second in command) rammed Victoria with his own battleship that was leading the other column.

Which, if I recall correctly, was Victoria's own sister ship! :lmfao:

Stupid, stupid combination, rams and a single forward firing turret.
Googled it.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 06:56:49 AM
Agelastus has it!
That tale never ceases to amuse me. :lol:
And yes, it was the HMS Camperdown that did the ramming.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 07:00:04 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 06:54:15 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 06:52:18 AM
Admiral Tryon (commanding the Mediterranean Fleet from Victoria) mistook his turning radiuses, no-one had the guts to tell him he was wrong or turn without an order from him, and Admiral Markham (his second in command) rammed Victoria with his own battleship that was leading the other column.

Which, if I recall correctly, was Victoria's own sister ship! :lmfao:

Stupid, stupid combination, rams and a single forward firing turret.
Googled it.  :)

YOU BASTARD!!!!! :mad: :lol: :P :hug:

Actually, although I have several sources, the best account of the scandal I have ever read is from "The Rules of the Game, Jutland and British Naval Command" by Andrew Gordon. A book which just happens to grace my shelves, not that I needed to look it up - even in the detail above, which I note neglects to mention the name of Markham's flagship, as I cannot remember it (although I do remember that the Nile was second ship in Markham's column.)

It's a crying shame that Tryon was discredited by this accident. If he had lived and continued to influence the Royal Navy away from the rigid signals school exemplified by Jellicoe in WWI, then things might have gone very differently at Jutland.

Now I have to think of a question...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 07:06:41 AM
Ok, another easy one (and dammit, I need a broader selection of history books for inspiration, most of mine deal with Ancient Warfare or the Dreadnought era.)

Everyone knows the 300 Spartans died at Thermopylae (well, either 298 or 299 did, depending on whether Leonidas counted as one of the 300 or not.)

Anway, that's immaterial. The question is...

"Two other contingents stayed behind to die with the Spartans. From which Greek cities did they come?"

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 07:10:17 AM
Thebes and... er, Corinth?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 07:13:03 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 07:10:17 AM
Thebes and... er, Corinth?

You've got one (Thebes, 400 men - alleged to have surrendered, but now considered likely to have been from the anti-Persian faction of the later-to-medize Thebes, and thus killed with the Spartans.)

The other is a less famous city, and the one I really want...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 07:21:06 AM
Argos?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on October 05, 2009, 07:23:20 AM
Thespiae. I think. A thousand forming the rear guard.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 05, 2009, 07:25:56 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 05, 2009, 07:23:20 AM
Thespiae. I think. A thousand forming the rear guard.

Ed's up. Although the usual figure given is 700.

Thespiae spent most of a hundred years having the majority of its adult male population killed in a single battle once a generation. Thermopylae's the most famous of three examples.

Anyway, over to you Ed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on October 05, 2009, 07:26:49 AM
Up for grabs. My brain is mush this morning.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 07:44:41 AM
Two Egyptian brothers discovered the Nag Hammadi codices im 1945.  When their mother found them, what did she try to do with them and why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 07:56:07 AM
Tried to burn them, thought they were witchcraft-related, or otherwise evil?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 08:04:25 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 07:56:07 AM
Tried to burn them, thought they were witchcraft-related, or otherwise evil?
Easier than I thought it would be.  :blush:  Correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 05, 2009, 08:17:43 AM
I vaguely remember reading something about that.
I can't think of anything good: open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 08:25:06 AM
I'll take it.

What did Isidor of Seville believed that the old romans used the ram for something weird. What did he believe that their use was?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 08:27:32 AM
Transporting the emperors around with?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 08:40:43 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 08:27:32 AM
Transporting the emperors around with?

No, not that weird. A weird nautical function.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 05, 2009, 08:41:07 AM
Anal sex
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 05, 2009, 08:50:57 AM
Predicting the wind?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 08:56:22 AM
Quote from: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 08:40:43 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 08:27:32 AM
Transporting the emperors around with?

No, not that weird. A weird nautical function.

Fathoming?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 05, 2009, 09:00:58 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 08:56:22 AM
Quote from: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 08:40:43 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 05, 2009, 08:27:32 AM
Transporting the emperors around with?

No, not that weird. A weird nautical function.

Fathoming?

meh, that just results in the possession by the ship of a wet angry ram.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:03:36 AM
Maybe it was used in a bizarre logical game with a wolf and a cabbage.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 05, 2009, 09:07:48 AM
 :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 05, 2009, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:03:36 AM
Maybe it was used in a bizarre logical game with a wolf and a cabbage.

don't see how. The drenched and pissed off ram would beat the crap out of the human then the wolf and then stop for lunch.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:29:43 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 05, 2009, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:03:36 AM
Maybe it was used in a bizarre logical game with a wolf and a cabbage.

don't see how. The drenched and pissed off ram would beat the crap out of the human then the wolf and then stop for lunch.
Not if the wolf has been used as a windvane in a storm.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 05, 2009, 09:37:38 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:29:43 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 05, 2009, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 05, 2009, 09:03:36 AM
Maybe it was used in a bizarre logical game with a wolf and a cabbage.

don't see how. The drenched and pissed off ram would beat the crap out of the human then the wolf and then stop for lunch.
Not if the wolf has been used as a windvane in a storm.

I can see them ganging up and taking on the humans
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 05, 2009, 10:02:02 AM
Misreading the sources, Isidore suggested in naval battles that the Romans "rammed" their enemies, by forcing them to eat so much mutton their foes got loggy and didn't care about the battle. Then they rammed a corvus into their spine.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 05, 2009, 11:15:43 PM
He thought the romans used it to protect against collision with underwater rocks. Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 04:25:54 AM
Johannes Kepler, like Newton, was a genius of terrific genius of immense importance. But he had a really really stupid wrong idea that he never gave up on. Much of his real genius came through trying (and failing) to prove his stupid wrong idea. What was that idea?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 06, 2009, 06:44:27 AM
Alchemy?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 06:48:23 AM
um... was he the 'celestial sphere' guy (i.e. the universe is like a Discworld that revolves around the Earth)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 07:06:34 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 06:48:23 AM
um... was he the 'celestial sphere' guy (i.e. the universe is like a Discworld that revolves around the Earth)?

elaborate
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 07:10:32 AM
Not sure what more to say.  The world is the center of the universe and the sun and planets are like on the inside of a sphere that revolves around the world, or something like that.  It's a variation on the classical view of cosmology.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 07:12:34 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 07:10:32 AM
Not sure what more to say.  The world is the center of the universe and the sun and planets are like on the inside of a sphere that revolves around the world, or something like that.  It's a variation on the classical view of cosmology.

and do these spheres have anything to do with anything else?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 07:14:12 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 06, 2009, 07:12:34 AM
and do these spheres have anything to do with anything else?
Sorry, I can't remember anything more detailed than what I've already articulated.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 07:21:18 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 07:14:12 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 06, 2009, 07:12:34 AM
and do these spheres have anything to do with anything else?
Sorry, I can't remember anything more detailed than what I've already articulated.

Ok, Kepler's Idea has to do with nature of these spheres and how they relate to matter itself.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 06, 2009, 07:35:40 AM
They made music...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 08:39:40 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 06, 2009, 07:35:40 AM
They made music...

nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 06, 2009, 08:46:22 AM
Kepler thought the distance of the planets from the sun corresponded to ratios of the basic platonic shapes in 3-d, spheres. He thought this revealed gods geometric plan for the universe - of course there were only 6 known planets and that meshed with the 6 shapes...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 08:50:08 AM
Quote from: PDH on October 06, 2009, 08:46:22 AM
Kepler thought the distance of the planets from the sun corresponded to ratios of the basic platonic shapes in 3-d, spheres. He thought this revealed gods geometric plan for the universe - of course there were only 6 known planets and that meshed with the 6 shapes...

Uranus pretty much fucked up that plan.. but then again Kepler kept going for the perfect solids relationship to the heavenly bodies in their perfect spheres even after he formulated his laws of planetary motion which fixed the orbits as elliptical.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 06, 2009, 08:57:13 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 06, 2009, 08:50:08 AM
Uranus pretty much fucked up that plan..
If I had a dollar for each time I heard that...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 06, 2009, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: PDH on October 06, 2009, 08:46:22 AM
Kepler thought the distance of the planets from the sun corresponded to ratios of the basic platonic shapes in 3-d, spheres. He thought this revealed gods geometric plan for the universe - of course there were only 6 known planets and that meshed with the 6 shapes...
Oh, right. :face:  It's this or something close to it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 06, 2009, 12:19:18 PM
Platonic shapes? Sounds boring as fuck.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 06, 2009, 01:54:12 PM
Oh, yeah, BTW, PDH is up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 06, 2009, 04:21:44 PM
no ideas, I am teaching freshmen...first with a reasonable question has the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 06, 2009, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 06, 2009, 04:21:44 PM
first with a reasonable question has the floor.

There goes the thread.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 07, 2009, 02:03:06 AM
I have an easy one.

Put down the names of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, ordering them by the dates of their destruction/dissapearance (I'm talking about total destruction, btw...). Bonus points if you know who managed to finish them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 04:48:44 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 07, 2009, 02:03:06 AM
I have an easy one.

Put down the names of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, ordering them by the dates of their destruction/dissapearance (I'm talking about total destruction, btw...). Bonus points if you know who managed to finish them.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon - Left to decline during early classical
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Left to decline during mid classical
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - Destroyed by christians during late classical
Statue of Zeus of Olympus - Destroyed by christians during late classical
Collossuss of Rhodes - Earthquake during late classical
Pharos of Alexandria - Earthquake during late middle ages
Great Pyriamids - Still there
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 07, 2009, 05:49:37 AM
Technically the temple that had been proclaimed as a wonder of the world was burned down by Goths in the 3rd century (not to mention that this one wasn't the original). What Ephesus rebuilt was a poor replica, which cannot be considered a wonder of the world.

And I seem to remember that parts of the Colossus and the Mausoleum held on until the early or middle ages.

Your floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 09:21:33 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 07, 2009, 04:48:44 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 07, 2009, 02:03:06 AM
I have an easy one.

Put down the names of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, ordering them by the dates of their destruction/dissapearance (I'm talking about total destruction, btw...). Bonus points if you know who managed to finish them.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon - Left to decline during early classical
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Left to decline during mid classical
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - Destroyed by christians during late classical
Statue of Zeus of Olympus - Destroyed by christians during late classical
Collossuss of Rhodes - Earthquake during late classical
Pharos of Alexandria - Earthquake during late middle ages
Great Pyriamids - Still there

I checked I was wrong about order and about half the causes

but since I have the floor.

Next to what lake was the first Golden Retriever bred?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 07, 2009, 09:56:13 AM
Lake Ontario?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on October 07, 2009, 10:12:55 AM
Dog sex? Now that's history.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 10:32:25 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 07, 2009, 09:56:13 AM
Lake Ontario?

nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 12:00:22 PM
Lake Golden?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 12:01:19 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 12:00:22 PM
Lake Golden?

Nice try. No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 07, 2009, 12:02:59 PM
Loch Ness?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 07, 2009, 12:04:27 PM
Lake Geneva?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 07, 2009, 12:05:06 PM
Crystal Lake?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 12:08:36 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 07, 2009, 12:02:59 PM
Loch Ness?

Correct. Sir Dudley Marjoribanks Baron Tweedmouth bred the Golden Retriever at his estate Guisachan which is near Loch Ness.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 12:21:25 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 07, 2009, 12:01:19 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 12:00:22 PM
Lake Golden?

Nice try. No.

My next guess was lake Retriever.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 07, 2009, 12:53:44 PM
Ancient Assyria had four different capitals at different times. Name at least two of them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 01:11:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 07, 2009, 12:53:44 PM
Ancient Assyria had four different capitals at different times. Name at least two of them.

Nineveh (Mosul) and Arbela (Irbil).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 07, 2009, 01:29:10 PM
Nineveh is correct; Arbela is not.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 01:31:07 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 07, 2009, 01:29:10 PM
Nineveh is correct; Arbela is not.

Okay, Nineveh and Nimrud.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 07, 2009, 01:32:04 PM
Nineveh and Carchemish?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 01:35:25 PM
Also I imagine Ashur was one of them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 07, 2009, 01:58:00 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 01:31:07 PM
Okay, Nineveh and Nimrud.

Yes. Ashur and Dur Sharrukin(Khorsabad) were the others.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 09:11:46 PM
I reckon I should think of a question then.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 09:32:37 PM
Meh.  I can't think of anything clever.  So uh, just name the Nine worthies.  That's pretty easy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 07, 2009, 10:01:05 PM
Uhh

Abraham
Moses
David

Virgil
Cicero
Seneca

Arthur
Godfrey
St. Louis
Charlemagne

Probably got half those wrong, but I remember it was 3 bible, 3 classical, 3 medieval guys.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 07, 2009, 10:04:07 PM
On the bright side you got about half right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 08, 2009, 05:12:14 AM
Alexander
Caesar
Marcus Aurelius

Moses
Solomon
Joshua

Lancelot
Roland
Richard the Lionheart
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 07:39:03 AM
On the bright side you got about a third right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 07:41:01 AM
Is it just the three of us playing this game?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 08, 2009, 07:44:40 AM
I'm pretty sure Charlemagne is in there, and either Arthur or one of his knights. There's a famous Roman, maybe Caeser but I'm not certain. The Biblical ones I have no clue on, but I'd guess King David as one of them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on October 08, 2009, 07:45:05 AM
I think this question was asked here before, which was the only other time I've heard of this list, but I'll give a shot.

Abraham
Moses
Solomon

Alexander
Caesar
Virgil

Charlemagne
Arthur
Roland
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 07:46:23 AM
It was asked here?  Huh.  Must have been a long time ago.  I don't remember it and apperently nobody else does well enough either.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 08, 2009, 07:50:34 AM
David
Solomon
Joshua

Alexander
Caesar
Hannibal

Charlemagne
Arthur
Godfrey
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 07:54:35 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 08, 2009, 07:50:34 AM
David
Solomon
Joshua

Alexander
Caesar
Hannibal

Charlemagne
Arthur
Godfrey

Much closer!  You are on the right track.  Drop Solomon and Hannibal and we'll talk.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 08, 2009, 08:25:34 AM
David
Gideon
Joshua

Alexander
Caesar
Cyrus

Charlemagne
Arthur
Godfrey
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 01:17:07 PM
No.

The answer is

Alexander
Caesar
Hector

David
Joshua
Judas Maccabees

King Arthur
Charlemagne
Godfrey of Bullion

Floors open


Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 01:33:30 PM
What notable thing did the Japanese commoner Yamamoto Otokichi do in 1834?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 08, 2009, 01:42:34 PM
Kill a samurai?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 01:43:10 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 08, 2009, 01:42:34 PM
Kill a samurai?
Nein.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 01:44:40 PM
Does it have to do with tentacle rape?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 01:45:23 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 01:44:40 PM
Does it have to do with tentacle rape?
I don't believe there was any tentacle raping, no.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 08, 2009, 01:51:01 PM
He had three bowls of rice on Thursdays.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 08, 2009, 02:21:10 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 01:33:30 PM
What notable thing did the Japanese commoner Yamamoto Otokichi do in 1834?

The Emperor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 02:45:07 PM
Hint: He did not do this WITHIN Japan, despite being Japanese.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 08, 2009, 02:48:05 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 01:33:30 PM
What notable thing did the Japanese commoner Yamamoto Otokichi do in 1834?

He made an appeal to the pope?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 08, 2009, 02:58:06 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 02:45:07 PM
Hint: He did not do this WITHIN Japan, despite being Japanese.

Committed seppuku?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lucidor on October 08, 2009, 03:19:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 02:45:07 PM
Hint: He did not do this WITHIN Japan, despite being Japanese.
Designed a dreadnought?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 08, 2009, 03:29:39 PM
Hint to Caliga : don't ask a stupidly obscure question without providing even an inkling of who the person is within your post.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 08, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
Quote from: Lucidor on October 08, 2009, 03:19:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 02:45:07 PM
Hint: He did not do this WITHIN Japan, despite being Japanese.
Designed a dreadnought?

In 1834? Yeah, that would have been worthy of note...

Uhmmm... if our friend Otokichi-kun was out of Japan while the country was still officially closed, then he had to be a sailor lost at sea and rescued by a western ship... Did he write a book on Japan? The first japanese-english dictionary, perhaps?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 03:40:02 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 08, 2009, 03:29:39 PM
Hint to Caliga : don't ask a stupidly obscure question without providing even an inkling of who the person is within your post.

When someone asks vague questions like this answers like "eat three bowls of rice" should be valid.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on October 08, 2009, 04:18:26 PM
He bombed Pearl Harbor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 08, 2009, 04:29:15 PM
He was born?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 08, 2009, 04:31:50 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 08, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
In 1834? Yeah, that would have been worthy of note...

Uhmmm... if our friend Otokichi-kun was out of Japan while the country was still officially closed, then he had to be a sailor lost at sea and rescued by a western ship... Did he write a book on Japan? The first japanese-english dictionary, perhaps?
After this post I remembered who he was...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 04:33:52 PM
Having looked it up, I do not believe he did anything notable in 1834. In 1835, however...

I'm really curious as to the answer Caliga is looking for for this question.

Edit: Oh, I get what Caliga is looking for...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:13:54 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 08, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
In 1834? Yeah, that would have been worthy of note...

Uhmmm... if our friend Otokichi-kun was out of Japan while the country was still officially closed, then he had to be a sailor lost at sea and rescued by a western ship... Did he write a book on Japan? The first japanese-english dictionary, perhaps?
This is extremely close. ^_^
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 08, 2009, 05:41:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:13:54 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 08, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
In 1834? Yeah, that would have been worthy of note...

Uhmmm... if our friend Otokichi-kun was out of Japan while the country was still officially closed, then he had to be a sailor lost at sea and rescued by a western ship... Did he write a book on Japan? The first japanese-english dictionary, perhaps?
This is extremely close. ^_^

He was the first Japanese to walk the Westen soil since the Sakoku policy was enabled by the Tokugawa Shogunate?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:42:48 PM
Quote from: Drakken on October 08, 2009, 05:41:02 PM
He was the first Japanese to walk the Westen soil since the Sakoku policy was enabled by the Tokugawa Shogunate?
He may well have been, but I dunno that for sure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 08, 2009, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:42:48 PM
Quote from: Drakken on October 08, 2009, 05:41:02 PM
He was the first Japanese to walk the Westen soil since the Sakoku policy was enabled by the Tokugawa Shogunate?
He may well have been, but I dunno that for sure.

He was definitely not the first ever, Date Masamune had sent an embassy to the Pope in 1614, by the first vessel made by Japanese hands to travel around the world, the Date Maru.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:48:37 PM
Ok, I'm gonna give it to Alatriste, since he was very close and other people are bitching that this is way too hard.

He was a sailor on a cargo vessel loaded with rice that IIRC lost its rigging in a storm on a short-haul voyage in the Japanese archipelago.

The vessel drifted for 14 months all the way across the Pacific and ran aground in Oregon.  Only him and some other dude were still alive.  He was captured by Makah Indians and enslaved and then sold to white dudes.

I think he eventually became a Japanese ambassador or some shit like that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 06:01:37 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:48:37 PM
Ok, I'm gonna give it to Alatriste, since he was very close and other people are bitching that this is way too hard.

He was a sailor on a cargo vessel loaded with rice that IIRC lost its rigging in a storm on a short-haul voyage in the Japanese archipelago.

The vessel drifted for 14 months all the way across the Pacific and ran aground in Oregon.  Only him and some other dude were still alive.  He was captured by Makah Indians and enslaved and then sold to white dudes.

I think he eventually became a Japanese ambassador or some shit like that.

Quote・ First Japanese in America (Preceded John Manjiro by 10 yrs and Joseph Heco by 30 yrs)
・ First Japanese in Canada
・ Payload of Setoyaki represented first trade between U.S. and Japan
・ Inspiration for Commodore Perry (opened trade with Japan)
・ Probable inspiration for Ranald MacDonald (first American in Japan), from Astoria Oregon 1840s
・ First Japanese to gain British Citizenship
・ First trilingual in Japanese, English and Chinese
・ First Japanese in Royal British Navy
・ First Japanese Christian (Protestant Episcopalian)
・ Translated Bible of John into Japanese
・ Opened Nagasaki Port on behalf of the British Crown in 1854

Some of the claims made for him seem..."iffy".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 06:04:46 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 05:48:37 PM
Ok, I'm gonna give it to Alatriste, since he was very close and other people are bitching that this is way too hard.

He was a sailor on a cargo vessel loaded with rice that IIRC lost its rigging in a storm on a short-haul voyage in the Japanese archipelago.

The vessel drifted for 14 months all the way across the Pacific and ran aground in Oregon.  Only him and some other dude were still alive.  He was captured by Makah Indians and enslaved and then sold to white dudes.

I think he eventually became a Japanese ambassador or some shit like that.

What did he do in particular in 1834?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 08, 2009, 06:10:21 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 06:01:37 PM
・ First Japanese Christian (Protestant Episcopalian)

Some of the claims made for him seem..."iffy".

:lol:

Wiki has ruled: Catholics aren't Christian. :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 06:10:36 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 06:04:46 PM
What did he do in particular in 1834?
Landed in Oregon.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 06:14:23 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 08, 2009, 06:10:21 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 06:01:37 PM
・ First Japanese Christian (Protestant Episcopalian)

Some of the claims made for him seem..."iffy".

:lol:

Wiki has ruled: Catholics aren't Christian. :contract:

:D

While I would, in general, agree with your point, I am afraid I must point out that that list is NOT from Wiki...

http://www.jmottoson.com/Otokichi-Story.htm (http://www.jmottoson.com/Otokichi-Story.htm)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 06:10:36 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 06:04:46 PM
What did he do in particular in 1834?
Landed in Oregon.

That's not particularly noteworthy...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 10:00:21 AM
OK. A tricky one... What biting nickname did Gnaeus Pompey use for Lucullus? (Hint, because otherwise it would be almost impossible: a movie has made the joke even funnier for us modern people)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 09, 2009, 10:02:40 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 06:10:36 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 08, 2009, 06:04:46 PM
What did he do in particular in 1834?
Landed in Oregon.

That's not particularly noteworthy...
It is if you're Japanese and it's 1834.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 09, 2009, 10:04:27 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 10:00:21 AM
OK. A tricky one... What biting nickname did Gnaeus Pompey use for Lucullus? (Hint, because otherwise it would be almost impossible: a movie has made the joke even funnier for us modern people)

Biggus Dickus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 03:42:48 PM
Quote from: ulmont on October 09, 2009, 10:04:27 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 10:00:21 AM
OK. A tricky one... What biting nickname did Gnaeus Pompey use for Lucullus? (Hint, because otherwise it would be almost impossible: a movie has made the joke even funnier for us modern people)

Biggus Dickus?

Evidently, nope. Come on, boys, how many movies based on the Graeco-Latin world has Hollywood made in recent years? It's easier than it seems...

By the way, just to make the waiting more interesting, biting nicknames seem to have been common in the I century B.C. When he was young Cicero called Pompey 'adulescens carnifex' i.e., 'Teen Butcher'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 09, 2009, 03:46:52 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 03:42:48 PM
Quote from: ulmont on October 09, 2009, 10:04:27 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 10:00:21 AM
OK. A tricky one... What biting nickname did Gnaeus Pompey use for Lucullus? (Hint, because otherwise it would be almost impossible: a movie has made the joke even funnier for us modern people)

Biggus Dickus?

Evidently, nope. Come on, boys, how many movies based on the Graeco-Latin world has Hollywood made in recent years? It's easier than it seems...

By the way, just to make the waiting more interesting, biting nicknames seem to have been common in the I century B.C. When he was young Cicero called Pompey 'adulescens carnifex' i.e., 'Teen Butcher'.

Cicero's nickname for Pompey I would have been able to identify; I didn't know the answer to your question until I looked it up.

It's funny, and your hint makes me chuckle as well, but I'll be very surprised (and impressed) if anyone on Languish knows it without looking it up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 09, 2009, 06:37:13 PM
I keep thinking about the guy who wrote an invective about some politician wherein he said he was going to rip the guy's dick off and shove it up his ass, but I think you must be looking for a concise phrase.

Hmmm.... "Pig Fucker"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 09, 2009, 09:31:56 PM
Was Lucullus the one who liked 12 year old girls?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 06:12:40 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 09, 2009, 09:31:56 PM
Was Lucullus the one who liked 12 year old girls?

Apparently.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 10, 2009, 06:47:26 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 09, 2009, 09:31:56 PM
Was Lucullus the one who liked 12 year old girls?

The Romans were quite radical in their political campaigns - if we were to believe what we read, incest, arson and forgery of wills were the favorite pastimes of a fashionable young aristocrat - but yes, Lucullus was accused of that, amongst many other things...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 08:39:35 AM
Xerxes togatus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 10, 2009, 11:47:56 AM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 08:39:35 AM
Xerxes togatus?

Correct, Xerxes in a toga... which, if you have watched '300', would be a sight to kill for... at least for those so inclined.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 12:35:02 PM
What did the Venetians do that highly impressed Henry III of France when attending a state banquet in the city?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 10, 2009, 12:36:11 PM
Survive the pressure cooker environment of their home world?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 10, 2009, 12:51:14 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 12:35:02 PM
What did the Venetians do that highly impressed Henry III of France when attending a state banquet in the city?

They were polite enough to not try to assassinate him?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 10, 2009, 12:52:11 PM
Washed their hands?  Used napkins?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 01:10:29 PM
No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 01:12:31 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 08:39:35 AM
Xerxes togatus?

I admit to being very impressed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 01:18:23 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 01:12:31 PM
I admit to being very impressed.

I studied Lucullus' villas a couple of years ago, one of the articles actually had it as its title.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 10, 2009, 03:15:44 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 10, 2009, 12:36:11 PM
Survive the pressure cooker environment of their home world?

:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 04:12:16 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 12:35:02 PM
What did the Venetians do that highly impressed Henry III of France when attending a state banquet in the city?

Avoided spitting on the floor?

Or ate with their courtesans, rather than their wives?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 10, 2009, 04:18:11 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 12:35:02 PM
What did the Venetians do that highly impressed Henry III of France when attending a state banquet in the city?

Showed him one of the first examples of opera or ballet in history? Actually the first opera was, I think, created in the 1590s, so it's a bit late... but ballet could be a possibility.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 05:23:09 PM
No, all cold.
They were showing off their naval power.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 10, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 01:12:31 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 08:39:35 AM
Xerxes togatus?

I admit to being very impressed.
Knew this one too - but then, I always liked Lucullus.  "Tonight, PDH dines with PDH"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 06:26:09 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 10, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 10, 2009, 01:12:31 PM
Quote from: Maladict on October 10, 2009, 08:39:35 AM
Xerxes togatus?

I admit to being very impressed.
Knew this one too - but then, I always liked Lucullus.  "Tonight, PDH dines with PDH"

:D

I knew that one too...hadn't come across the Xerxes one though before this question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 11, 2009, 05:32:22 AM
Too hard, is it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 11, 2009, 05:35:17 AM
Quote from: Maladict on October 11, 2009, 05:32:22 AM
Too hard, is it?

Build a ship at the Arsenal?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on October 11, 2009, 06:13:40 AM
Quote from: Threviel on October 11, 2009, 05:35:17 AM
Build a ship at the Arsenal?

Yes, they built a ship in the time it took the king to finish his meal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 11:22:22 AM
So, is the floor open or not? I refuse to let this thread die off.  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:37:42 AM
Open, by the looks of it.

On the eve of the battle of Cannae, one of Hannibal's junior officers expressed amazement at the size of the Roman Army facing the Carthaginians. How did Hannibal reply, according to legend?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 11:38:49 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:37:42 AM
Open, by the looks of it.

On the eve of the battle of Cannae, one of Hannibal's junior officers expressed amazement at the size of the Roman Army facing the Carthaginians. How did Hannibal reply, according to legend?

"They look tiny because they are far away, dumbass."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 11:40:32 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:37:42 AM
Open, by the looks of it.

On the eve of the battle of Cannae, one of Hannibal's junior officers expressed amazement at the size of the Roman Army facing the Carthaginians. How did Hannibal reply, according to legend?

I was asking because I had a question to ask.  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 11:43:53 AM
We shall use their numbers against them?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:54:22 AM
Quote from: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 11:40:32 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:37:42 AM
Open, by the looks of it.

On the eve of the battle of Cannae, one of Hannibal's junior officers expressed amazement at the size of the Roman Army facing the Carthaginians. How did Hannibal reply, according to legend?

I was asking because I had a question to ask.  :mad:

Then you should have just asked it... :P







OK, OK, I'll be good..

The answer to my question was (roughly) "And yet, even more amazing, is that among all those vast numbers there is not one man named Gisco." (Gisco being the junior officer in question.)

Ask away, Drakken...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:54:22 AM

Ask away, Drakken...

Victoria Bernadotte!!


isn't that the answer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 12:10:14 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:54:22 AM

Ask away, Drakken...

Victoria Bernadotte!!


isn't that the answer?

No.  :P

Allright, I'll throw my question. It's probably an easy one.  :P

During the siege of Arai Castle in 1516, while the castle was stormed by the Hôjô assiegants, one of the defending commanders, Miura Yoshimoto, died but became legendary nonetheless due to one surhuman feat.

What was that feat?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 12:10:59 PM
Quote from: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 12:10:14 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:54:22 AM

Ask away, Drakken...

Victoria Bernadotte!!


isn't that the answer?

No.  :P

Allright, I'll throw my question. It's probably an easy one.  :P

During the siege of Arai Castle in 1516, while the castle was stormed by the Hôjô assiegants, retainer Miura Yoshimoto died, but he entered legend nonetheless for one surhuman feat.

What was that feat?

He decapitated himself.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 12:11:47 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 12:10:59 PM
Quote from: Drakken on October 13, 2009, 12:10:14 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 13, 2009, 11:54:22 AM

Ask away, Drakken...

Victoria Bernadotte!!


isn't that the answer?

No.  :P

Allright, I'll throw my question. It's probably an easy one.  :P

During the siege of Arai Castle in 1516, while the castle was stormed by the Hôjô assiegants, retainer Miura Yoshimoto died, but he entered legend nonetheless for one surhuman feat.

What was that feat?

He decapitated himself.

Bingo. You have the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 12:16:40 PM
My mind is blank. Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:38:16 PM
Who was the greatest pharaoh and conqueror among the Egyptian rulers, according to Diodorus Siculus?

Edit: I don't like questions that ask for names, but this one is easy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:39:13 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:38:16 PM
Who was the greatest pharaoh and conqueror among the Egyptian rulers, according to Diodorus Siculus?

Edit: I don't like questions that ask for names, but this one is easy.

Tutmosis II?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:42:06 PM
No.

First hint: is not an obscure guy.
Second hint (for the history-impaired): is not Tutankamon.  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:42:56 PM
Ramses II The Great
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 02:43:54 PM
Tutmosis Jones.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:46:09 PM
No.

He is mentioned as conquering all lands near the Pontus Euxinus, including Thrace, Syria, Crimeea...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 02:47:33 PM
I read this fairly recently but I'll be damned if I remember which guy it was.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:48:56 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 02:47:33 PM
I read this fairly recently but I'll be damned if I remember which guy it was.

If it helps you, Diodorus copied everything about the guy from Herodotus who had heard the story from an Egyptian priest and embelished it in the same way as the Semiramis story...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 13, 2009, 02:51:09 PM
Not really, but thanks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:46:09 PM
No.

He is mentioned as conquering all lands near the Pontus Euxinus, including Thrace, Syria, Crimeea...

Pharoah Alexandros I conquered all that shit and more. OK, not Crimea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:46:09 PM
No.

He is mentioned as conquering all lands near the Pontus Euxinus, including Thrace, Syria, Crimeea...

Pharoah Alexandros I conquered all that shit and more. OK, not Crimea.

The interesting thing is that Diodorus builds this pharaoh as some sort of Alexander wannabe. His father placed the sons of his noblemen near his own son during childhood, so they would form a loyalist corps of friends and warriors. He conquers this huge area and leaves behind colonists. He divides Egypt into nomes for the first time...

Oh, and even introduces the worship of Serapis for both Upper and Lower Egypt, an attempt similar to that of Alexander, that tried to religiously unite both regions through Amun...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 02:56:19 PM
Menes or Narmer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 02:57:28 PM
Seti?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:58:22 PM
No to all of them.

Come on, he is well-known...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 02:58:46 PM
Akhenaten?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:59:54 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 02:58:46 PM
Akhenaten?

In real history he was a real conqueror...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:01:14 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:46:09 PM
No.

He is mentioned as conquering all lands near the Pontus Euxinus, including Thrace, Syria, Crimeea...

Pharoah Alexandros I conquered all that shit and more. OK, not Crimea.

The interesting thing is that Diodorus builds this pharaoh as some sort of Alexander wannabe. His father placed the sons of his noblemen near his own son during childhood, so they would form a loyalist corps of friends and warriors. He conquers this huge area and leaves behind colonists. He divides Egypt into nomes for the first time...

He's Ptolemaic then, since traditional Egyptian religion needs the Egyptian to be buried in Egypt. And not Ptolemy I since he was one of Alexander's Generals.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:02:00 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:01:14 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 02:52:52 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 02:46:09 PM
No.

He is mentioned as conquering all lands near the Pontus Euxinus, including Thrace, Syria, Crimeea...

Pharoah Alexandros I conquered all that shit and more. OK, not Crimea.

The interesting thing is that Diodorus builds this pharaoh as some sort of Alexander wannabe. His father placed the sons of his noblemen near his own son during childhood, so they would form a loyalist corps of friends and warriors. He conquers this huge area and leaves behind colonists. He divides Egypt into nomes for the first time...

He's Ptolemaic then, since traditional Egyptian religion needs the Egyptian to be buried in Egypt. And not Ptolemy I since he was one of Alexander's Generals.

He is not Ptolemaic, since he is mentioned first by Herodotus  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:02:19 PM
thutmosis III
Amenhotep III
Seti
necho II
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:03:15 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:02:19 PM
thutmosis III
Amenhotep III
Seti
necho II

You're getting close with one of them... not quite there, but very, very warm :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:06:02 PM
Thutmosis I?
Amenhotep II?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:07:12 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:02:19 PM
thutmosis III

I feel like an idiot right now.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:08:15 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:06:02 PM
Thutmosis I?
Amenhotep II?

Warm with one of them... but come on? Great conqueror... I would easily place him in my top-5 Ancient Egypt rulers...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:11:29 PM
Amenhotep I is the only one left I think.   :D

Don't know jack about him though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:13:41 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:11:29 PM
Amenhotep I is the only one left I think.   :D

Don't know jack about him though.

WARM!!!

Btw, the fact that the ancient authors knew shit about Tuthmosis III or Ramses II was because only the older pharaohs had been deified and their acts taught in the priestly schools. The newer ones were basically forgotten until the 19th century...

Another hint: he was part of the greatest Egyptian dynasty ever, one in which architecture, literature and good taste achieved an extraordinary balance. Plus it was probably the most stable and reasonable line of kings that ever walked this Earth.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:16:29 PM
Must be the founder of the dynasty.  But I can't recall the name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:17:06 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:16:29 PM
Must be the founder of the dynasty.  But I can't recall the name.

The founder was Amenhotep I. :)

Ok, the answer is Sesostris III, the conqueror of Nubia and father of an equally-gifted pharaoh, as Amenhotep III.

The Twelfth Dynasty is probably one of the happiest periods in human civilization for a nation.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 13, 2009, 03:24:17 PM
Still I don't think he conquered Thrace...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 03:24:18 PM
Hmm . . . pretty sure Middle Kingdom Egypt never got anywhere remotely near the Crimea.  even the Levant is unlikely except possibly in a razzia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:28:08 PM
It's not the point.

Herodot found out about Sesotris from the priest since Sesostris was basically a God by that time. He had heard about his great conquests but decided to place them even further in the same way he had arranged the Ninus-Semiramis story: every old civilization needed a Cyrus-like figure that united Asia. It was his signature: placing "Asia" as a beast in order to play the persian wars like a Gigantomachia-type of conflict.

Bocchoris got a similar treatment. He was a short-lived unimportant pharaoh that got the reputation of being the greatest law-giver of Egypt. Only in this case it wasn't the religious influence, but the greek trading tradition, that probably had dealt once with this guy...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:40:18 PM
Try asking a question about somebody other than the only mythical pharoah to go to romania.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:43:01 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:40:18 PM
Try asking a question about somebody other than the only mythical pharoah to go to romania.

Wasn't the purpose.

Sesostris III is actually one of the most famous pharaohs. Between the Pyramide Triade and Tutmosis III is certainly the most-well known. Now, a real obscure question would have been about the first female pharaoh or the creator of the Labirinth... :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on October 13, 2009, 03:45:32 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:43:01 PM

Wasn't the purpose.

Sesostris III is actually one of the most famous pharaohs. Between the Pyramide Triade and Tutmosis III is certainly the most-well known. Now, a real obscure question would have been about the first female pharaoh or the creator of the Labirinth... :P

Merneith, David Bowie  Those are easy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:57:10 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:43:01 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 03:40:18 PM
Try asking a question about somebody other than the only mythical pharoah to go to romania.

Wasn't the purpose.

Sesostris III is actually one of the most famous pharaohs. Between the Pyramide Triade and Tutmosis III is certainly the most-well known. Now, a real obscure question would have been about the first female pharaoh or the creator of the Labirinth... :P

Regent Schmegent. Hatshepshut is the first definitive female Pharoah. Daedalus.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 04:04:18 PM
Not really.

The first female pharaoh is Sobekneferu, the last representative of the 12th dinasty even if Greeks have invented an earlier one, called Nitocris (that killed all nobles responsible for the death of her brother).

The creator of the Labirinth is Amenhotep III, the son of Sesostris III and the father of Sobekneferu. The 12th dynasty has produced some great individuals... :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 05:06:25 PM
Amenhotep III was a New Kingdom pharoah, hence not of the 12th dynasty.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 05:23:44 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 13, 2009, 05:06:25 PM
Amenhotep III was a New Kingdom pharoah, hence not of the 12th dynasty.

Yeah, my bad. I thought you said Amenamhat but went with the Amenhotep version from then on...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 13, 2009, 06:13:39 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on October 13, 2009, 03:45:32 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 03:43:01 PM

Wasn't the purpose.

Sesostris III is actually one of the most famous pharaohs. Between the Pyramide Triade and Tutmosis III is certainly the most-well known. Now, a real obscure question would have been about the first female pharaoh or the creator of the Labirinth... :P

Merneith, David Bowie  Those are easy.
:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 13, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Did that Pharoah who conquered Romania see mystical Ankhs on his wall?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 06:38:28 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 13, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Did that Pharoah who conquered Romania see mystical Ankhs on his wall?

It isn't about Romania  :mad:... Actually I never heard a local historian being interested in this. Oh, and fuck Romania! I'm not a fucking fanboy of a stupid state...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 13, 2009, 06:46:19 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 06:38:28 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 13, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Did that Pharoah who conquered Romania see mystical Ankhs on his wall?

It isn't about Romania  :mad:... Actually I never heard a local historian being interested in this. Oh, and fuck Romania! I'm not a fucking fanboy of a stupid state...

Are you claiming to be cured of Balkantardism then?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 06:53:37 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2009, 06:46:19 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 13, 2009, 06:38:28 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 13, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Did that Pharoah who conquered Romania see mystical Ankhs on his wall?

It isn't about Romania  :mad:... Actually I never heard a local historian being interested in this. Oh, and fuck Romania! I'm not a fucking fanboy of a stupid state...

Are you claiming to be cured of Balkantardism then?

Depends. If Balkantardism means nationalism aimed at growing the size of a state led by morons, it was not my disease. However, if Balkantardism means the attempt to demolish the current states and revert to a medieval-type community, then I'm all for it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 07:40:29 PM
Oh yeah, Sesostris III, how could I have forgotten that guy!?  Everyone knows who he is. :blink:

CALIGA RULE:  Romanians are not allowed to ask questions without getting prior approval from Syt or Zanza.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 14, 2009, 08:07:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 07:40:29 PM
Oh yeah, Sesostris III, how could I have forgotten that guy!?  Everyone knows who he is. :blink:

CALIGA RULE:  Romanians are not allowed to ask questions without getting prior approval from Syt or Zanza.

1. I'm more German/Jewish than Romanian, but hey, whatever turns your balls!  :rolleyes:
2. Sesostris III is one of the most famous pharaohs ever. Can't help it if Tutankamon is the default choice for most people when it comes to naming rulers of Ancient Egypt.

If nobody volunteers, here's another question:

In what year was Jesus born, according to Dionysius Exiguus? 1 BC or 1 AD?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 14, 2009, 08:22:04 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 14, 2009, 08:07:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 07:40:29 PM
Oh yeah, Sesostris III, how could I have forgotten that guy!?  Everyone knows who he is. :blink:

CALIGA RULE:  Romanians are not allowed to ask questions without getting prior approval from Syt or Zanza.

1. I'm more German/Jewish than Romanian, but hey, whatever turns your balls!  :rolleyes:
2. Sesostris III is one of the most famous pharaohs ever. Can't help it if Tutankamon is the default choice for most people when it comes to naming rulers of Ancient Egypt.

If nobody volunteers, here's another question:

In what year was Jesus born, according to Dionysius Exiguus? 1 BC or 1 AD?

Tautology suggests 1AD
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 14, 2009, 12:01:18 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2009, 08:22:04 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 14, 2009, 08:07:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 13, 2009, 07:40:29 PM
Oh yeah, Sesostris III, how could I have forgotten that guy!?  Everyone knows who he is. :blink:

CALIGA RULE:  Romanians are not allowed to ask questions without getting prior approval from Syt or Zanza.

1. I'm more German/Jewish than Romanian, but hey, whatever turns your balls!  :rolleyes:
2. Sesostris III is one of the most famous pharaohs ever. Can't help it if Tutankamon is the default choice for most people when it comes to naming rulers of Ancient Egypt.

If nobody volunteers, here's another question:

In what year was Jesus born, according to Dionysius Exiguus? 1 BC or 1 AD?

Tautology suggests 1AD

I'll pick the other one so we'll have all our bases covered.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 14, 2009, 12:13:35 PM
Trick question. He didn't specifically mention the correct year. But judging by his earlier calculations, it's generally approved that he placed Jesus' birth in 1 BC (which is, of course, a funny paradox).

Rozgovory is up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 14, 2009, 12:15:42 PM
I'm glad it's approved.  I had a good one, just give me a moment to remember it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 14, 2009, 12:15:56 PM
Damn those Volkdeutsche Judische Rumanians and their trick questions.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 14, 2009, 12:17:26 PM
Oh yeah, it goes well with my last one.


Name the seven liberal arts.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 14, 2009, 12:21:14 PM
Womyn's Studies
Afro-American Studies
Latin American Studies
Marxist Economics
Art Appreciation
Gender Studies
Philosophy
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 14, 2009, 12:23:44 PM
You forgot: Obamanomics. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 14, 2009, 12:26:08 PM
rhetoric
logic
history
philosophy
something
something
something
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 14, 2009, 12:26:31 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 14, 2009, 12:23:44 PM
You forgot: Obamanomics. :)

That is just a branch of the bipartisan science of voodoo economics, the art of conjuring money from thin air.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 14, 2009, 12:49:21 PM
Sesostris III wasn't obscure at all. Wtf people.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 14, 2009, 12:50:11 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 14, 2009, 12:49:21 PM
Sesostris III wasn't obscure at all. Wtf people.
WAAH.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 14, 2009, 01:05:19 PM
Grammar
Rhetoric
Logic
Music
Astronomy
Mathematics
Divination

Edit: I am sure of Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic but the remaining 4 I'm not sure about.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 14, 2009, 02:01:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2009, 01:05:19 PM
Grammar
Rhetoric
Logic
Music
Astronomy
Mathematics
Divination

Edit: I am sure of Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic but the remaining 4 I'm not sure about.

Theology not divination.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 14, 2009, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 14, 2009, 02:01:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2009, 01:05:19 PM
Grammar
Rhetoric
Logic
Music
Astronomy
Mathematics
Divination

Edit: I am sure of Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic but the remaining 4 I'm not sure about.

Theology not divination.  :)

Same shit different bucket.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 14, 2009, 11:38:30 PM
Still wrong though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 02:53:59 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 14, 2009, 11:38:30 PM
Still wrong though.

Well, theology has no place in that list since the 7 liberal arts were a product of pagan, not Christian writers.

Grammar
Rhetoric
Logic
Music
Astronomy
Mathematics

Now, this looks right but I can't remember for the love of God the 7th...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 15, 2009, 02:55:00 AM
Mathematics is not one of them.  Though there are two that are considered in the field of mathematics.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 03:28:49 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 15, 2009, 02:55:00 AM
Mathematics is not one of them.  Though there are two that are considered in the field of mathematics.

Aritmetics (sp?) and geometry?

Yeah, how could I forget the Greek obsession for geometry?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 15, 2009, 05:04:51 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 03:28:49 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 15, 2009, 02:55:00 AM
Mathematics is not one of them.  Though there are two that are considered in the field of mathematics.

Aritmetics (sp?) and geometry?

Yeah, how could I forget the Greek obsession for geometry?

You got it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 05:12:57 AM
Viking has the floor...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 15, 2009, 05:24:37 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 05:12:57 AM
Viking has the floor...

What me? Why answer the question if you are unwilling to ask one?

Anyway.

The question is.

"What was Johnson's nickname for Boswell?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on October 15, 2009, 05:26:03 AM
You got 5 out of 7. I got the last two with a big hint.  <_<
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 02:12:13 PM
bump
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 02:27:28 PM
Because there has only been one famous Johnson in the entire history of man, right?

Way to go, Cal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 02:27:28 PMWay to go, Cal.
:blink:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 16, 2009, 02:35:32 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 02:27:28 PMWay to go, Cal.
:blink:

Great job! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 02:36:14 PM
Heckuva job, Callie?  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 02:45:10 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 02:27:28 PM
Because there has only been one famous Johnson in the entire history of man, right?

Way to go, Cal.

There are many Johnsons, but only one Johnson. Just like there are many Alexanders, but only one Alexander.

And if you had any clue what the answer was you'd know which Johnson.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 16, 2009, 02:49:24 PM
There's at least two, and they make shampoo.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Funemploymentality.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fjohnson_johnson_baby_shampoo.jpg&hash=0c40606b287d3383f4c6790598dda981ff6195fa)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 02:52:29 PM
so nobody knows the answer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 02:56:06 PM
Most of us don't even know the question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:01:34 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 02:56:06 PM
Most of us don't even know the question.

"What was Johnson's nickname for Boswell?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 03:11:24 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 02:56:06 PM
Most of us don't even know the question.
Somehow I'm involved in this, too, but I have no idea how.  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:12:00 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 03:11:24 PM
Quote from: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 02:56:06 PM
Most of us don't even know the question.
Somehow I'm involved in this, too, but I have no idea how.  :huh:

Me neither.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 03:12:42 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:01:34 PM
"What was Johnson's nickname for Boswell?"
Bozo?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:28:00 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 03:12:42 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:01:34 PM
"What was Johnson's nickname for Boswell?"
Bozo?

first three letters were correct and in order.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Bozy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 03:30:23 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 02:27:28 PMWay to go, Cal.
:blink:

Asking vague questions in this thread originated with you.  It's nice to see Viking keep the spirit alive, but it makes for dull trivia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:30:49 PM
I really don't know what the question is about though.  Is it President Andrew Johnson, LBJ, Ben Johnson?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Bozy.

Bozzie :punk:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Bozy.

you are missing only letter
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:31:50 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:30:49 PM
I really don't know what the question is about though.  Is it President Andrew Johnson, LBJ, Ben Johnson?

Samuel Johnson :bowler:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:32:21 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Bozy.

you are missing only letter

This isn't fucking hangman.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:29:02 PM
Bozy.

Bozzie :punk:

Close enough. Bozzy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 03:33:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Close enough. Bozzy.

What a thoroughly enlightening question and answer session.  I've learned so very much.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:34:49 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 03:33:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Close enough. Bozzy.

What a thoroughly enlightening question and answer session.  I've learned so very much.

The quality of the questions goes up and down.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 03:36:42 PM
Okay, not what did we answer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 03:38:54 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on October 16, 2009, 03:30:23 PM
Asking vague questions in this thread originated with you. 
:lol: Suuuure it did.  btw someone actually got the vague question you're referencing, so it couldn't have been *that* vague.  I should say in my defense that I try to intentionally ask questions I think people will guess with relative ease, but not be so easy as to be a joke.  Obviously you can't always get it correct, since it's a judgment call as to when a question crosses the line from 'relatively obscure' to 'too obscure to be guessed'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:49:46 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Close enough. Bozzy.

In 1856, 18 year old chemist William Henry Perkins was experimenting with coal tar in order to produce synthetic quinine.  What he discovered instead was the first artificial dye.  What color ws the dye?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 03:55:05 PM
blue?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on October 16, 2009, 03:55:16 PM
White.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:56:26 PM
Black is too obvious

Red
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:49:46 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Close enough. Bozzy.

In 1856, 18 year old chemist William Henry Perkins was experimenting with coal tar in order to produce synthetic quinine.  What he discovered instead was the first artificial dye.  What color ws the dye?

Purple?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:59:54 PM
Quote from: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on October 16, 2009, 03:49:46 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 16, 2009, 03:33:22 PM
Close enough. Bozzy.

In 1856, 18 year old chemist William Henry Perkins was experimenting with coal tar in order to produce synthetic quinine.  What he discovered instead was the first artificial dye.  What color ws the dye?

Purple?

Yes; the French called the purplish dye "Mauve" and it became so popular in fashion the subsequent decade was called by some "The Mauve Decade."  Perkins went on to make the first artificial dye factory and retired from that at age 35 in order to return to chemical research.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 04:03:52 PM
(while potentially apocryphal) "Who was the first to produce a standard of quality for Russian vodka, and what is he better known for?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on October 16, 2009, 04:09:50 PM
Yermak the cossack.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 16, 2009, 04:25:50 PM
Ivan III?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 04:32:59 PM
Nyet re Ivan and cossack.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 06:39:59 PM
Pavlov the dog teaser.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:17:23 PM
The genetecist dude.  Spacing on the name.  Grigor something.  Memel?  Mendalov?  Markov?  Minimal?  Manimal? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:21:32 PM
I would like to change my vote to Mendel.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:28:02 PM
Here's a super genius Mensa Mentat McArthur Foundation suggestion for improving the thread: if you ask a question then have to split before someone gets it, post the answer in white font.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 07:33:36 PM
I always screw that up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 16, 2009, 08:41:21 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:28:02 PM
Here's a super genius Mensa Mentat McArthur Foundation suggestion for improving the thread: if you ask a question then have to split before someone gets it, post the answer in white font.

Having checked Wikipedia, it appears that you are on the right lines in suggesting a Russian scientist with a name beginning with "Mend", but you are thinking of the wrong one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 16, 2009, 09:23:58 PM
Then it must be Mendeleev.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on October 16, 2009, 09:33:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:21:32 PM
I would like to change my vote to Mendel.

Mendel was a Czech/German thought.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 09:34:51 PM
Yes, Mendeleev the periodic table guy, although others giving hints should be verboten. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 16, 2009, 09:52:05 PM
King Arthur was believed to have been killed in this sixth century battle?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 16, 2009, 11:47:06 PM
Quote from: Sahib on October 16, 2009, 09:33:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 07:21:32 PM
I would like to change my vote to Mendel.

Mendel was a Czech/German thought.

Gregor mendel was out proving why Science and Religion shouldn't mix.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 05:09:38 AM
Quote from: ulmont on October 16, 2009, 09:34:51 PM
Yes, Mendeleev the periodic table guy, although others giving hints should be verboten.

Only because they were moaning that you had logged off.

[Well, one of them was...]
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 05:52:27 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 16, 2009, 09:52:05 PM
King Arthur was believed to have been killed in this sixth century battle?
Camlann?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 17, 2009, 06:20:18 AM
Mount Baden?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 06:27:01 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 16, 2009, 09:52:05 PM
King Arthur was believed to have been killed in this sixth century battle?

I believe the quote for the year 537 in Gildas to be roughly "the field of Camlann, where Arthur and Medraut fell".

So presumably Caliga is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 07:26:16 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 06:27:01 PM
I believe the quote for the year 537 in Gildas to be roughly "the field of Camlann, where Arthur and Medraut fell".

So presumably Caliga is correct.
Yep, I am. -_-

Marco Polo described what island as being populated by Christians ruled over by an archbishop, who was himself subject to an archbishop living in Baghdad?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 07:28:25 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 07:26:16 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 06:27:01 PM
I believe the quote for the year 537 in Gildas to be roughly "the field of Camlann, where Arthur and Medraut fell".

So presumably Caliga is correct.
Yep, I am. -_-

Marco Polo described what island as being populated by Christians ruled over by an archbishop, who was himself subject to an archbishop living in Baghdad?

Ceylon?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 07:33:55 PM
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 07:37:02 PM
It would only really make sense if the island was relatively easily accessible from the Persian Gulf...but this is Marco Polo, after all, and I don't recall the route of his travels going far enough south to encompass the Indian Ocean...

Serious answer, Bahrain?

Silly answer, Japan?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on October 17, 2009, 07:38:58 PM
Japan's not an island, really, but a set of them.  That would be my wild guess, as well, though.

My own, serious guess is Cyprus.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 17, 2009, 07:41:09 PM
The seychelles.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 17, 2009, 07:42:42 PM
Been a while, probably Madagascar.

That, or Fire.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 17, 2009, 07:43:01 PM
Oops.  I meant Socotra.  I always get those confused.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 17, 2009, 07:43:38 PM
Actually, it could be Formosa/Taiwan. It wasn't directly ruled by China at the time of Marco Polo, I think, and is a better choice for Marco Polo to be misinformed on than Japan. As Habbaku rightly pointed out, it is an archipelago, and the Chinese court would surely have known this at the time.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 07:52:40 PM
No to all.  Raz's guess is the closest so far, in terms of location (I think).

edit: Actually sorry, didn't see his second post.  Socotra is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 17, 2009, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 17, 2009, 07:52:40 PM
No to all.  Raz's guess is the closest so far, in terms of location (I think).

edit: Actually sorry, didn't see his second post.  Socotra is correct.

I don't want to think of a question.  Floors open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 17, 2009, 08:08:14 PM
OK easy one: What was the nick-name of Austrian Christian Social Party leader Dolfuss and why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 17, 2009, 09:25:29 PM
This is the fascist leader who seized power and defeated the social democrats in a brief civil war.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 17, 2009, 11:20:03 PM
Doofus. Because it sounds like his real name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 18, 2009, 04:52:49 AM
Doll Face.  Because he was a strikingly pretty man.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 18, 2009, 04:53:56 AM
Quote from: miglia on October 17, 2009, 08:08:14 PM
OK easy one: What was the nick-name of Austrian Christian Social Party leader Dolfuss and why?

I ... I don't know. Name's dollfuß, btw.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 18, 2009, 04:56:18 AM
I looked it up and it's rather cute.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 18, 2009, 07:25:41 AM
OK maybe not as easy as I thought.

Millimetternich, because he was really short (~150-155 cm)

Floor's open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 02:45:57 AM
OK, a really dirty question: although the matter is - understandably - mentioned but rarely, soldiers quartered in barracks during the XVIII and XIX often had to pee in big tanks were urine was stored for weeks or even months. And there was a very good reason for that stinking obligation...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 19, 2009, 03:36:09 AM
The urine was collected for further use in the gunpowder production. Saltpeter?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 19, 2009, 04:40:47 AM
The urine was used in leathermaking?
But I think Syt has it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 19, 2009, 05:27:34 AM
So they could test for performance enhancing drugs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 05:31:32 AM
Quote from: Syt on October 19, 2009, 03:36:09 AM
The urine was collected for further use in the gunpowder production. Saltpeter?

Bingo. Black gunpowder was roughly 3/4 saltpeter and one of the best sources - if no the best - was human urine. Even after guano replaced it in many applications, soldiers still had to endure this ordeal in order to save some money for the state. Pecunia non olet, they say...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on October 19, 2009, 05:47:26 AM
Ok I will put the question forth before Syt is able to post. It's probably an easy one but I thought it's a fun thing.

Each year Romans would crucify several animals of a single species, while having animals of another species watch it as honored guests. What species were these, respectively, and what was the origin of this strange custom?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 19, 2009, 06:17:12 AM
Wolves.  Teat, founders, suckled at.

I guess.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 06:59:59 AM
I just remembered (even if I can't say where or when I read about this, perhaps Indro Montanelli, or some M. Didius Falco novel).

IIRC the Romans crucified dogs, and the honored guests were geese. They were commemorating the famous occasion in which Gauls tried to take the Capitolium by night climbing the hill and the dogs didn't bark while Juno's sacred geese, good, solid patriotic birds, made such a noise that the Romans woke up in time to repeal the invaders.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on October 19, 2009, 03:07:59 PM
The Spaniard got it right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 03:22:29 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 06:59:59 AM
IIRC the Romans crucified dogs
:mad: Thank Hod my ancestors dismantled that Evil Empire.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on October 19, 2009, 03:25:17 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 03:22:29 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 06:59:59 AM
IIRC the Romans crucified dogs
:mad: Thank Hod my ancestors dismantled that Evil Empire.

They were tried and found guilty of treason. Instead of wiping them out completely, the SPQR in their clemency decided to spare them and instead crucify twelve of their descendants each year. As a warning to all the other traitorous dogs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 19, 2009, 03:26:40 PM
Is Cal up next year? pls pls pls
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 04:32:43 PM
Open floor, ladies and gentlemen.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 19, 2009, 05:19:01 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 04:32:43 PM
Open floor, ladies and gentlemen.

I had a good one but I forgot. :Embarrass:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 19, 2009, 05:27:37 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 03:22:29 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 19, 2009, 06:59:59 AM
IIRC the Romans crucified dogs
:mad: Thank Hod my ancestors dismantled that Evil Empire.

They were never fully dismantled - they all got tryout offers from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 06:28:36 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on October 19, 2009, 05:27:37 PM
They were never fully dismantled - they all got tryout offers from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Might as well be dismantled then... not like they're ever gonna win a Super Bowl in that case.  :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 19, 2009, 06:29:06 PM
Oh I thought of it.  At least I hope it's right.  Who was the last American executed for treason against the British crown.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 06:29:43 PM
Hmmm.  Lord Haw Haw?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 19, 2009, 06:35:12 PM
Damn.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 06:36:33 PM
amirite?  That was a guess.  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on October 19, 2009, 07:03:27 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 06:36:33 PM
amirite?  That was a guess.  :huh:

Apparently so.

I did not know William Joyce was born in the USA until I just checked. As I've said before, you really do learn something new every day. That's why I love this thread...

QuoteJoyce was captured by British forces in northern Germany just as the war ended, tried, and eventually hanged for treason on 3 January 1946. Joyce's defence team, appointed to him by the court, argued that, as an American citizen and naturalised German, Joyce could not have been convicted of treason against the British Crown. However, the prosecution successfully argued on the basis of a technicality that having lied about his nationality to obtain a British passport and to vote, Joyce owed allegiance to the King.

Better wait for Raz to confirm it, of course.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 19, 2009, 07:06:23 PM
You are right as far as I know.  I thought it was a cool question though.  A man executed for treason by a country he was not even a citizen for.  I don't think anyone in the US cared about this miscarriage of justice.  It does say a lot about the special relationship between the US and UK that the US didn't try to save it's own citizen from British executioners.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 19, 2009, 08:51:06 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 19, 2009, 07:06:23 PM
You are right as far as I know.  I thought it was a cool question though.  A man executed for treason by a country he was not even a citizen for.  I don't think anyone in the US cared about this miscarriage of justice.  It does say a lot about the special relationship between the US and UK that the US didn't try to save it's own citizen from British executioners.

It says more about our attitude toward Nazi mouthpieces.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 19, 2009, 08:57:18 PM
The last territorial claim by the United Kingdom (to date) was made in 1955.  What was that claim?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 19, 2009, 10:59:22 PM
Suez canal zone?

EDIT: Or Antarctica.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 20, 2009, 12:24:49 AM
I never got to ask my question. Fuck all y'all!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 05:44:11 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 19, 2009, 10:59:22 PM
Suez canal zone?

EDIT: Or Antarctica.
Nope x2.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 05:44:23 AM
Quote from: Syt on October 20, 2009, 12:24:49 AM
I never got to ask my question. Fuck all y'all!
:console:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 20, 2009, 06:09:00 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below

V

on a related topic

There is a little rock (about 10 sq meters) in the ocean almost 200 nautical miles north of iceland that is called Kópasker that was weathering away, so the Icelandic government actually sent out an expedition with concrete to rebuild the little rock to keep the extra 200 nautical miles of our economic zone.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 20, 2009, 06:31:19 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 20, 2009, 06:09:00 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below

V

on a related topic

There is a little rock (about 10 sq meters) in the ocean almost 200 nautical miles north of iceland that is called Kópasker that was weathering away, so the Icelandic government actually sent out an expedition with concrete to rebuild the little rock to keep the extra 200 nautical miles of our economic zone.

And soon it will all belong to the European Empire. :(

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv66%2FEricDerKonig%2Ficelandeu.jpg&hash=2928bd83fbb63a65fd91ecd5e6c323837de5ccdb)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 20, 2009, 06:36:50 AM
Love that pic.  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:05:35 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below
You are correct sir.  But I think the reason for the annexation was to claim an EEZ around it with Iceland in mind, not Norway.  I think the two countries even had a few naval confrontations over Rockall and the Rockall Bank (obviously no shots were fired. -_- )
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 20, 2009, 07:07:37 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:05:35 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below
You are correct sir.  But I think the reason for the annexation was to claim an EEZ around it with Iceland in mind, not Norway.  I think the two countries even had a few naval confrontations over Rockall and the Rockall Bank (obviously no shots were fired. -_- )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cod_Wars

shots were fired.. but then again shotguns don't really work against destroyers
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 07:10:07 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:05:35 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below
You are correct sir.  But I think the reason for the annexation was to claim an EEZ around it with Iceland in mind, not Norway.  I think the two countries even had a few naval confrontations over Rockall and the Rockall Bank (obviously no shots were fired. -_- )

OK :)

Well I can't think of one right now, so if Syt beats me to it he can have his go

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:10:12 AM
Interesting... did not know that.  But by shots I was more referring to salvos from battleships and the like (much to Neil's disappointment). ^_^
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 07:13:17 AM
Right, I thought of one.

The REAL Don Juan d'Austria is buried in Spain in a Sarcophagues depicting him in full size.

By tradition the statue has a specific feature that represents a part of his court role, a part often used in his myth. What is that feature and what is it supposedly representing?

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 20, 2009, 08:12:40 AM
Penis, impregnating the queen.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on October 20, 2009, 08:24:37 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:05:35 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 06:04:50 AM
Rockall in the North Atlantic?

I remember as a kid seeing the British hoist a man down there to restake the claims against the evil Norwegian Empire to ensure that they would keep the rights to the "Island" and the seabed below
You are correct sir.  But I think the reason for the annexation was to claim an EEZ around it with Iceland in mind, not Norway.  I think the two countries even had a few naval confrontations over Rockall and the Rockall Bank (obviously no shots were fired. -_- )

EEZs didn't exist in the 50s. They started being touted around in the 70s and weren't regulated internationally until 1982.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 20, 2009, 08:25:08 AM
Nope :)

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on October 20, 2009, 05:25:37 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 07:10:12 AM
Interesting... did not know that.  But by shots I was more referring to salvos from battleships and the like (much to Neil's disappointment). ^_^

The Icies were pretty badass though, ramming the Brisith fishing ships and dragging hooks to cut the rope linking them to their nets.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 20, 2009, 05:49:07 PM
 :cool: Did they: fly Raven banners!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 21, 2009, 03:04:39 AM
So whats the customary time period before I would have to give the answer?

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 21, 2009, 03:51:29 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on October 21, 2009, 03:04:39 AM
So whats the customary time period before I would have to give the answer?

V

24 hrs
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 22, 2009, 01:19:29 AM
Well? Inquiring minds want to know!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on October 22, 2009, 04:06:22 AM
Sorry forgot it yesterday :)

Rings. His statue on the tomb has 11 fingerrings, supposedly one for each of his mistresses while at court (I assume not one time affairs :p)


Floor open :)

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 22, 2009, 07:14:05 AM
Who was the only person to decline the Nobel Peace Prize?  Pretty easy I figure.

Answer:

Le Duc Tho.  I think that's his name.  The North Vietnamese dude who shared with Kissinger.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 22, 2009, 07:17:47 AM
Le Duc Tho. Heard that on Jeopardy recently.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 22, 2009, 07:54:22 AM
Le Duc Tho? I thought it was Jean Paul Sartre...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 22, 2009, 07:56:31 AM
His was probably for literature. :unsure:

As Yi's hidden text says I got it and I don't have a question, open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 22, 2009, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 22, 2009, 07:17:47 AM
Le Duc Tho. Heard that on Jeopardy recently.

I got it through the white text on Yi's post.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 22, 2009, 09:28:06 AM
Bully for you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on October 22, 2009, 09:32:21 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 22, 2009, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 22, 2009, 07:17:47 AM
Le Duc Tho. Heard that on Jeopardy recently.

I got it through the white text on Yi's post.

The white text is annoying; if I browse from my phone, the text is not hidden.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 22, 2009, 10:00:52 AM
Quote from: ulmont on October 22, 2009, 09:32:21 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 22, 2009, 08:55:19 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 22, 2009, 07:17:47 AM
Le Duc Tho. Heard that on Jeopardy recently.

I got it through the white text on Yi's post.

The white text is annoying; if I browse from my phone, the text is not hidden.

It's not hidden for me on my PC.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 22, 2009, 01:05:38 PM
I can read it against the blue background without high-lighting it
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 22, 2009, 01:06:42 PM
White text is verboten in the quiz thread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on October 22, 2009, 01:08:27 PM
Yea that's a little too easy to see.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 22, 2009, 01:19:04 PM
How hard is it to not read the part that says answer?  :rolleyes:

But OK, won't do it any more.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 22, 2009, 05:57:29 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 22, 2009, 01:19:04 PM
How hard is it to not read the part that says answer?  :rolleyes:

But OK, won't do it any more.

Is that the next question?  That doesn't have much to do with history.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 22, 2009, 10:25:03 PM
Who was the last military leader to conquer a country with an all-cavalry army, and when?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 22, 2009, 10:26:14 PM
That was probably whoever was playing Europa Universalis last.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 22, 2009, 11:56:00 PM
Quote from: miglia on October 22, 2009, 10:25:03 PM
Who was the last military leader to conquer a country with an all-cavalry army, and when?

Dino or regular?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 23, 2009, 12:17:34 AM
The Baron Ungern von Sternberg, Mongolia, during the Russian Civil War?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 23, 2009, 12:32:16 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 23, 2009, 12:17:34 AM
The Baron Ungern von Sternberg, Mongolia, during the Russian Civil War?

Correct. :thumbsup:


Who may or may not, by the way, have believed that he was a reincarnation of Genghis Khan.


You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 23, 2009, 12:46:28 AM
There's also a nice statue of the Mongolian national hero Sükhbaatar, considered second only to Genghis Khan, in the central Sükhbaatar square in Ulan Bataar, celebrating Sükhbaatars victory over Ungern-Sternberg.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 23, 2009, 01:40:37 AM
OK, another bit of Napoleonic trivia, interesting I hope

When Murat became King of Naples one of his first concerns was improving the army in number and quality, since Joseph had entirely neglected it. One of his plans was issuing eagles to the regiments, after the French model, and he asked Napoleon his permission.

Napoleon absolutely hated the idea. The eagle was his personal emblem, and on top of that the reputation of  the Neapolitans was abysmal; that Joseph had resorted to pressing thousands of convicts to get the number of men his brother demanded didn't help, but even before the French conquest the army of the Neapolitan Bourbons was one of the worst in Europe, if not the worst; they would quickly lose their eagles, that was a given. However, he didn't want to insult Murat telling him that... What alternative did the Emperor find?   
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 23, 2009, 07:28:18 AM
He said they could have some other nice symbol instead?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 23, 2009, 07:40:17 AM
They should use a trophy taken from the enemy in place of an eagle.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 23, 2009, 08:18:07 AM
Quote from: miglia on October 23, 2009, 12:46:28 AM
There's also a nice statue of the Mongolian national hero Sükhbaatar, considered second only to Genghis Khan, in the central Sükhbaatar square in Ulan Bataar, celebrating Sükhbaatars victory over Ungern-Sternberg.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs274.snc1%2F10135_664643546997_15602179_38302595_5669116_n.jpg&hash=fc3893aceecac8ebafc320432364a3d3a917e9fd)

:yes:
It's a cool place.



On the question: another bird, like a hawk or falcon?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 24, 2009, 11:29:33 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on October 23, 2009, 08:18:07 AM
:yes:
It's a cool place.

Yeah, definitely :) I was in Mongolia a couple of years ago, but only for a litte less than a week, sadly. One the coolest places I've been to.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 24, 2009, 02:52:29 PM
Quote from: miglia on October 23, 2009, 07:28:18 AM
He said they could have some other nice symbol instead?

Yes... a rampant horse. What else coul he have chosen, Murat being Murat? (I considered asking which emblem did he choose, but that was too easy)

Incidentally, Murat did indeed build a bigger and better disciplined army, but as its campaigns in 1814 and 1815 and the defeat of Tolentino proved, the quality of the Neapolitan army still left much to be desired at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 24, 2009, 02:57:20 PM
I bet they were well tailored at least.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 25, 2009, 02:57:50 AM
Filipino polymath José Rizal became a martyr of the Philippine revolution in 1896 when he was executed by the Spanish. At the site of his execution there is today a park bearing his name. In the park you can also find statues of other Filipino heroes. One of these is Lapu-Lapu. What did Lapu-Lapu do to earn this inclusion?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 25, 2009, 03:04:42 AM
Got executed by the Japanese?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 25, 2009, 03:06:39 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 25, 2009, 03:15:27 AM
The first king to convert to Christianity with his entire people.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 25, 2009, 03:16:19 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 25, 2009, 03:19:10 AM
Kill the filthy Magellan.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 25, 2009, 03:22:21 AM
Correct. Lapu Lapu killed Magellan, and for this he is considered the first Filipino hero. The 40 ft statue of him in Rizal park was donated by South Korea, in gratitude of Filipino participation in the Korean war.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 25, 2009, 03:34:05 AM
Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 25, 2009, 05:38:16 AM
 Who left her husband in the precise middle of the 19th century, unsatisfied with her destiny, before finally aligning with a head of state and urging him into a disasterous war?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 25, 2009, 06:31:43 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on October 25, 2009, 05:38:16 AM
Who left her husband in the precise middle of the 19th century, unsatisfied with her destiny, before finally aligning with a head of state and urging him into a disasterous war?

Varina Davis?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 25, 2009, 07:01:05 AM
My guess was Lola Montez but she didn't divorce anyone June 15th 1849
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 25, 2009, 07:09:20 AM
Empress Carlotta?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 25, 2009, 07:33:17 AM
 An inspired guess, but no.

Edit: to caligula, anyway. You other two are merely wrong  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 26, 2009, 11:56:39 PM
24 hour rule.

In 1982 the biggest killing spree in modern history took place.

A police officer who had a falling out with his girlfriend got drunk and took weapons and grenades from the police armory. He killed the emergency operators to prevent emergency calls to come through, then descended onto the streets and started going from door to door, gaining entrance as police officer to kill the inhabitants.

After 8 hours he killed himself and three hostages with two grenades. The killing spree left 58 dead (including the perp) and 35 wounded.


In which country did the incident take place?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 27, 2009, 12:06:51 AM
Japan?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 27, 2009, 12:11:38 AM
Not Japan.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on October 27, 2009, 12:12:01 AM
South Korea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 27, 2009, 12:12:04 AM
At first I thought New Zealand, but the circumstances aren't as you described. That one hit ~30, though.

So, Australia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 27, 2009, 12:13:02 AM
Quote from: HVC on October 27, 2009, 12:12:01 AM
South Korea.

I believe this is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 27, 2009, 12:19:40 AM
Just looked it up, and he's right, assuming wiki is correct.

Also, I was mixing up:
Port Arthur Massacre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Bryant)
And this Kiwi guy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramoana_massacre)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 27, 2009, 01:29:15 AM
Yep, South Korea is correct. HVC has the floor. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 05:30:27 AM
 For the record, it was Eliza Lynch, courtesan-turned-mistress of paraguayan ruler solano lopez. She was the woman behind the man, influencing his terrible ideas, until he declared war on uruguay, argentina and brazil at the same time.

It did not work, but he did manage to lose over two thirds of the male population of his country.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 27, 2009, 09:01:38 AM
How much was combat deaths and how much emigration?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 27, 2009, 09:04:44 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 27, 2009, 09:01:38 AM
How much was combat deaths and how much emigration?
It was a massa-cree.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 03:12:34 PM
 Pretty much no emmigration at all. It helps that paraguay is landlocked, and was fighting all but one of it's neighbours. 

Lopez was tilting at windmills- he actually dreamed of conquering South America. The only thing he won paraguay was polygamy-by-necessity in the postwar era, and mass graves.

The example, however, makes me review the South's demographic crisis in the war. Losing one fourth of all white males, roughly along the lines of france's losses in WW1 and Germany's in WW2, seems less inspiring. I had previously assumed that to be the breaking point for civilised peoples at war, but it transpires that the South had more blood to shed on the altar of independence but, to our eternal shame, was unwilling to do so against impossible odds.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 27, 2009, 03:18:24 PM
The war all-but-over and you've lost. Why sacrifice your life on the altar of independence? For what good?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 27, 2009, 03:23:40 PM
The CSA was a democracy and thus unable to enforce suicide on its population against their will. The USA was also a democracy, and the South was thus unwilling to fight to the death.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 03:50:32 PM
 Oh, I know. I just wish it had- the South's sacrifices are enormous, without american paralell and admirable worthy of veneration, but paraguay's efforts on such an ill-gotten cause gave me pause.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 27, 2009, 03:54:40 PM
Quote from: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 03:50:32 PM
Oh, I know. I just wish it had- the South's sacrifices are enormous, without american paralell and admirable worthy of veneration, but paraguay's efforts on such an ill-gotten cause gave me pause.
Paraguay fought for independence from it's neighbors by gaining access to the sea. The confederates fought to keep black pipple as slaves.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 27, 2009, 03:57:05 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 27, 2009, 03:23:40 PM
The CSA was a democracy and thus unable to enforce suicide on its population against their will. The USA was also a democracy, and the South was thus unwilling to fight to the death.

I don't know if CSA could be classified as a democracy.  I know South Carolina didn't have universal manhood sufferage.  In fact it was rather restrictive.  I don't know about the rest of the States.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 04:07:16 PM
 Universal suffrage is required to be a democracy? If that is so, I am adamantly opposed to democracy as you style it.

Also, the notion that paraguay was fighting anything but an aggressive and unprovoked war is laughable.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on October 27, 2009, 04:08:44 PM
Quote from: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 04:07:16 PM
Universal suffrage is required to be a democracy? If that is so, I am adamantly opposed to democracy as you style it.

Also, the notion that paraguay was fighting anything but an aggressive and unprovoked war is laughable.

Still can't stand biving blacks the vote, huh?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 27, 2009, 04:14:26 PM
Quote from: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 04:07:16 PM
Universal suffrage is required to be a democracy? If that is so, I am adamantly opposed to democracy as you style it.

Also, the notion that paraguay was fighting anything but an aggressive and unprovoked war is laughable.

I didn't say universal suffrage.  I'm not even talking about letting blacks vote.  I'm talking about a system that wouldn't have let you vote.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 04:39:26 PM
 I support not letting me vote. Voting should be restricted to 25+ year olds who contribute more money to the government than they withdraw. 

Anyway, barrister, any reason your trolling? I cannot imagine your sincere.

(I was thinking that it'd be quite the clever coup to give homemakers generous tax incentives. By giving housewives government funds, and mothers even more, we encourage a positive lifestyle while at the same time running women into a defecit that denies them the right to vote in a discrete method, while allowing angry feminists to still feel they have suffrage.)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on October 27, 2009, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: BarristerStill can't stand biving blacks the vote, huh?

Quote from: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 04:39:26 PM
I support not letting me vote. Voting should be restricted to 25+ year olds who contribute more money to the government than they withdraw. 

So I was right.   :)

Quote from: Lettow
Anyway, barrister, any reason your trolling? I cannot imagine your sincere.

Because I couldn't believe that you'd be a fucking apologist for the afrikaaners and apartheid.  But I guess you just are a racist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 05:00:58 PM
 Sorry you feel that way. I think government should be in the hands of those who pay for it- the people who have a stake in the country should be those who determine its destiny. Responsible government that has to be earned would turn the country around.

And, what has happened since apartheid is apartheid's best apologist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 27, 2009, 05:16:10 PM
Let's keep the thread on topic, shall we?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 27, 2009, 05:18:36 PM
 My apologies. The civil war hijack is an old standby.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 27, 2009, 05:50:14 PM
It's HVC's turn but I don't think he's realized this yet
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on October 27, 2009, 11:53:15 PM
How long before someone doesn't ask a question until the floor is open?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on October 27, 2009, 11:59:41 PM
Ca. 24 hours.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 28, 2009, 03:13:08 AM
24 hours rule (since October 27, 2009, 12:29:15)

OK, the Napoleonic trivia loony strikes again.

Where did end the Napoleonic Wars? I mean the last combat between military units, because the very last shots belonged to a firing squad... probably Ney's in December 1815.

Hint: the place is not terribly original, but the participants and the date will surprise many, I think.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 28, 2009, 03:41:16 AM
Grumbler would know.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 28, 2009, 03:59:11 AM
I think it was in Naples, between Murat's kingdom and... someone else?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 28, 2009, 04:39:41 AM
French Commerce raider against British ship somewhere out at sea.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 28, 2009, 05:37:24 AM
Quote from: Viking on October 28, 2009, 04:39:41 AM
French Commerce raider against British ship somewhere out at sea.

That's likely, but I mean on land. that's the reason I wrote "combat between military units"...  and I see I didn't define the question as clearly I should have: I'm asking about the last clash of land units in Europe itself (because when news of Napoleon's flight from Elba reached, say, Java, Mauritius or the Philippines Napoleon probably had abdicated again)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 29, 2009, 02:11:08 AM
No ideas? Well, it was a difficult one.

More or less unofficially the siege of Huningue is generally accepted as the last action of the Napoleonic Wars.

Huningue (german Huningen) was an small fortress sited just across the Rhin from Basel, where Germany, France and Switzeland meet. As such, it was too much to the South to be of any importance after Waterloo. The allies sent to blockade the place a hot-podge of second line troops German (from Austria, Wurttemberg and Hesse-Darmstadt) and Swiss.

The Germans blockaded the place and stopped at that, just waiting for the French to come to their senses and surrender, but the Swiss... the Swiss weren't up to their usual standards. They were green, quite undisciplined troops from the army of the Confederation, almost a militia, and started pillaging the countryside. The French, incensed by the Swiss kicking them when they were down, retaliated bombing Basel from the ramparts.

During the ensuing weeks, and under the astonished eyes of the Germans, French and Swiss fought a nasty, bitter and totally pointless little war of pillage expeditions, trench raids, bombings and insulting letters (general Barbanegre, the French commander, even had the nerve to ask the Allies a truce in order to celebrate the Day of Saint Louis, in honour of Louis XVIII) until finally, Barbanegre got full honors of war for the garrison and the place surrendered on August 26th.

The defenders were saluted by the Archdukes Karl, Ferdinand and Johann, marshall Barclay de Tolly and count Hochberg (Baden) but very significantly no Swiss authority. In fact, Basel demanded and got from Louis XVIII that Huningue fortifications be razed. 

French wiki includes a picture showing Barbanegre and his soldiers leaving Huningue between two rows of Austrian grenadiers. At least the Archdukes and Barclay (in green uniform) can be easily recognized (I very much doubt, however, that the French were allowed to leave waving an imperial tricolor flag... )

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Detaille_1.jpg

Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 29, 2009, 02:22:54 AM
Okay, here's a semi-Napoleonic question.  In 1810 the French Government award Nicolas Appert 12,000 Francs for doing what?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 29, 2009, 03:16:57 AM
 Invented a safe canning process to preserve food
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on October 29, 2009, 03:20:17 AM
inventing margarine!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 29, 2009, 03:21:28 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on October 29, 2009, 03:16:57 AM
Invented a safe canning process to preserve food

Okay.  You got it.  Or at least close enough.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on October 29, 2009, 03:36:29 AM
 Thank you. Open floor, though :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 05:01:50 AM
What ship is this?
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F7%2F73%2FE_Minas_Geraes_1910_altered.jpg&hash=363a2c17a65a198b20a5c5bb56754e81369a75c4)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on October 29, 2009, 07:10:56 AM
Dude, while this pic was uploading the board showed me the file link which contains its name.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on October 29, 2009, 07:18:17 AM
It's in the file name, no?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on October 29, 2009, 07:51:54 AM
Uhmmm... it's a dreadnought with six double towers and secondary artillery in casemates (sited very low). It has anti torpedo nets and, judging by the amount of smoke, I would say it burns coal. And the lines seem British to me...

Being a dreadnought it was built after 1906, but I would say evidence (those casemates, for example) suggests a date some years before 1914. Between 1908 and 1910, perhaps?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 08:11:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 29, 2009, 07:18:17 AM
It's in the file name, no?

Yes, it's in the file name, I couldn't be bothered to upload it somewhere else. :Embarrass:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on October 29, 2009, 08:36:35 AM
The HMS Hideous.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on October 29, 2009, 08:45:55 AM
I've used this ship in boardgames. Wasn't very useful. I mainly used it for the intrinsic destroyers which were considered part of the counter along with the capital ship itself.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 29, 2009, 09:24:56 AM
Quote from: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 08:11:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 29, 2009, 07:18:17 AM
It's in the file name, no?

Yes, it's in the file name, I couldn't be bothered to upload it somewhere else. :Embarrass:

:console:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 29, 2009, 09:35:48 AM
So now everyone knows the answer but nobody is going to answer the question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on October 29, 2009, 09:37:30 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on October 29, 2009, 09:35:48 AM
So now everyone knows the answer but nobody is going to answer the question.

Yes. Think of it as a basement.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 09:37:51 AM
Meh, open floor then. <_<
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on October 29, 2009, 11:03:09 AM
Though this particular effort failed in execution, I applaud the concept of pictorial questions. :cheers:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on October 29, 2009, 11:10:43 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 29, 2009, 11:03:09 AM
Though this particular effort failed in execution, I applaud the concept of pictorial questions. :cheers:

We need a picture of a queen's ass and ask "on what throne did this sit?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 11:34:14 AM
Let me try again, this time a sister-ship to that my great-grandfather served on.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.didispbweb.de%2Fpics%2Fpics6%2FBild3.jpg&hash=8303c5d43793e252aa01ab06ef93989a7064fb29)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on October 29, 2009, 11:35:56 AM
The Bild3?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on October 29, 2009, 11:39:38 AM
 <_<
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 01, 2009, 02:25:32 PM
What is the origin of the word buccaneer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 02:26:54 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 01, 2009, 02:25:32 PM
What is the origin of the word buccaneer?

The pigs they caught and ate on Haiti?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 02:35:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 02:26:54 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 01, 2009, 02:25:32 PM
What is the origin of the word buccaneer?

The pigs they caught and ate on Haiti?

No, it was the way they cooked the pork, on the boucanier.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 01, 2009, 03:37:51 PM
Quote from: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 02:35:56 PM
No, it was the way they cooked the pork, on the boucanier.
On a bucan I think.  Close enough.  Your go.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Despite the violation of the Yi rule, this should be fairly easy.  And it should irritate Neil.

Name this vessel, Canada's last aircraft carrier.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg301.imageshack.us%2Fimg301%2F8058%2Fmaggie2ef6.jpg&hash=836db5a89a6bedead30507af9caa426d9fb93912)

(and no - the answer is not in the filename :P)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 04:46:15 PM
HMCS Warrior?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 01, 2009, 05:49:47 PM
HMCS Margaret Thatcher!

Quote
(and no - the answer is not in the filename :P)

Darn!
Is it Hermes?
I'm pretty sure I'll recognize the name once I see it; I saw it on wikipedia not too long ago.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 06:42:13 PM
Well at least you guys got the HMCS part right...

The ship was decommissioned at least 10 years before Thatcher came into power, so no.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 06:43:40 PM
hmmm... I thought with all the navaltards on this forum that would be an easy question... :unsure:

One of the commissionaires that do building security in Whitehorse, who I've met, served on this vessel.   :cool:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:21:27 PM
If I get the RN name but not the RCN name is that still right?

Colossus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 01, 2009, 07:23:55 PM
HMCS Margot Kidder?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:30:30 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:21:27 PM
If I get the RN name but not the RCN name is that still right?

Colossus?

Sure, go nuts.

But while it was laid down as a RN vessel, it was only finished as a RCN vessel.  So It's HMS name is very obscure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:32:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:21:27 PM
If I get the RN name but not the RCN name is that still right?

Colossus?

BTW, doing some research it's the same class as Colossus, but not the same ship.

Edit: err, nope.  Similar, but the follow up class to Colossus, not the same class.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:37:58 PM
HMCS Obscure?

no really...

HMS Majestic?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:39:26 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:37:58 PM
HMCS Obscure?

no really...

HMS Majestic?

Majestic class, but not HMS Majestic.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:39:26 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:37:58 PM
HMCS Obscure?

no really...

HMS Majestic?

Majestic class, but not HMS Majestic.

Minotaur?
Pegasus?
Theseus?
Colossus?
Unicorn?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:53:20 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:51:50 PM
Quote from: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:39:26 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:37:58 PM
HMCS Obscure?

no really...

HMS Majestic?

Majestic class, but not HMS Majestic.

Minotaur?
Pegasus?
Theseus?
Colossus?
Unicorn?

You already guessed Colossus.

None of the above.

Sorry guys, I didn't think it would be that tough.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:56:58 PM
Leviathan, Terrible, Hercules, Powerful? If that doesn't work then I'll start guessing the 1930s CVs, cause I can't think of any without opening my WiF kid and checking out the late war CVLs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 07:59:21 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 01, 2009, 07:56:58 PM
Leviathan, Terrible, Hercules, Poweful?

Out of sheer brute-force guessing, I guess Viking gets it.

Laid down as HMS Powerful, but commissioned as HMCS Bonaventure, and only decommissioned in 1970.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 01, 2009, 08:09:16 PM
The News of Napoleons death was a boon on the London Stock Market. However, some scoundrels had the news before the market did and made a killing on insider trading in government stocks. How did they get the information before anybody else and how were the scoundrels exposed?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 07:53:46 AM
Hint, Napoleon was not dead.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 02, 2009, 08:41:37 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 07:53:46 AM
Hint, Napoleon was not dead.

Did they claim to have used pigeons, and were exposed because pigeons couldn't have crossed the Atlantic from St. Helena?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 08:44:19 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 02, 2009, 08:41:37 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 07:53:46 AM
Hint, Napoleon was not dead.

Did they claim to have used pigeons, and were exposed because pigeons couldn't have crossed the Atlantic from St. Helena?

Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 08:45:44 AM
They read about it on drudgereport.com ?  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 02, 2009, 09:57:54 AM
Pigeons was my guess as well.

If not that, then they got the word from some sailor or officer (possibly drunk in a bar?).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 10:03:53 AM
No drudge report

But the bar bit is part of the story. But that is not how they knew that the news of napoleons death would reach the market.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 10:29:15 AM
I don't know if it refers to the same scoundrels, but Nathan Rothschild made a killing by having a network of couriers and spies in both camps. He received a report from one of his men before anyone else and made a kill at the London stock market (it was probably the quickest way to a great fortune anyone had managed to do in history).

The way he did it was classic: his agents began selling the British paper money creating a buzz within the other businessmen who thought Wellington had lost the battle. They began to sell the paper money, which were immediately bought, at a fraction of a price, by Rothschild's men. When the news of the battle reached the Stock Market, Rotschild was a very, very rich man...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 10:32:18 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 10:29:15 AM
I don't know if it refers to the same scoundrels, but Nathan Rothschild made a killing by having a network of couriers and spies in both camps. He received a report from one of his men before anyone else and made a kill at the London stock market (it was probably the quickest way to a great fortune anyone had managed to do in history).

The way he did it was classic: his agents began selling the British paper money creating a buzz within the other businessmen who thought Wellington had lost the battle. They began to sell the paper money, which were immediately bought, at a fraction of a price, by Rothschild's men. When the news of the battle reached the Stock Market, Rotschild was a very, very rich man...

Allways facinating. But the event I refer to was in 1814.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 10:33:57 AM
You mean 1821, no?

Oh, I googled it... you're right, 1814... did not know about this event  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 10:35:02 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 10:33:57 AM
You mean 1821, no?

No, 1814. Hint, Napoleon was not dead.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 02, 2009, 10:41:34 AM
In that case, they got the information quickly by making it up, they were exposed by Napoleon being alive?  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 10:43:47 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 02, 2009, 10:41:34 AM
In that case, they got the information quickly by making it up, they were exposed by Napoleon being alive?  :lol:

Hooray... Blackbeard gets it.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1931133_1931132_1931126,00.html
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 02, 2009, 10:50:29 AM
Alright. The Song of Roland was based on which battle?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 10:51:41 AM
Ronceveaux?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 02, 2009, 10:56:44 AM
Yeah. AKA Roncesvalles en espanol.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 11:05:13 AM
What black african realm has the honour of being part of a selected group of states, that include China, Carthage or Wales and what is the defining factor that made it possible to include it in that group?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 11:09:11 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 11:05:13 AM
What black african realm has the honour of being part of a selected group of states, that include China, Carthage or Wales and what is the defining factor that made it possible to include it in that group?

Great Zimbabwe, having a city.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 11:12:05 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 11:09:11 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 11:05:13 AM
What black african realm has the honour of being part of a selected group of states, that include China, Carthage or Wales and what is the defining factor that made it possible to include it in that group?

Great Zimbabwe, having a city.

:P Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 02, 2009, 11:30:05 AM
Something to do with dragons?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 11:35:02 AM
Mali, Rumoured to have discovered America Before Columbus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 11:37:50 AM
Yeah, there are legends of transoceanic voyages, and in the case of Mali it was Mansa Musa I who supposedly ordered the exploratory voyages?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 02, 2009, 03:49:08 PM
Correct. Mali Empire. And the interesting fact is that its ruler, Abubakari II (Mansa Musa was only interested in spending gold in Cairo) went in person towards the New World.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 03:57:39 PM
Her name was Hypatia. What was the honour given to the leader of the mob that tore her limb from limb?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 02, 2009, 04:13:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 03:57:39 PM
Her name was Hypatia. What was the honour given to the leader of the mob that tore her limb from limb?

Sainthood?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 04:16:00 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 02, 2009, 04:13:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 03:57:39 PM
Her name was Hypatia. What was the honour given to the leader of the mob that tore her limb from limb?

Sainthood?

Ding Ding, you have the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 02, 2009, 04:20:03 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 04:16:00 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 02, 2009, 04:13:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 03:57:39 PM
Her name was Hypatia. What was the honour given to the leader of the mob that tore her limb from limb?

Sainthood?

Ding Ding, you have the floor.

It's a dirty floor I don't want it.  Floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:24:33 PM
There is a substantial Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico that was settled around the turn of the 20th century by Mennonites fleeing Canada because they feared they were going to be forced to stop speaking/educating their children in Plattdeutsch.

The Mexican government agreed to give them substantial land grants and leave them alone in terms of education/language under the condition that they provide what service to the Mexican people, which they are still famous for providing to this day?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 02, 2009, 04:27:21 PM
Crafting combo sombrero/dipping cups?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:27:37 PM
Agricultural products.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on November 02, 2009, 04:27:48 PM
Sainthood.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:27:37 PM
Agricultural products.
Please be more specific. -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:29:00 PM
queso
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:30:09 PM
Quote from: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:29:00 PM
queso
Correct.  Queso menonita, to be specific.  :bowler:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 02, 2009, 04:31:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:24:33 PM
There is a substantial Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico that was settled around the turn of the 20th century by Mennonites fleeing Canada because they feared they were going to be forced to stop speaking/educating their children in Plattdeutsch.

The Mexican government agreed to give them substantial land grants and leave them alone in terms of education/language under the condition that they provide what service to the Mexican people, which they are still famous for providing to this day?

What would early 20th century want from 16th century germans. Technology obviously. Teach at Mexican Universities?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:32:54 PM
BTW I believe that migration was considerably later, 1960s or so.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:33:53 PM
Quote from: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:32:54 PM
BTW I believe that migration was considerably later, 1960s or so.
Oh.  :blush: Well that was asked from memory, and anyway you got it right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on November 02, 2009, 04:41:59 PM
I don't have anything. Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:44:22 PM
This is a semi-Timmy Rule infracting question, but I liked it so much I'm going to ask anyway.

What was the average rate of fire of the English fleet at the battle of Gravelines (Spanish Armada).  For context rate of fire in Nelson's time was c. 3 rounds every five minutes for good crews.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:47:12 PM
Quote from: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:30:09 PM
Correct.  Queso menonita, to be specific.  :bowler:
Shouldn't that be queso menonito? :nerd:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 05:31:47 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:47:12 PM
Shouldn't that be queso menonito? :nerd:
No hablo espanol.  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 03, 2009, 01:59:13 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:47:12 PM
Quote from: Caliga on November 02, 2009, 04:30:09 PM
Correct.  Queso menonita, to be specific.  :bowler:
Shouldn't that be queso menonito? :nerd:

Nope. In Spanish the names of some peoples or collectives (usually from the Middle East) do end in -i or -ita. For example, israelí-israelita, sunní-sunnita, chií-chiita and mennoní-mennonita.

At least in Spain we use far more frequently the termination in -i, because -ita often sounds dated and odd (as you noticed) but both forms are grammatically correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 03, 2009, 02:43:04 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 02, 2009, 10:43:47 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 02, 2009, 10:41:34 AM
In that case, they got the information quickly by making it up, they were exposed by Napoleon being alive?  :lol:

Hooray... Blackbeard gets it.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1931133_1931132_1931126,00.html

QuotePubs are often unreliable sources of gossip and never more so than with this tall tale involving one of history's most famous short men. In 1814, a uniformed officer who gave his name as Colonel du Bourg arrived at the Ship Inn in Dover, England, bringing news that Napoleon Bonaparte had been killed. This meant that England's long war with the Bourbons was over

Apparently he did his research in a pub...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 04, 2009, 10:02:19 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 12, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
I'll squeeze one in until Meri shows up.

Who was the first socialist elected to the US Congress?

Barak Obama or Victor Berger.

And No, I don't want the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 03:28:47 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:44:22 PM
This is a semi-Timmy Rule infracting question, but I liked it so much I'm going to ask anyway.

What was the average rate of fire of the English fleet at the battle of Gravelines (Spanish Armada).  For context rate of fire in Nelson's time was c. 3 rounds every five minutes for good crews.

I don't know the rate, but I know it was appallingly low in comparison... and the rate of the Armada, far lower still!

I'm raising my standard and seizing the floor, mainly to bump the thread.

A funny question: to which nationality did actually belong Tsar Nicholas II assuming Peter the Great was 100% Russian, German princesses 100% German, etc? Or, in other words, how much Russian blood did late Romanovs have?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 05, 2009, 03:40:47 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 03:28:47 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:44:22 PM
This is a semi-Timmy Rule infracting question, but I liked it so much I'm going to ask anyway.

What was the average rate of fire of the English fleet at the battle of Gravelines (Spanish Armada).  For context rate of fire in Nelson's time was c. 3 rounds every five minutes for good crews.

I don't know the rate, but I know it was appallingly low in comparison... and the rate of the Armada, far lower still!

I'm raising my standard and seizing the floor, mainly to bump the thread.

A funny question: to which nationality did actually belong Tsar Nicholas II assuming Peter the Great was 100% Russian, German princesses 100% German, etc? Or, in other words, how much Russian blood did late Romanovs have?

Danish. Nicholas' mother was Danish.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 04:00:13 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 05, 2009, 03:40:47 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 03:28:47 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 02, 2009, 04:44:22 PM
This is a semi-Timmy Rule infracting question, but I liked it so much I'm going to ask anyway.

What was the average rate of fire of the English fleet at the battle of Gravelines (Spanish Armada).  For context rate of fire in Nelson's time was c. 3 rounds every five minutes for good crews.

I don't know the rate, but I know it was appallingly low in comparison... and the rate of the Armada, far lower still!

I'm raising my standard and seizing the floor, mainly to bump the thread.

A funny question: to which nationality did actually belong Tsar Nicholas II assuming Peter the Great was 100% Russian, German princesses 100% German, etc? Or, in other words, how much Russian blood did late Romanovs have?

Danish. Nicholas' mother was Danish.

Yes, he was actually a bit more than 50% Danish (Holstein-Gottorp is in Denmark) but... how much, or how little, Russian was the other 50%?

Note: You have already got the right answer, you can make your question if you wish.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 05, 2009, 04:11:20 AM
The rest was German, IIRC - he was cousin to George IV or V, another mostly-German monarch.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 05, 2009, 04:19:28 AM
The question.

Who did Hitler dictate Mein Kampf to?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 05, 2009, 04:33:29 AM
His mother.

"That's very nice dear, but when are you going to settle down and get married? I'd like to have grandkids someday, you know."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 04:44:29 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 05, 2009, 04:19:28 AM
The question.

Who did Hitler dictate Mein Kampf to?

Hess?

As for the previous question, I knew that Nicholas II had not a blood of russian in him, mainly because of the 18th century female monarchs...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 06:37:27 AM
Just for fun (excluding brothers of previous Tsars, like Nicholas I, and with some rounding up)

Peter I 100% Russian
Peter II 50% Russian, 50% German
Peter III 50% Danish (Holstein-Gottorp), 25% Russian, 25% German
Paul I 62,25% German, 25% Danish, 12,5% Russian
Alexander I 81% German, 12,5% Danish, 6,25% Russian
Alexander II 90,5% German, 6,25% Danish, 3,1% Russian
Alexander III 95% German, 3,1% Danish, 1,6% Russian
Nicholas II 51,6% Danish, 47,5% German, 0,8% Russian

Of course, our initial premise is somewhat artificial, but the underlying truth is, Tsars were deeply involved in the power plays of Germany trough their ties with local aristocracy since a very early date, first in the protestant North and the Baltic (Holstein-Gottorp, Brunswick, Anhalt-Zerbst) but later, after the Seven Years War, also in Southern Germany  (Baden, Wurttemberg)

Equally interesting is that the only marriage between "equals" was the marriage between the future Tsar Nicholas I (brother of Alexander I) and Princess Charlotte of Prussia in 1817, just after the Napoleonic Wars.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 05, 2009, 07:44:00 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 04:44:29 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 05, 2009, 04:19:28 AM
The question.

Who did Hitler dictate Mein Kampf to?

Hess?



It does read like it was one madman dictating to another madman doesn't it?  He really needed a good editor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 05, 2009, 09:02:45 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 03:28:47 AM
I don't know the rate, but I know it was appallingly low in comparison... and the rate of the Armada, far lower still!
Once an hour for the English, once a day for the Spanish.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 05, 2009, 09:51:39 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 04:44:29 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 05, 2009, 04:19:28 AM
The question.

Who did Hitler dictate Mein Kampf to?

Hess?

As for the previous question, I knew that Nicholas II had not a blood of russian in him, mainly because of the 18th century female monarchs...

Hess is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:22:40 AM
Following the WW2 line...

Otto Skorzeny is generally regarded as the man that "saved" Mussolini from the clutches of italian troops by getting him from the Gran Sasso motel. But the real hero of the operation was a german high-ranking general that actually followed the movements of the italians and managed to pinpoint the location of Mussolini. What's his name?

Hint: it's not hard at all...  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:24:10 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 05, 2009, 07:44:00 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 04:44:29 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 05, 2009, 04:19:28 AM
The question.

Who did Hitler dictate Mein Kampf to?

Hess?



It does read like it was one madman dictating to another madman doesn't it?  He really needed a good editor.

I actually enjoyed the first volume. The second is more theoretical, but the first can be read as a story of the movement, in very broad terms... And it's not the worst book you can read, in the same vein Hitler's paintings are not the worst art you can encounter...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 05, 2009, 11:26:38 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:22:40 AM
Hint: it's not hard at all...  :rolleyes:

Soft?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 05, 2009, 12:11:45 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 05, 2009, 09:02:45 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 05, 2009, 03:28:47 AM
I don't know the rate, but I know it was appallingly low in comparison... and the rate of the Armada, far lower still!
Once an hour for the English, once a day for the Spanish.

No wonder they lost.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:02:05 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:22:40 AM
Following the WW2 line...

Otto Skorzeny is generally regarded as the man that "saved" Mussolini from the clutches of italian troops by getting him from the Gran Sasso motel. But the real hero of the operation was a german high-ranking general that actually followed the movements of the italians and managed to pinpoint the location of Mussolini. What's his name?

Hint: it's not hard at all...  :rolleyes:

24 hour rule. BTW, I googled and looked in wiki to no avail, so I guess it's not that easy as you thought.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 06, 2009, 07:24:20 AM
Quote from: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:02:05 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:22:40 AM
Following the WW2 line...

Otto Skorzeny is generally regarded as the man that "saved" Mussolini from the clutches of italian troops by getting him from the Gran Sasso motel. But the real hero of the operation was a german high-ranking general that actually followed the movements of the italians and managed to pinpoint the location of Mussolini. What's his name?

Hint: it's not hard at all...  :rolleyes:

24 hour rule. BTW, I googled and looked in wiki to no avail, so I guess it's not that easy as you thought.

Given the time frame, it was probably Albert Kesselring. It is either him or our old friend Erwin Rommel... 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:28:40 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 06, 2009, 07:24:20 AM
Quote from: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:02:05 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 05, 2009, 11:22:40 AM
Following the WW2 line...

Otto Skorzeny is generally regarded as the man that "saved" Mussolini from the clutches of italian troops by getting him from the Gran Sasso motel. But the real hero of the operation was a german high-ranking general that actually followed the movements of the italians and managed to pinpoint the location of Mussolini. What's his name?

Hint: it's not hard at all...  :rolleyes:

24 hour rule. BTW, I googled and looked in wiki to no avail, so I guess it's not that easy as you thought.

Given the time frame, it was probably Albert Kesselring. It is either him or our old friend Erwin Rommel...

Kesselring was Marshall for the whole theatre, I doubt he kept himself busy tracking small groups of people. My guess would have been a lower level guy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 06, 2009, 07:43:50 AM
Quote from: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:28:40 AM
Kesselring was Marshall for the whole theatre, I doubt he kept himself busy tracking small groups of people. My guess would have been a lower level guy.

Good point... Kurt Student?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:48:30 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on November 06, 2009, 07:43:50 AM
Quote from: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 07:28:40 AM
Kesselring was Marshall for the whole theatre, I doubt he kept himself busy tracking small groups of people. My guess would have been a lower level guy.

Good point... Kurt Student?

He did participate in the operation, but my understanding was that he joined it after Skorzeny took charge of it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 06, 2009, 08:31:41 AM
Ok, as wether it was Kesselring, Student or some other general, 24 hours still passed with no answer, I'll ask a new question myself.

From the mid XVIIIth century until the late XIXth or early XXth century, in the royal marriage market in Europe, German princesses were very much sought after due to a certain bias regarding their supposed better legitimacy to a higher ranking status amongst European nobility by a third party agent (besides the two houses that were celebrating the marriage, that is) that was the unofficial authority in these matters.

Question: Which was this agent?

Bonus question: Which was their bias?

Mega-bonus question: Why and when did this original agent (not their successors) cease to operate?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on November 06, 2009, 09:17:16 AM
Seedy's Foster Home for Wayward Young Women.

Building character through flogging.

Asian mail order brides became readily available, so the original home was closed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 06, 2009, 10:52:12 AM
I forgot about this thread.  :D

Alatriste was right though. Kurt Student. Did not join after the operations, as Nazi propaganda announced, but actually found out where Mussolini was kept. Good old Otto was there to provide the "Hitler's men" angle.

I said it was easy because the operation resembles in many ways the Eben-Emael success.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 06, 2009, 11:49:57 AM
The Hapsburgs.

They dug the bushy armpits.

They lost face when they whored out their daughter to the Corsican tyrant.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 07, 2009, 12:46:00 AM
Meyer Rothschild

Wanting to maintain the solvency of his debtors

Napoleonic Wars
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 07, 2009, 08:56:26 AM
No dice so far.

Clue: The agent in question issued a periodical publication (whose name is a correct answer on itself for the question) that was delivered to all European courts, and was based in a ducal court in the HRE.

Edit: And here's an interesting showing of their bias. It's a letter by Napoleon, complaning that the publication didn't include the people he ennobled, and kept including deposed rulers:

'Monsieur de Champagny, this year's XXX is badly done. I protest. There should be more of the French Nobility I have created and less of the German Princes who are no longer sovereign. Furthermore, the Imperial Family of Bonaparte should appear before all other royal dynasties, and let it be clear that we and not the Bourbons are the House of France. Summon the Minister of the Interior of XXX at once so that I personally may order these changes'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 07, 2009, 09:59:59 AM
I'd guess Who's Who, but that's obviously wrong since it doesn't have a Minister of Interior.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 07, 2009, 10:19:28 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 07, 2009, 09:59:59 AM
I'd guess Who's Who, but that's obviously wrong since it doesn't have a Minister of Interior.

It's not that, but you're getting closer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 07, 2009, 02:25:19 PM
Ok, I seem to vaguely recall something...

Is it related to something called "Gotha"?

Edit: googled it and it seems I remembered correctly... of course, it was just a lucky hunch, I couldn't have told you anything more about it...  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 07, 2009, 02:33:06 PM
I was going to go with "Horse and Nobility Breeders Quarterly".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on November 07, 2009, 09:33:23 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 07, 2009, 02:25:19 PM
Ok, I seem to vaguely recall something...

Is it related to something called "Gotha"?

Edit: googled it and it seems I remembered correctly... of course, it was just a lucky hunch, I couldn't have told you anything more about it...  :P

Yup, the Almanach de Gotha, published in the ducal court of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, called just "The Gotha" for shorts. :cheers:

Their bias was that they ranked German princely houses next to the current sovereigns of the different kingdoms of the time, thus making them equal in terms of prestige in the eyes of the readers, while simultaneously neglecting royal and high noble families from other parts of Europe, mainly Eastern Europe and the Russian Empire.

They ceased operations in 1944, when the Red Army entered Saxony, and burned their archives.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 09:18:05 AM
In 1377 Robert of Geneva led his troops into the italian town of Cesena where they procedeed to massacre most of its dwellers. For this act, he received the title of "Butcher of Cesena"... but that wasn't the only reward he got from his contemporaries. What did Robert of Geneva receive one year later, in 1378, and what did that "thing" came to be known as?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 09:30:52 AM
This had better not be one of those fantasy questions you've been asking.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 09:34:14 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 09:30:52 AM
This had better not be one of those fantasy questions you've been asking.

Yeah, he received the Druid Sceptre, with 4+ Enchantment...  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 09:35:46 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 09:34:14 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 09:30:52 AM
This had better not be one of those fantasy questions you've been asking.

Yeah, he received the Druid Sceptre, with 4+ Enchantment...  :rolleyes:

That "discoverer's of America question was in the Realm of Fantasy".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 09:37:14 AM
It wasn't... and Wiking managed to give the correct answer. So it was easy enough...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 09:18:05 AM
In 1377 Robert of Geneva led his troops into the italian town of Cesena where they procedeed to massacre most of its dwellers. For this act, he received the title of "Butcher of Cesena"... but that wasn't the only reward he got from his contemporaries. What did Robert of Geneva receive one year later, in 1378, and what did that "thing" came to be known as?

Absolution for his crimes?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on November 08, 2009, 01:15:48 PM
He certainly could have absolved himself after 1378...

Edit: I just taught about this...time period in my class...not going to claim the prize as I cheated by reading up on it last week.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 01:20:15 PM
Quote from: PDH on November 08, 2009, 01:15:48 PM
He certainly could have absolved himself after 1378...

Edit: I just taught about this...time period in my class...not going to claim the prize as I cheated by reading up on it last week.

That's why the Middle Ages are the best.   :lmfao:

Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Absolution for his crimes?

The French, the Spanish and the Scots certainly believed that ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 08, 2009, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Absolution for his crimes?

The French, the Spanish and the Scots certainly believed that ;)
[/quote]

I was going to say Cardinal, but Anti-Pope?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 01:28:17 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Absolution for his crimes?

The French, the Spanish and the Scots certainly believed that ;)

I was going to say Cardinal, but Anti-Pope?
[/quote]

He became Pope... but why was his election so important?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 08, 2009, 02:30:54 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 01:28:17 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Absolution for his crimes?

The French, the Spanish and the Scots certainly believed that ;)

I was going to say Cardinal, but Anti-Pope?

He became Pope... but why was his election so important?
[/quote]

Because he became Clement VII, the first Anti-pope, while Urbain VI was still murdering Cardinals sitting on Saint-Peter's throne. I always mix up those two.  :blush:

So technically, Viking got it right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 08, 2009, 02:44:07 PM
By the 1880's Darwin and his theory of evolution were considered flawed. What was the flaw and how was it corrected?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 02:48:03 PM
Quote from: Drakken on November 08, 2009, 02:30:54 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 01:28:17 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 01:23:45 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 12:41:11 PM
Absolution for his crimes?

The French, the Spanish and the Scots certainly believed that ;)

I was going to say Cardinal, but Anti-Pope?

He became Pope... but why was his election so important?

Because he became Clement VII, the first Anti-pope, while Urbain VI was still murdering Cardinals sitting on Saint-Peter's throne. I always mix up those two.  :blush:

So technically, Viking got it right.
[/quote]

He was by no means the first Anti-pope. He was actually among the last...

But since Viking guessed the main question... The election of the Butcher of Cesena gave birth to the Great Schism. France, Scotland, the Spanish kingdoms, Norway and Denmark sided with him while Italy, most of Germany, England, Poland and Hungary got behind Urban VI...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 02:51:16 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 02:44:07 PM
By the 1880's Darwin and his theory of evolution were considered flawed. What was the flaw and how was it corrected?

He wasn't able to demonstrate what Mendel later showed to be true in how inheritance of traits works?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 08, 2009, 03:11:01 PM
Bingo, Medelian inheritance was necessary to show how traits could be inherited. Previously inheritance was thought to be a mixture of the traits of the parents, red and white parents result in pink children etc.etc. Darwin's problem was that any mutation would be diluted through the generations.

But you got the order wrong. Mendel did his work in the 1860's just after Darwins publication, but he published it in a Brno Botany Journal in German. A copy of this paper (in German) was found among Darwin's papers after his death. But ti seems he never was able to read it. Mendel's work was suppressed by the local catholic church and ordered Mendel to stop his science.

A few strange things about Mendels paper and his experiments. It seems that he designed his experiments in such a manner that it seems that he knew the results beforehand. The 7 traits he selected for were all on different genes so could be selected for.

But volksdeutsche Vlad Tepes is correct, the re-discovery of Mendel's work and it's confirmation filled in the hole in Darwinian Evolution through Natural selection by demonstrating a mechanism which would prevent mutations from being diluted.

Naturally after 100 further years of work the Theory has been developed further and is only called "Darwin's Theory" by creationists.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 08, 2009, 03:15:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on November 08, 2009, 03:11:01 PM
Naturally after 100 further years of work the Theory has been developed further and is only called "Darwin's Theory" by creationists.

:yeahright:

Not very classy of all those other biologists to try to steal credit imo.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 08, 2009, 03:18:43 PM
Highschool memories FTW!  :cool:

I leave the floor opened for someone else's questions
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 04:03:12 PM
That of course wasn't the only flaw in this theory.  One of the most problematic was that Lord Kelvin had calculated the life span of the sun.  Since it could only last a few million years it was in conflict with Darwin's observations.  This wasn't resolved until the discovery of Fusion.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 08, 2009, 04:18:30 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on November 08, 2009, 04:03:12 PM
That of course wasn't the only flaw in this theory.  One of the most problematic was that Lord Kelvin had calculated the life span of the sun.  Since it could only last a few million years it was in conflict with Darwin's observations.  This wasn't resolved until the discovery of Fusion.

Kelvin wasn't a big problem. His assumptions used for the age of the earth and sun. Anyway, Kelvin did his math in the 1890's, Lyell had an age of the earth in hundreds of millions of years based on sedimentation. Bequerelle had the age of the earth at 500 million in the 1890's as well. There were hypotheses which made the earth old enough. There were no hypotheses which explained how traits would not be diluted.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 10, 2009, 01:32:34 PM
Since nobody wants to ask...

By the year 1000 most of the Muslim world (made in majority of Sunnis) was dominated by no less than 12 Shia dinasties. Only two important Sunni regimes stood proud while facing this dire situation.

Question A: What were these two dynasties?
Question B: Name three Shia dynasties of that period, while placing them geographically
Question C: What were the two great dynastical events of the 11th century that managed to end this period of glory for the Shia faith? (by dynastical I mean the emergence of two new dynasties)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 10, 2009, 05:13:29 PM
Umayyid, Abbasid

Fatamids in Egypt
Safavids in Iran??
Mumble mumble mumble?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 10, 2009, 05:16:52 PM
I like Yi's answers.

For C, I'd guess the emergence of the Ottomans is one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on November 10, 2009, 05:25:50 PM
The Timurids or some other mongol dynasty?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 10, 2009, 05:29:11 PM
I don't think the Ottomans and Timurids were around in the 11th century.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 10, 2009, 05:31:47 PM
That was actually my mistake. I shouldn't ask questions about the Muslim Middle Ages  :lmfao:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 10, 2009, 05:33:47 PM
I'd guess that the Seljuks are one and maybe the Zirids.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 10, 2009, 05:35:44 PM
Pretty sure the Seljuks were Sunni.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 10, 2009, 05:39:46 PM
Yeah my answers were just to part C.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 10, 2009, 05:46:01 PM
Wait is our year 1000 or their year 1000?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 10, 2009, 05:48:44 PM
I don't accept the Zirids as an answer  :P... they were Fatimid puppets until the Fatimid Age of Troubles...

Now... let's see what's been correct so far

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and ***
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), *** and ***
C. Seljuks (garbon) and ***

For Razgovory... I'm pretty sure it's our year 1000...  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 10, 2009, 06:15:49 PM
The Ottomans were definitely around by 1620. ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 10, 2009, 09:27:20 PM
Ayyubids for C.
Probably a North African dynasty for A. I don't know any of their names though.
And a Persian-located dynasty for B. Again, I can't name names there.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 05:27:01 AM
Ayyubids are a 12th century dinasty though...

Hints:

a) Afghanistan
b) Iraq and Morocco
C) Sahara
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Answers...

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and Ghaznavids
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), Buyids in Iraq and let's say the Yemeni Rassids, even though there 9 more such dynasties
C. Seljuks (garbon) and Almoravids
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 11, 2009, 11:19:29 AM
Damn. I thought about guessing the Ghaznavids but then remained silent. -_-

The Almoravids? What shiites did they knock off? Can't be the Fatimids as they'd pretty much lost any influence out there.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 12:10:17 PM
Quote from: garbon on November 11, 2009, 11:19:29 AM
Damn. I thought about guessing the Ghaznavids but then remained silent. -_-

The Almoravids? What shiites did they knock off? Can't be the Fatimids as they'd pretty much lost any influence out there.

The Almoravids did knock a couple of Shiite smaller dynasties in Maghreb (even one in Spain) but that's not why they're important. They brought religious uniformity in Maghreb, which won't ever see another strong Shiite movement. In the same time, the Seljuks were destroying the Iraqian and Persian Buyids while a century later Saladin would demolish forever the last great Shiite Dynasty before the appearance of the Safavids...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 11, 2009, 01:22:50 PM
So they had nothing to do with ending the period of glory...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 05:46:08 PM
Quote from: garbon on November 11, 2009, 01:22:50 PM
So they had nothing to do with ending the period of glory...

Until the emergence of Almoravids, Maghreb saw the rise of the Fatimids, the Maroccan Idrisids, all Shia... After the Almoravids, the Shia movement dissapeared completely from the whole North Africa and Spain (with the exception of Egypt), not to mention the rise of the islamic states from the region of Niger...

It was a truly important event...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 11, 2009, 06:16:03 PM
The Fatimids power in the area was crippled before the Almoravids rose. Recall that the Zirids had already revolted and then the Fatimids in some way encouraged tribal marauders to run amok. They weren't lording over the area. The Idrisids tanked before the rise of the Almoravids.

I'm not saying that the Almoravids weren't relevant and that they didn't help with regards to enforcing their sunni rites, but your question was misleading. The great shiite powers were already gone by the time of Almoravids. They just ensured there wouldn't be another rise.  That's a bit different from the Ayyubids and Seljuks who actually went around toppling "great" shiite states.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 06:36:04 PM
They enforced the Maliki version of Sunnism. If you check out all the future great intellectuals of North Africa, you shall see that they are all Maliki. Coupled with the nomadic invasions of the 11th century, Maghreb was forever changed into a land of nomads and religious zealots. We're not talking here about a new dynasty that defeats an old one, but a religious wind dressed in political and military clothes. Also let's not forget that the fall of the pagan Ghana empire is a side-effect of the Almoravids... and this fall helped to fuel a new age for African Islam...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 08:44:08 AM
Alexandru has violated the Caliga Rule.  :mad:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 09:58:32 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 08:44:08 AM
Alexandru has violated the Caliga Rule.  :mad:

It must be a stupid rule if I violated it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 10:10:44 AM
Let me restate it for your convenience:

Romanians are to clear their history trivia questions with Germans before posting them.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 10:55:01 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 10:10:44 AM
Let me restate it for your convenience:

Romanians are to clear their history trivia questions with Germans before posting them.  :)

I have German ethnicity. I really have no need for this rule.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 01:38:38 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 10:55:01 AM
I have German ethnicity. I really have no need for this rule.
Well maybe... but your most recent question suggests to me that *we* have need for this rule. ^_^
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 01:43:17 PM
Quote from: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 01:38:38 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 10:55:01 AM
I have German ethnicity. I really have no need for this rule.
Well maybe... but your most recent question suggests to me that *we* have need for this rule. ^_^

So I can't ask questions about Eastern Europe, Arab World, Antiquity? Can I at least ask about Winsconsin and its glorious 50 year history?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 12, 2009, 01:45:20 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 01:43:17 PM
So I can't ask questions about Eastern Europe, Arab World, Antiquity? Can I at least ask about Winsconsin and its glorious 50 year history?
Yes.  Trivia questions about TSR, cheese, breweries, and the Packers amuse me.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Minsky Moment on November 12, 2009, 02:09:41 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Answers...

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and Ghaznavids
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), Buyids in Iraq and let's say the Yemeni Rassids, even though there 9 more such dynasties
C. Seljuks (garbon) and Almoravids

Werent the Samanids sunni?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 03:02:09 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 12, 2009, 02:09:41 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Answers...

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and Ghaznavids
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), Buyids in Iraq and let's say the Yemeni Rassids, even though there 9 more such dynasties
C. Seljuks (garbon) and Almoravids

Werent the Samanids sunni?

They died in 999. ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on November 12, 2009, 03:50:42 PM
I'm taking the floot, you bastards.

Fabricius, although only a servent, was ennobled by the Hapsburgs after he was tossed out of a window during the Defenstration of Prague. Appropriately, his title became "von Hohenfall". Why was this title so appropriate?

Nota bene: no answers from Germans/Austrians will be accepted. :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 12, 2009, 03:53:04 PM
Quote from: Kleves on November 12, 2009, 03:50:42 PM
I'm taking the floot, you bastards.

Fabricius, although only a servent, was ennobled by the Hapsburgs after he was tossed out of a window during the Defenstration of Prague. Appropriately, his title became "von Hohenfall". Why was this title so appropriate?

Nota bene: no answers from Germans/Austrians will be accepted. :contract:

Cause he fell out of a house?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on November 12, 2009, 03:53:47 PM
Quote from: Kleves on November 12, 2009, 03:50:42 PM
I'm taking the floot, you bastards.

Fabricius, although only a servent, was ennobled by the Hapsburgs after he was tossed out of a window during the Defenstration of Prague. Appropriately, his title became "von Hohenfall". Why was this title so appropriate?

Nota bene: no answers from Germans/Austrians will be accepted. :contract:

Not sure if I am excluded or not... but his title "Hohenfall" would be a High Fall.  Sick joke, that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Kleves on November 12, 2009, 03:56:04 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 12, 2009, 03:53:47 PM
Not sure if I am excluded or not... but his title "Hohenfall" would be a High Fall.  Sick joke, that.
Got it in one. The Hapsburgs really know how to reward a fellow, eh?  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on November 12, 2009, 04:12:48 PM
Wow... LONG time since I've played the HQ.... so here goes.

Who was son of a king, his mother was a Churchill, and he soldiered as a French General?

PS - I'll try to be back on SATURDAY to check answers.  Friday is impossible.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on November 14, 2009, 12:26:34 PM
Gentlemen - it appears a clue is needed, so here goes.

The Duke of Marlborough was his uncle. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 15, 2009, 03:26:53 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 12, 2009, 01:43:17 PM
So I can't ask questions about Eastern Europe, Arab World, Antiquity? Can I at least ask about Winsconsin and its glorious 50 year history?

Just don't ask questions where you've selected the "correct" answers and we'll be good.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 15, 2009, 04:06:42 AM
Ask anything you want within the rules.  If no one gets it, no one gets it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on November 15, 2009, 04:10:48 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 12, 2009, 02:09:41 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Answers...

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and Ghaznavids
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), Buyids in Iraq and let's say the Yemeni Rassids, even though there 9 more such dynasties
C. Seljuks (garbon) and Almoravids

Werent the Samanids sunni?
As were the Ghaznavids and eventually the Seljuks.

I'm too drunk to debate right now, but something is fishy about this. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 15, 2009, 04:32:22 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on November 15, 2009, 04:10:48 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 12, 2009, 02:09:41 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 11, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Answers...

A. Spanish Ummayids (Admiral Yi) and Ghaznavids
B. Fatimids in Egypt (Admiral Yi), Buyids in Iraq and let's say the Yemeni Rassids, even though there 9 more such dynasties
C. Seljuks (garbon) and Almoravids

Werent the Samanids sunni?
As were the Ghaznavids and eventually the Seljuks.

I'm too drunk to debate right now, but something is fishy about this.

What's fishy about it? In 1000, you had only two great Sunni dynasties in the whole Muslim world.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.

Logically, he can only be a Stuart. But I'm not sure who he was, since I have no idea who had a mother that wore the name of Churchill.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 16, 2009, 04:28:46 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.

The closest I can think of is the James, Duke of Monmouth. He did soldier under the command of the French against the Dutch for a while and was the bastard of Charles II.

However, the Walters, the line of his mother Lucy, were of Welsh descent, not Churchills. Also, he is only the half-cousin of Queen Anne and, as far as I know, have no blood ties to the Malboroughs.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 16, 2009, 04:29:18 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.

Logically, he can only be a Stuart. But I'm not sure who he was, since I have no idea who had a mother that wore the name of Churchill.

Not only Charles fathered bastards, James did as well. However, they didn't achieve the notoriety of Monmouth, and where also eclipsed by their Jacobite brother and nephew.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:33:13 PM
Quote from: Drakken on November 16, 2009, 04:29:18 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.

Logically, he can only be a Stuart. But I'm not sure who he was, since I have no idea who had a mother that wore the name of Churchill.

Not only Charles fathered bastards. James did as well.

Oh, I'm sure he was a bastard son of James.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 16, 2009, 04:36:54 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:33:13 PM
Quote from: Drakken on November 16, 2009, 04:29:18 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 16, 2009, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on November 16, 2009, 03:51:16 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 14, 2009, 05:06:09 PM
Maurice de Saxe?

I know he is the son of a king, at least...

No, but you're thinking along the right lines.  He father was the English / Scottish / Irish king.

Logically, he can only be a Stuart. But I'm not sure who he was, since I have no idea who had a mother that wore the name of Churchill.

Not only Charles fathered bastards. James did as well.

Oh, I'm sure he was a bastard son of James.

The Duke of Berwick, perhaps? I'll have to look it up (in my books), but it's the only one I can think of. I faintly remember that his mother was a Churchill, but I am not sure.

EDIT: Yep, James Fitzjames, Duke of Berwick was Maréchal de France.

If I'm right, floor's open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 17, 2009, 05:58:07 PM
Allright, I take that as "who say nothing consent". So I take the floor.

After Jacques Cartier sneaked away from Sieur de Roberval, left New France and returned to the metropole in 1542, what was the main reason why he wasn't entrusted with anymore exploration command afterwards, and rather ended his career instead in more or less forced retirement on his estates? 

Oexmelin, keep out.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 17, 2009, 06:02:25 PM
He was a Huguenot?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 17, 2009, 06:04:16 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on November 17, 2009, 06:02:25 PM
He was a Huguenot?

Nope. Roberval was Huguenot himself.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 17, 2009, 06:19:06 PM
He go into conflict with somebody in the colony?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:19:27 AM
Quote from: Viking on November 17, 2009, 06:19:06 PM
He go into conflict with somebody in the colony?

No. Surely he did (and his relations with Roberval were at most cordial), but the main reason is even more down-to-earth than that.

As a clue, a famous French proverb was born out of it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:21:18 AM
He insulted the King?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on November 18, 2009, 10:21:52 AM
He got gas?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:22:50 AM
Can I answer this or is answering question about your own country also verboten?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:00 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:21:18 AM
He insulted the King?

You are getting closer. But how did he anger François Ier?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:45 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:22:50 AM
Can I answer this or is answering question about your own country also verboten?

I think you can answer the question. I haven't seen any rule forbidding it.

Could be wrong, though. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on November 18, 2009, 10:24:19 AM
Answering is OK.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:28:12 AM
Quote from: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:45 AM
I think you can answer the question. I haven't seen any rule forbidding it.

Could be wrong, though. :)
Yep, the rule is only concerned with asking questions about your own country, not answering them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:29:05 AM
Quote from: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:00 AM
You are getting closer. But how did he anger François Ier?
He didn't bow correctly or some shit like that?  I think Edward de Vere is the one who farted in the monarch's presence (in his case it was Elizabeth I).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:28:12 AM
Quote from: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:45 AM
I think you can answer the question. I haven't seen any rule forbidding it.

Could be wrong, though. :)
Yep, the rule is only concerned with asking questions about your own country, not answering them.

Well then, I cheated the rule. :unsure:

But it concerns France, so I found a loophole.  :Canuck:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:31:18 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:29:05 AM
Quote from: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:23:00 AM
You are getting closer. But how did he anger François Ier?
He didn't bow correctly or some shit like that?  I think Edward de Vere is the one who farted in the monarch's presence (in his case it was Elizabeth I).

No. It has to do with why François Ier sent Cartier to explore the New World in the first place.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:31:25 AM
Cartier was convince at the time that his ships were carrying gold & diamonds. He didn't tell Roberval.

Francois wasn't pleased when he learned that what he had brought back were in fact worthless & really just quartz.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:33:41 AM
Quote from: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:29:48 AM
Well then, I cheated the rule. :unsure:

But it concerns France, so I found a loophole.  :Canuck:
France != Quebec or Canada, so you didn't cheat.  I ask questions about Britain all the time.  :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 18, 2009, 10:35:17 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:31:25 AM
Cartier was convince at the time that his ships were carrying gold & diamonds. He didn't tell Roberval.

Francois wasn't pleased when he learned that what he had brought back were in fact worthless & really just quartz.

To be precise, his cargo load was composed of iron pyrite, hence nicknamed "fool's gold", and quartz, mica to be exact. François Ier had sent Cartier because he wanted to find gold and gems on his own, and Cartier made an ass of himself by bringing him useless junk instead.

This has lead to the French proverb "Faux comme diamants du Canada" (Fake as Canada's diamonds).

So the answer is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:37:53 AM
Not too hard, I don't like being stock with the question.

On this day, in 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted for the first time an Island he would later name "San Juan Batista". What is that Island known as today?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:45:21 AM
Cuba?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:46:20 AM
Smaller.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:47:15 AM
Puerto Rico?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on November 18, 2009, 10:49:44 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:47:15 AM
Puerto Rico?

Yes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 10:50:53 AM
Right after I guessed Cuba I thought "but then again the capital of Puerto Rico is 'San Juan'"  :blush:

Ok, gimme a sec to think of something.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 11:25:18 AM
Who did Francisco Pizarro defeat at the battle of Las Salinas in 1538?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 18, 2009, 11:32:18 AM
Atahualpa?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:34:47 AM
His brother-in-arms?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 11:37:08 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:34:47 AM
His brother-in-arms?
I'm really looking for a name here, but I'll give it to you if nobody knows it (it may be a bit obscure unless we have some people here really interested in Spanish colonial history).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:38:48 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 11:37:08 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:34:47 AM
His brother-in-arms?
I'm really looking for a name here, but I'll give it to you if nobody knows it (it may be a bit obscure unless we have some people here really interested in Spanish colonial history).

I can tell his story but I have a bit of a problem with his name at this time. He was the guy that was given the south of Peru, went and conquered the area, then came back and expected to receive all the territory. But the king named Pizarro as the sole governor and he started the war against his ex-brother in arms...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2009, 11:43:17 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:38:48 AM
I can tell his story but I have a bit of a problem with his name at this time. He was the guy that was given the south of Peru, went and conquered the area, then came back and expected to receive all the territory. But the king named Pizarro as the sole governor and he started the war against his ex-brother in arms...
I can't remember if that's the exact story but yes, it's the general idea.  Well, I probably need to run off to a lunch meeting in a few minutes, so I'll give it to you.  The guy's name was Almagro btw.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 18, 2009, 11:46:09 AM
Floor open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 19, 2009, 02:14:23 AM
Easy one, I think: 1835 was a year of peace for Great Britain. Why were so many Royal Navy crews receiving prize money?

Note 1: Nothing special about 1835, the question could apply to pretty much any year between 1815 and the War of Crimea (and even later, very probably), but I have a list of ship companies paid prize money dating from December 1835.
Note 2: there were actually two reasons... I will accept any of them as correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 02:32:04 AM
Captured slavers!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 19, 2009, 02:35:39 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 02:32:04 AM
Captured slavers!

Correct, that's one reason. But the other affected far more RN ships (and it's a lot funnier too) 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on November 19, 2009, 03:31:54 AM
The crews were scamming whoever pays out the money?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 03:45:32 AM
It took that long for the courts to pay money due from 1815?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 19, 2009, 04:01:16 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 03:45:32 AM
It took that long for the courts to pay money due from 1815?

Yes.

http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Navy_List_1835/Prize_Money_1835.html

1815? The crews of HMS Caledonia and HMS Ruby received in 1835 the prize money for the capture of the french ship Amaranthe in 1808. 27 years before!

Perhaps even funnier is that the prize money awarded for the capture of a ship named Chesapeake in 1814 (not the frigate USS Chesapeake), also paid in 1835, was divided between the crews of 34 british ships.   
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 04:19:51 AM
Hooray.

Nothing.  Open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on November 19, 2009, 04:41:12 AM
 I knew about Almagro, even his name. But then, im sort of taking latin american history this semester.. :blush:

(By the way, the class has left me with a very favourable opinion of Argentin)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 05:05:52 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on November 19, 2009, 04:41:12 AM

(By the way, the class has left me with a very favourable opinion of Argentin)

Can you get anymore stereotype? :D

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lettow77 on November 19, 2009, 05:44:07 AM
 Secessionists like Argentina now? Or is it that I mispelled it? Either way, the mold I am conforming to is a mystery to me.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 06:00:43 AM
Easy one:

It is perhaps the oldest noble family in Europe and when Napoleon asked if it was true that they stemmed from a famous person in antiquity, one of it's members is said to have replied "I don't know, but it has been a tradition in the family for thirteen or fourteen hundred years".

What's the name of the family and who does it stem from?

Bonus question: Who did this famous person in antiquity, in turn, stem from, according to legend?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 19, 2009, 06:43:19 AM
Merovingians, from Clovis, who is supposedly a descendant of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 07:48:08 AM
Nope, this one is older

(the origin is older than "thirteen or fourteen hundred years")
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:02:12 AM
The Swedes for some reason believed they stemmed from a biblical figure, can't recall which one.

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:03:37 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on November 19, 2009, 05:44:07 AM
Secessionists like Argentina now? Or is it that I mispelled it? Either way, the mold I am conforming to is a mystery to me.

If memory serves me correctly Argentina, with its white ranchowners and later extensive German influence, would be a country very much after the idolised model of the south you seem to prescribe to :)

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 08:05:59 AM
 
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:02:12 AM
The Swedes for some reason believed they stemmed from a biblical figure, can't recall which one.

V


Well, from Noah ;) Just as the British royal house claims to stem from Odin, I believe. But that's not it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on November 19, 2009, 08:07:01 AM
IIRC some Italian noble family claimed to descend from good ol' Gaius Iulius Caesar himself (and hence, from the goddess Venus) but I can't remember which...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 08:07:05 AM
Ok, I'm going here with a hunch. The family is Italian and it claims that the founder was an important Roman figure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 08:09:22 AM
Well yes, it's an Italian family and but it's not Caesar (think of another dictator)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:11:09 AM
Quote from: miglia on November 19, 2009, 08:05:59 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:02:12 AM
The Swedes for some reason believed they stemmed from a biblical figure, can't recall which one.

V


Well, from Noah ;) Just as the British royal house claims to stem from Odin, I believe. But that's not it.

:D If you belive the bible we all stem from Noah, or his inlaws... they were the soul survivors :D


The British cannot stem from Odin.... he didn't have any human sons or daughters, only dieities :p

V
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 19, 2009, 08:11:55 AM
The Borgia, who claim descent from Tarquinius?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 08:17:46 AM
Borgias are not the ones I was thinking of (but would be of about the same age if their claim is true)


Quote
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:11:09 AM
Quote from: miglia on November 19, 2009, 08:05:59 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:02:12 AM
The Swedes for some reason believed they stemmed from a biblical figure, can't recall which one.

V


Well, from Noah ;) Just as the British royal house claims to stem from Odin, I believe. But that's not it.

:D If you belive the bible we all stem from Noah, or his inlaws... they were the soul survivors :D

Yeah I know. The point was the geneology tracing back to him.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 19, 2009, 08:22:41 AM
De Medicis, descent from Alexander?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 08:23:09 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 08:28:55 AM
Hint: The family took it's name after the roman dictator
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 11:09:39 AM
I was looking for the Massimo family, stemming from Fabius Maximus, of the Fabii family which, according to Plutarch, stems from a union between Heracles and a nymph.

There seems to be a good chance that their claim of stemming from Fabius Maximus is genuine.

QuoteThe Massimo family also provided two Popes to the Catholic Church, both Saints - Pope Anastasius I (died 401) who denounced the Origenist heresy, and Pope Paschal I (died 824) who stood up to the Frankish kings.[3]

After the Dark Ages the family is recorded again in 1012 in the person of Leo de Maximis.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on November 19, 2009, 11:11:25 AM
Cool, that was a really neat question.... maybe a little too hard tho :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 19, 2009, 11:16:13 AM
Yeah, sorry, I would have given it to Alatriste or Alexandru but I couldn't decide who had the greater claim. I'll just leave an open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 19, 2009, 02:03:16 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:11:09 AM
Quote from: miglia on November 19, 2009, 08:05:59 AM
Quote from: Valdemar on November 19, 2009, 08:02:12 AM
The Swedes for some reason believed they stemmed from a biblical figure, can't recall which one.

V


Well, from Noah ;) Just as the British royal house claims to stem from Odin, I believe. But that's not it.

:D If you belive the bible we all stem from Noah, or his inlaws... they were the soul survivors :D


The British cannot stem from Odin.... he didn't have any human sons or daughters, only dieities :p

V

I can trace to Odin. Heimskringla gives the Scandinavian Kings Holy Descent.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on November 19, 2009, 02:04:44 PM
Heyerdahl proved that Odin was a human lord.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 19, 2009, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: The Brain on November 19, 2009, 02:04:44 PM
Heyerdahl proved that Odin was a human lord.

Heyerdahl was a crackpot.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 19, 2009, 06:27:30 PM
Seven individuals are known to have formed a syndicate to finance an anti-pirate privateer expedition against the endemic piracy problem in Indian Ocean during King William III's reign. They have been unfortunate to have recruted the infamous privateer William Kidd.

Of these, three were :

a) Richard Coote, 1st Earl of Bellomont, governor of Massachussetts and New York

b) Edmund Harrison, wealthy London merchant and capital-bringer for the former

c) Thomas Livingston, archenemy of notoriously corrupt pirate-friendly New York governor Benjamin Fletcher

The remaining four people were in the deal with the express condition that their participation remained secret, which, for reasons known only to us in hindsight, was soon exposed due to Kidd's "winning ways" with the Royal Navy, the East India Company, and pretty much any English vessel he met on the way to the Indian Ocean. Who were these fellows (I'll accept two names), and why was their participation supposed to secret?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 07:28:30 PM
And they call my questions cryptic  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 19, 2009, 07:42:44 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 07:28:30 PM
And they call my questions cryptic  :lol:

How is it cryptic?

Of the four remaining, name at least two, plus the reason why they asked their backing to remain confidential in a venture which was supposed to be made in the Name of the King (Kidd had, after all, a formal commission issued with King William's personal signature).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 19, 2009, 07:44:55 PM
Yeah, bad call, Alex.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 08:42:13 PM
Quote from: garbon on November 19, 2009, 07:44:55 PM
Yeah, bad call, Alex.

By all means, I'm offering you the chance to respond.

There are three completely unknown people placed in that list. To find another four would be quite a feat...  :lmfao:

Ok, I'm going with a stupid response: the king and the prime-minister were involved.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 19, 2009, 08:51:05 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 08:42:13 PM
By all means, I'm offering you the chance to respond.

There are three completely unknown people placed in that list. To find another four would be quite a feat...  :lmfao:

Ok, I'm going with a stupid response: the king and the prime-minister were involved.
You laughed that no one could get your easy Egyptian question, you laugh now at Drakken's question.  I'm beginning to think your manners are not very good.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 20, 2009, 03:37:02 AM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 08:42:13 PM
Quote from: garbon on November 19, 2009, 07:44:55 PM
Yeah, bad call, Alex.

By all means, I'm offering you the chance to respond.

There are three completely unknown people placed in that list. To find another four would be quite a feat...  :lmfao:

Ok, I'm going with a stupid response: the king and the prime-minister were involved.

That's why I ask only for two on four. And my mention that Kidd's privateer commission was signed personally by the King was a clue. :)

Still, your response isn't that far off. While the King was not a direct financial backer and did not spend a personal dime on it (and there were no Prime Ministers until the Hanoverians), he did promote the idea of sending privateers in the Indian Ocean to alleviate the East India Company's constant requests for military intervention from London : He recognized the harm piracy was doing to Britain's prestige and trade in the region, but his personal crusade against Louis XIV meant he couldn't spare Royal Navy men-of-wars to send in such a far-away region.

Sadly, the pilot project would became a complete fiasco.

I'll throw a bone then: The reason why they wanted their identity to remain confidential is because all four of them were proeminent supporters of King William since the Glorious Revolution, and all four were among His Majesty's close personal friends.

So, only the names are needed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 20, 2009, 01:35:52 PM
Hmmmm, I guess this time the question was a little bit too hard for most.  :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on November 20, 2009, 03:11:45 PM
Quote from: Drakken on November 20, 2009, 01:35:52 PM
Hmmmm, I guess this time the question was a little bit too hard for most.  :(

What gave it away?  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on November 20, 2009, 04:34:34 PM
Well, it is hard to gauge difficulty of questions, I thought my question would be easy as well with the Napoleon link (seems to be a lot of people here with a special interest for the Napoleonic Wars)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 20, 2009, 05:42:12 PM
Well then, I'll give you the answer.

The four individuals were ALL holders of Offices of the Realm at the time, proeminent Whigs, and first-time supporters of William since he set foot on England's soil.

They were:

a) Sir John Somers, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal
b) Charles Talbot, 1st Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretary of State
c) Sir Edward Russell, First Lord of the Admiralty
d) Henry Sydney, 1st Earl of Romney, Master-General of Ordnance

You can now understand why Kidd's antics became a huge political scandal in Parliament when the identity of these backers became known.

As an aside, when Kidd was brought back to London he was summoned before a Parliamentary committee to see if he could be used as a key witness for an eventual impeachment, in exchange for a Parliamentary pardon which would save his neck. Weirdly, while his inexcusable nigh-on piratic antics and the links with the backers were widely known,  Kidd stauchily maintained he had committed no piracy despite clear evidence of the contrary, which made them consider him useless as an unreliable witness. Hence the word of one member of Parliament: "I had thought him only a knave. Now I know him to be a fool as well".  :lol:

And I checked, it wasn't mentioned on Wiki in the bio of any of these great individuals.  :cool:

I cede the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on November 20, 2009, 05:51:59 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on November 19, 2009, 08:42:13 PM
By all means, I'm offering you the chance to respond.

There are three completely unknown people placed in that list. To find another four would be quite a feat...  :lmfao:

Ok, I'm going with a stupid response: the king and the prime-minister were involved.

Obscure is not the same as cryptic.  Your questions are cryptic as the only correct answers are the ones chosen by you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on November 20, 2009, 05:59:59 PM
My bad, it was in Captain Kidd's bio on Wiki.  :blush:

QuoteFour-fifths of the cost for the venture was paid for by noble lords, who were among the most powerful men in England: the Earl of Orford, The Baron of Romney, the Duke of Shrewsbury and Sir John Somers. Kidd was presented with a letter of marque, signed personally by King William III of England. This letter reserved 10% of the loot for the Crown, and Henry Gilbert's The Book of Pirates suggests that the King may have fronted some of the money for the voyage himself. Kidd and an acquaintance, Colonel Robert Livingston, orchestrated the whole plan and paid for the rest. Kidd had to sell his ship Antigua to raise funds.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 07, 2009, 01:44:50 AM
Let's get this thread going again with an easy one.


Almost 95% of Bali's population adhere to a variety of Hinduism, and being in Bali reminds you of being in India in many ways. The island became Hindu after being made a colony of a vast Hindu empire. What's the name of the empire?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 10:00:41 AM
No-one? It was founded after the failed Mongol invasion of Java.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 14, 2009, 10:21:44 AM
Khmer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 10:39:36 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 14, 2009, 10:40:46 AM
Balikpapan?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 10:41:07 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 14, 2009, 10:43:46 AM
argh... yeah I do recall some Indonesian empire now that you mention it but it had a weird ass name.

um.... Suvaryaman or something?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 10:53:20 AM
Nope. You might be thinking of Srivijaya (which directly precedes this empire)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 11:01:59 AM
There's a regional air-carrier called Srivijaya Air btw, with a really shitty rep (though of course most Indonesian carriers have a shitty rep)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 14, 2009, 12:11:43 PM
Hindu?  I thought the Balinese were Buddhist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 14, 2009, 01:50:33 PM
Nope.  He's right about them being Hindu (it does seem strange... total outlier).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 02:47:19 PM
Yep, only Hindu island in the region. Bali is 95% hindu and 95% of Indonesia's hindus live on Bali (or something like that). The central government in Jakarta recently drove through a so-called "anti-pornography law" which has been used to arrest women on charges of prostitution for not wearing veils and will outlaw the showing of female skin in traditional balinese dancing, for example. The governor of Bali said he'd prefer Bali to secede rather than be subject to the law. They don't like the javanese very much, especially not since muslims from java took to the habit of blowing themselves up in their night clubs. But the Balinese were very prominent in the struggle for freedom from the dutch so they do have some patriotic feeling for Indonesia.


Still no-one? It's a playable country in Eu3.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 14, 2009, 02:52:34 PM
Quote from: Caliga on December 14, 2009, 10:43:46 AM
um.... Suvaryaman or something?

I think that's the leader of the Khmer in Civ 4.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 14, 2009, 03:06:13 PM
Majapahit?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on December 14, 2009, 03:07:26 PM
Correct!

(They made Bali their base after they were driven off Java)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on January 18, 2010, 10:20:45 PM
Been over a month. I'm jumping in:

During the eighth century, a standard of calligraphy was set using the script from the Saint Martin of Tours monastery. What was it called?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 18, 2010, 10:22:11 PM
Carolingian?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2010, 11:00:16 PM
Frankish?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on January 18, 2010, 11:18:41 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 18, 2010, 10:22:11 PM
Carolingian?

Nailed it.

You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 19, 2010, 12:43:57 AM
I thought it was Carolingian Miniscule
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on January 19, 2010, 05:22:19 AM
Times Old Roman
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 19, 2010, 06:21:52 AM
The worst defeat for the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars (an entire squadron was either sunk or captured) occurred where?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on January 19, 2010, 06:54:54 AM
Quote from: Caliga on January 19, 2010, 06:21:52 AM
The worst defeat for the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars (an entire squadron was either sunk or captured) occurred where?

Mauritius, If I'm not wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 19, 2010, 06:57:46 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on January 19, 2010, 06:54:54 AM
Mauritius, If I'm not wrong.
Not Jack Aubrey's fault, he wasn't there!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 19, 2010, 07:43:36 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on January 19, 2010, 06:54:54 AM
Mauritius, If I'm not wrong.
You are indeed not wrong.  The Battle of Grand Port, to be specific.  You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 19, 2010, 07:56:56 AM
Quote from: merithyn on January 18, 2010, 11:18:41 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 18, 2010, 10:22:11 PM
Carolingian?

Nailed it.

You're up.

I looked these guys up, they also invented lower case letters.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on January 20, 2010, 08:29:53 AM
An easy one. Galleys stank to heaven, so much it was said that even in the darkest night a galley couldn't approach unnoticed because the nose discovered it where the eyes couldn't.

Most countries usually let the thing stand but the Venetians actually tried to clean their galleys at regular intervals (perhaps because they used more free oarsmen) and they had a very efficient and cheap method. What did they do? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2010, 08:31:04 AM
Sank them.  Too easy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2010, 08:31:37 AM
They sank them to clean them out?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pat on January 20, 2010, 09:40:34 AM
Put them under a waterfall?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 20, 2010, 10:07:17 AM
burned them and replaced the burned bit?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on January 20, 2010, 11:05:01 AM
Some sort of system for washing them out with seawater, without sinking the boat?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 20, 2010, 01:18:05 PM
Capsized them in shallow water?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on January 20, 2010, 03:02:15 PM
Nope, Yi is right. They sank them in shallow waters, if possible where flowing currents would push the filth away.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2010, 06:27:01 PM
Floor open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Strix on February 02, 2010, 11:15:03 PM
What was the worst single shipwreck in American history?

For a bonus, what was the worst single shipwreck in history?

Oddly enough they had some very peculiar similarities.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 06:14:39 AM
Do you mean in terms of loss of life?

In all of history it was that one at the end of WWII where a Soviet sub sunk a German liner in the Baltic overloaded with refugees and injured soldiers... I think it was called the Wilhelm Gustloff or something.... IIRC 9,000 died.

In the US I'm guessing it was that one right after the end of the civil war where a steamship blew up on the Mississippi near Memphis.  I can't remember the loss of life there, but I think the ship was called USS Sultana.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Strix on February 03, 2010, 10:50:27 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 06:14:39 AM
Do you mean in terms of loss of life?

In all of history it was that one at the end of WWII where a Soviet sub sunk a German liner in the Baltic overloaded with refugees and injured soldiers... I think it was called the Wilhelm Gustloff or something.... IIRC 9,000 died.

In the US I'm guessing it was that one right after the end of the civil war where a steamship blew up on the Mississippi near Memphis.  I can't remember the loss of life there, but I think the ship was called USS Sultana.

Correct on all accounts.

The loss of life on the Sultana was a few more than on the Titanic. It was loaded with soldiers and ex-POWs headed home after the war which was similar to the German ship loaded with soldiers and others.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 12:35:42 PM
I like the naval theme and shall continue with it.

What extraordinary feat is the British submarine HMS Venturer noted for, which no other submarine had ever achieved before nor has achieved since?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 01:14:11 PM
Sinking an enemy submarine.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Strix on February 03, 2010, 02:54:31 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 01:14:11 PM
Sinking an enemy submarine while both submarines were submerged.

I fixed that for you!

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 03:54:59 PM
Correct.  There is speculation that US-Soviet subs have collided, but the Venturer is the only sub that destroyed an enemy sub with a torpedo while both were submerged.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 03:58:37 PM
Whatever. I'm shooting from the hip here.

THE LADIES KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 04:03:08 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 03:58:37 PM
Whatever. I'm shooting from the hip here.
Your guess (while very close) didn't quite cut the mustard because there were other instances during WWII of subs sinking each other when at least one was surfaced.  I think one of the giant Jap sub carriers was sunk by a US submarine, and I believe a Japanese sub actually sunk a US sub on another occasion.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 04:39:53 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 04:03:08 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 03, 2010, 03:58:37 PM
Whatever. I'm shooting from the hip here.
Your guess (while very close) didn't quite cut the mustard because there were other instances during WWII of subs sinking each other when at least one was surfaced.  I think one of the giant Jap sub carriers was sunk by a US submarine, and I believe a Japanese sub actually sunk a US sub on another occasion.

Why do you want to discuss my failure at length? Is this a Kentucky thing?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 03, 2010, 05:14:26 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 03, 2010, 12:35:42 PM
I like the naval theme and shall continue with it.

What extraordinary feat is the British submarine HMS Venturer noted for, which no other submarine had ever achieved before nor has achieved since?

Good Grief, I feel old...I remember asking that question on the old board. :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 10, 2010, 09:12:02 AM
Slavery was more or less officially established in Virginia in 1654, when land owner Anthony Johnson convinced a court that his black indentured servant John Casor was his for life. The court ruled in Johnson's favor. Johnson eventually became very wealthy and began importing black slaves from Africa.

What makes the above even more interesting?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 10, 2010, 09:15:38 AM
Oh I know this one!

It's : irony.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pedrito on February 10, 2010, 09:17:37 AM
:yes:

L.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2010, 11:29:22 AM
Anthony went by the nickname "Magic."
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 10, 2010, 11:51:17 AM
Quote from: Octavian on February 10, 2010, 09:12:02 AM
Slavery was more or less officially established in Virginia in 1654, when land owner Anthony Johnson convinced a court that his black indentured servant John Casor was his for life. The court ruled in Johnson's favor. Johnson eventually became very wealthy and began importing black slaves from Africa.

What makes the above even more interesting?

He was the first Englishman to own African slaves?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 12:51:24 PM
 :hmm:

Anthony Johnson was black?

[Answer based on the, ahem, "interesting" responses so far to this question.]
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on February 10, 2010, 02:45:40 PM
Yes, he was black - a good way to show how slavery at first wasn't especially «racialized», but a more transitory status, based on circumstances. It took more or less 30-40 years before being a slave became associated with being black, and before black slave owners were ousted / chased / re-enslaved in Virginia.



Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
History really is full of little ironies.

What was the traditional title used by rulers of all Sumer to legitimise their rule?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2010, 03:08:32 PM
Leader of the Free World.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 10, 2010, 03:14:06 PM
King of Kings?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 10, 2010, 03:27:44 PM
Chairman of the Board?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on February 10, 2010, 03:31:08 PM
HNIC?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
History really is full of little ironies.

What was the traditional title used by rulers of all Sumer to legitimise their rule?

Ensi?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 10, 2010, 03:42:36 PM
Pelosi?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 04:23:21 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
History really is full of little ironies.

What was the traditional title used by rulers of all Sumer to legitimise their rule?

Ensi?

No, but kudos to you for giving me the first answer from the right period. :hug:

Viking

No. But you are on the right lines.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 10, 2010, 04:27:11 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 04:23:21 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
History really is full of little ironies.

What was the traditional title used by rulers of all Sumer to legitimise their rule?

Ensi?

No, but kudos to you for giving me the first answer from the right period. :hug:

Viking

No. But you are on the right lines.
King?


King?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 04:33:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 10, 2010, 04:27:11 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 04:23:21 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 03:38:59 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
History really is full of little ironies.

What was the traditional title used by rulers of all Sumer to legitimise their rule?

Ensi?

No, but kudos to you for giving me the first answer from the right period. :hug:

Viking

No. But you are on the right lines.
King?


King?

Since I have a headache, and may not be online much longer, the part you had right (assuming you were saying it in English, of course) was "King of.....".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 05:13:29 PM
Hmmm.  I only know two titles in Sumeria.  Lugal and Ensi.  Well, there is also En.  I don't know how they all relate to each other.  In fact I don't think there is an agreement on which has precedence over the other.

Is the answer you are looking for "king of Kish"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 05:25:56 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 10, 2010, 05:13:29 PM
Hmmm.  I only know two titles in Sumeria.  Lugal and Ensi.  Well, there is also En.  I don't know how they all relate to each other.  In fact I don't think there is an agreement on which has precedence over the other.

Is the answer you are looking for "king of Kish"?

Lugal, Ensi and En (and Nam-Lugal) for example are all equivalent to our usage of King or President, effectively. "King of Kish" was a title used to claim that their rule over all of Sumeria (hence all the other Lugals or Ensis) was legitimate. It pops up in inscriptions as well as the "Kings list". This is presumed to have come from an early primacy of Kish, or possibly because in some way control of Kish granted title to Nippur, Sumer's "Holy City". It's an interesting example of a title changing meaning while remaining the same.

And indeed, "King of Kish" was what I was looking for. You're up, Raz.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 11, 2010, 05:33:44 AM
I have no question.  Anyone but viking.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 11, 2010, 07:00:50 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 10, 2010, 12:51:24 PM
:hmm:

Anthony Johnson was black?

[Answer based on the, ahem, "interesting" responses so far to this question.]

Not only was he black but he himself was a former slave or rather indentured servant
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on February 11, 2010, 07:33:48 AM
OK, when the Nazis invaded Denmark several important German scientists exiled there had to flee in a hurry. Two of them, Max Laue and James Franck, left in the Niels Bohr Institute their Nobel Prize gold medals and assumed they had been stolen.

However, one of their fellows scientists foiled the Nazis. He not only managed to make sure they wouldn't find the medals in their searches, but from 1940 to 1945 he always had them on his desk... and nobody noticed!

How did he hide the gold medals in plain sight?     
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on February 11, 2010, 07:40:40 AM
Quote from: Alatriste on February 11, 2010, 07:33:48 AM
How did he hide the gold medals in plain sight?   

Dissolve them in aqua regia or similar?

Edit: I see wiki confirms my thought (I must have read that somewhere earlier).

Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alatriste on February 11, 2010, 08:06:39 AM
So he did. The Swedish Academics must have been quite surprised when they received the precipitated gold recovered from the acid with the petition to recast the original medals!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 11, 2010, 08:09:46 AM
Easy.

Immediate successor of the founder of the Sassanian dynasty and famous victor over the Emperor Valerian, Shapur brought order to late-Parthian anarchy and established a more centralized regime, that broke with the Parthian army's traditions and developed Persian infantry and siege weapons.  Also famous for supporting Mani, the Mainchean prophet, is given a favorable mention in the Talmud, and utilized capture Roman Engineers in part of a massive construction project. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 11, 2010, 08:20:18 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 11, 2010, 08:09:46 AM
Easy.

Immediate successor of the founder of the Sassanian dynasty and famous victor over the Emperor Valerian, Shapur brought order to late-Parthian anarchy and established a more centralized regime, that broke with the Parthian army's traditions and developed Persian infantry and siege weapons.  Also famous for supporting Mani, the Mainchean prophet, is given a favorable mention in the Talmud, and utilized capture Roman Engineers in part of a massive construction project.

Is this a question?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on February 11, 2010, 08:22:32 AM
Quote from: Syt on February 11, 2010, 08:20:18 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 11, 2010, 08:09:46 AM
Easy.

Immediate successor of the founder of the Sassanian dynasty and famous victor over the Emperor Valerian, Shapur brought order to late-Parthian anarchy and established a more centralized regime, that broke with the Parthian army's traditions and developed Persian infantry and siege weapons.  Also famous for supporting Mani, the Mainchean prophet, is given a favorable mention in the Talmud, and utilized capture Roman Engineers in part of a massive construction project.

Is this a question?

No.

Am I right?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 11, 2010, 08:22:41 AM
It's a "Name this famous person" question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 11, 2010, 08:29:10 AM
QuoteImmediate successor of the founder of the Sassanian dynasty and famous victor over the Emperor Valerian, Shapur brought order to late-Parthian anarchy

Are we looking for "Shapur"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 11, 2010, 08:43:31 AM
Yes. 

I thought it was obvious enough that "this person" was to be replaced with "Shapur", a la Jeopardy. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 11, 2010, 08:55:22 AM
I'm confused and cede the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: frunk on February 11, 2010, 09:20:19 AM
I'm confused and I wasn't even on the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 11, 2010, 09:20:58 AM
I'm not confused but I have no good questions to ask.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on February 11, 2010, 10:35:09 AM
This person published ideas on free trade, market forces, and relationship between society and economics that closely resembled Adam Smith's ideas in The Wealth of Nations, several years before Adam Smith. Who was it?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 11, 2010, 11:13:05 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 11, 2010, 08:43:31 AM
Yes. 

I thought it was obvious enough that "this person" was to be replaced with "Shapur", a la Jeopardy.

I don't think it was that obvious.  You managed to ask the most confusing question and the easiest at the same time.  With out it actually being a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 11, 2010, 12:13:46 PM
Aweseome question Squeelus.  I've got one just for you: Horatio Nelson commanded the British fleet at the battle of Trafalgar.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on February 11, 2010, 12:26:11 PM
"This person"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 11, 2010, 12:53:29 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on February 11, 2010, 10:35:09 AM
This person published ideas on free trade, market forces, and relationship between society and economics that closely resembled Adam Smith's ideas in The Wealth of Nations, several years before Adam Smith. Who was it?

Anders Chydenius.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 11, 2010, 01:09:42 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on February 11, 2010, 12:26:11 PM
"This person"?
Fuck.  Did you google? :glare:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on February 11, 2010, 01:52:41 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 11, 2010, 12:53:29 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on February 11, 2010, 10:35:09 AM
This person published ideas on free trade, market forces, and relationship between society and economics that closely resembled Adam Smith's ideas in The Wealth of Nations, several years before Adam Smith. Who was it?

Anders Chydenius.

Correct, you are on.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 11, 2010, 01:59:21 PM
Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on February 11, 2010, 03:10:31 PM
Which one of Napoleon's marshals was half-English and was the sole Marshal of France (at the time) to speak English?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on February 11, 2010, 03:29:03 PM
I was tempted to say MacDonald, but IIRC, he is from an old jacobite family, i.e., not properly English, and probably didn't speak the language.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on February 11, 2010, 03:34:18 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on February 11, 2010, 03:29:03 PM
I was tempted to say MacDonald, but IIRC, he is from an old jacobite family, i.e., not properly English, and probably didn't speak the language.

Correct - MacDonald was 3rd generation French, and spoke no English.  It's a tricky one.

Here's a hint - he was to command the Imperial Guard on the 1815 campaign, but took ill and didn't go as planned.

(EDIT) Looked it up as I wasn't sure - MacDonald's father was Scot - for some reason I thought he was from an earlier line of emigrants
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 11, 2010, 03:40:50 PM
Marshal Crenshaw
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on February 11, 2010, 03:42:15 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 11, 2010, 03:40:50 PM
Marshal Crenshaw

:P  His surname was French, as his mother was English.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 04:13:36 PM
Adolphe Édouard Casimir Joseph Mortier :)

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on February 11, 2010, 04:16:08 PM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 04:13:36 PM
Adolphe Édouard Casimir Joseph Mortier :)

Kevin

Oui.  Well done.  An under-rated commander.  You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: citizen k on February 11, 2010, 06:42:30 PM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin

Toussaint l'Ouverture
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:55:39 PM
Quote from: citizen k on February 11, 2010, 06:42:30 PM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin

Toussaint l'Ouverture

Nope

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on February 11, 2010, 06:56:47 PM
Frederick "Black Belt" Douglass
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 11, 2010, 10:32:30 PM
Quote from: citizen k on February 11, 2010, 06:42:30 PM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin

Toussaint l'Ouverture

:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2010, 02:23:12 AM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin

Dolph isn't a slave.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2010, 02:44:12 AM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 11, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

A famous slave, I was also a martial artist. Today, I am a national hero

Kevin

Spartacus.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 13, 2010, 01:30:42 PM
Clue: he died at the age of forty

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 13, 2010, 01:35:25 PM
Some Brazilian Capoeira dude?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 13, 2010, 02:29:12 PM
The term martial art is pretty broad.  Technically my answer is correct.  Also Theseus was a slave, is credited with being a great martial artist (wrestler) and was a hero.  Also he probably didn't exist.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 13, 2010, 02:38:38 PM
I looked it up. Even guessing I'd get the right answer by hiring monkeys with typewriters quicker.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2010, 02:50:23 PM
auilrhtquhkla siruaurghluirvhn
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 13, 2010, 03:48:09 PM
My money is on Throbby.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 13, 2010, 04:41:14 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 13, 2010, 01:35:25 PM
Some Brazilian Capoeira dude?

Which one?

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 13, 2010, 04:54:09 PM
Quote from: Eochaid on February 13, 2010, 04:41:14 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 13, 2010, 01:35:25 PM
Some Brazilian Capoeira dude?

Which one?

Kevin

All of them. Or one of them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 13, 2010, 05:09:15 PM
I'm a Brazilian Capoeira dude!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eochaid on February 14, 2010, 01:42:34 PM
Answer was Zumbi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zumbi)

Kevin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 01:22:04 PM
*bump*

I ran across this in a book I'm reading on Elisha Kane, arctic explorer, but I know I'd read about this somewhere else, so hopefully it isn't too obscure...

In the mid 19th century the Fox Sisters (Leah, Kate and Maggie) became quite famous (or infamous) spirit mediums, able to communicate with the dead through a series of 'unearthly' raps or knocks that would appear to come from all over their room.  The Fox sisters would conduct seances for a whole host of the upper crust of New York and US eastern seaboard society, and even made it across to England to do the same.  The Fox sisters also helped spark a whole Spiritualist movement, with hundreds of imitators and admirers (and a similar number of sceptics and detractors).

Eventually however Maggie Fox did admit that she and her sisters were frauds, and they all died penniless.

The question is - how did the Fox Sisters create that rapping sound that they claimed came from the spirit world?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 16, 2010, 01:26:48 PM
They had a cleverly constructed space under the table just big enough for their colored servant Shawn Corey Carter.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 16, 2010, 03:37:00 PM
They knocked on the tables from beneath with their knees?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 04:47:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2010, 03:37:00 PM
They knocked on the tables from beneath with their knees?

Nope.  Even in the 1850s people woulc have figured that out.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 16, 2010, 04:53:10 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 04:47:13 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2010, 03:37:00 PM
They knocked on the tables from beneath with their knees?

Nope.  Even in the 1850s people woulc have figured that out.

that makes them much smarter than the people in the 1920's when Harry Houdini was exposing precisely that.

but my guess is "using a spitball"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 04:54:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 16, 2010, 04:53:10 PM
but my guess is "using a spitball"

I'm pretty sure that's wrong, but can you explain what that is?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 16, 2010, 06:50:20 PM
They used space aliens instead of ghosts.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 16, 2010, 06:55:49 PM
Completely wild guess but;

Running hot water through metal pipes in the walls. The pipes expand until the pressure overcomes the static friction causing the pipes to "hop" in their mountings. the reverberations travel along the pipes making it sound like the "knocking" is coming from all parts of the room.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2010, 07:01:58 PM
Quote from: Maximus on February 16, 2010, 06:55:49 PM
Completely wild guess but;

Running hot water through metal pipes in the walls. The pipes expand until the pressure overcomes the static friction causing the pipes to "hop" in their mountings. the reverberations travel along the pipes making it sound like the "knocking" is coming from all parts of the room.
Did houses have running water in the 1850s?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 16, 2010, 07:06:22 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2010, 07:01:58 PM
Did houses have running water in the 1850s?
The technology existed, and if it was uncommon that would make it more likely people wouldn't recognize the sound.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 16, 2010, 07:20:36 PM
Looked it up. :lol:

I am eagerly awaiting a correct guess.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 16, 2010, 07:54:25 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 04:47:13 PM
Nope.  Even in the 1850s people woulc have figured that out.
Ok, guess #2: They kept The Fat Boys hidden behind a curtain.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 16, 2010, 08:09:01 PM
Quote from: Maximus on February 16, 2010, 06:55:49 PM
Completely wild guess but;

Running hot water through metal pipes in the walls. The pipes expand until the pressure overcomes the static friction causing the pipes to "hop" in their mountings. the reverberations travel along the pipes making it sound like the "knocking" is coming from all parts of the room.

No.  They did their readings for years, in a whole variety of rooms, theatres, private dwellings, etc.  Not to mention in different countries.

This wasn't meant to be a Spellus-level hyper-obscure question, so I'll post the answer in a few hours if no one gets it.  Mostly I just wanted to bump the History Trivia thread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 16, 2010, 11:22:52 PM
They had one of those annoying chat clients running in the background.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 17, 2010, 01:15:12 AM
From Wikipedia:

QuoteMargaret told her story of the origins of the mysterious "rappings" in a signed confession given to the press and published in New York World, October 21, 1888.[5] In it, she explained the Hydesville Events.
She also expanded on her career as a medium after leaving the homestead to begin her Spiritualist travels with her older sister, Mrs. Underhill:
"Mrs. Underhill, my eldest sister, took Katie and me to Rochester. There it was that we discovered a new way to make the raps. My sister Katie was the first to observe that by swishing her fingers she could produce certain noises with her knuckles and joints, and that the same effect could be made with the toes. Finding that we could make raps with our feet - first with one foot and then with both - we practiced until we could do this easily when the room was dark. Like most perplexing things when made clear, it is astonishing how easily it is done. The rapping are simply the result of a perfect control of the muscles of the leg below the knee, which govern the tendons of the foot and allow action of the toe and ankle bones that is not commonly known. Such perfect control is only possible when the child is taken at an early age and carefully and continually taught to practice the muscles, which grow stiffer in later years. ... This, then, is the simple explanation of the whole method of the knocks and raps."[18]
She also notes:
"A great many people when they hear the rapping imagine at once that the spirits are touching them. It is a very common delusion. Some very wealthy people came to see me some years ago when I lived in Forty-second Street and I did some rappings for them. I made the spirit rap on the chair and one of the ladies cried out: "I feel the spirit tapping me on the shoulder." Of course that was pure imagination."[19]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_sisters

So, they made their fortune as spiritualists by cracking the knuckles in their toes.

Since I just seized an open floor, the floor is open for any other comer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 07:44:47 AM
An easy one then.

What was the last battle in which Rome's Praetorian Guard fought?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 08:02:02 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 07:44:47 AM
An easy one then.

What was the last battle in which Rome's Praetorian Guard fought?

Milvian bridge?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 08:02:02 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 07:44:47 AM
An easy one then.

What was the last battle in which Rome's Praetorian Guard fought?

Milvian bridge?

Correct.

You're up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 08:31:45 AM
In the imperial Roman army an Evocati was?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 08:33:19 AM
Quote from: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 08:31:45 AM
In the imperial Roman army an Evocati was?

A retired veteran recalled to the colours in an emergency, I believe.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 17, 2010, 10:02:04 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 08:33:19 AM
Quote from: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 08:31:45 AM
In the imperial Roman army an Evocati was?

A retired veteran recalled to the colours in an emergency, I believe.
I don't know if the emergency bit was right.  They were often just high ranking veterans who were asked to re-enlist by the Consul/Emperor, and often later on became Centurions. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 17, 2010, 11:25:00 AM
Queenfag is right regarding the emergency however Agelastus was close enough and thus wins the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:34:46 PM
OK then.

Name the Macedonian and Spartan kings who fought at the battle of Sellasia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:43:17 PM
Alexander the Great and Leonidas.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:34:46 PM
OK then.

Name the Macedonian and Spartan kings who fought at the battle of Sellasia.

There were no Greek royalty in the Silesian Wars.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:34:46 PM
OK then.

Name the Macedonian and Spartan kings who fought at the battle of Sellasia.

There were no Greek royalty in the Silesian Wars.  :rolleyes:

Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense. Is this a European joke I am not getting?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense.

:bleeding:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:51:41 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:34:46 PM
OK then.

Name the Macedonian and Spartan kings who fought at the battle of Sellasia.

There were no Greek royalty in the Silesian Wars.  :rolleyes:

Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense. Is this a European joke I am not getting?

:huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:52:48 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:51:41 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:34:46 PM
OK then.

Name the Macedonian and Spartan kings who fought at the battle of Sellasia.

There were no Greek royalty in the Silesian Wars.  :rolleyes:

Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense. Is this a European joke I am not getting?

:huh:

The weird man frightens me, Syt.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:53:24 PM
:unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:53:30 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense.

:bleeding:

:Embarrass:

Quite right. Still doesn't mean I understand Syt's comment though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:54:44 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:53:30 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense.

:bleeding:

:Embarrass:

Quite right. Still doesn't mean I understand Syt's comment though.

Syt, me and many others have been making jokes using that formula for many years. And we intend to keep doing it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:55:44 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:53:24 PM
:unsure:

I have no idea what Silesia has to do with a battle fought in 222BC, unless it is an obscure European joke or you are objecting to some aspect of my grammar. :huh:

If it is obvious, I will of course bang my head against a wall in shame.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 17, 2010, 02:56:26 PM
I WILL NOT EXPLAIN MYSELF
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:56:56 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:54:44 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:53:30 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 02:50:32 PM
Since I have not mispelled anything, your comment makes no sense.

:bleeding:

:Embarrass:

Quite right. Still doesn't mean I understand Syt's comment though.

Syt, me and many others have been making jokes using that formula for many years. And we intend to keep doing it.

Ah, so it is a joke.

I'm disappointed. Given the overall excellent quality of the punning here, I had hoped for better.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2010, 03:03:22 PM
The joke is obvious, but there is no need for headbanging.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 17, 2010, 03:22:10 PM
One of the many Antigonid Antigonuses, and maybe Cleomenes? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 06:08:04 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 17, 2010, 03:22:10 PM
One of the many Antigonid Antigonuses, and maybe Cleomenes?

Well, you've got both first names right, although given the number of Antigonus's in that period, his full name would be kinda nice... :)

Hint, it begins with "D".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 18, 2010, 04:02:40 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 17, 2010, 06:08:04 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 17, 2010, 03:22:10 PM
One of the many Antigonid Antigonuses, and maybe Cleomenes?

Well, you've got both first names right, although given the number of Antigonus's in that period, his full name would be kinda nice... :)

Hint, it begins with "D".

Demetrios?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 18, 2010, 04:28:43 AM
Dosum?  Dosom?  He isn't a starting monarch in EB, so I'm not totally sure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:06:03 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 18, 2010, 04:28:43 AM
Dosum?  Dosom?  He isn't a starting monarch in EB, so I'm not totally sure.

I'll let you have it. His name was Antigonus Doson (and the Spartan was Cleomenes III.)

You're up, Queequeg.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 18, 2010, 08:10:56 AM
This back & forth between QueerConstantinople & Agelatus/Octavian as grown old.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on February 18, 2010, 08:16:28 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 18, 2010, 08:10:56 AM
This back & forth between QueerConstantinople & Agelatus/Octavian as grown old.

I'm sure Queerasfolk wil ask some obscure question now
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 18, 2010, 09:06:25 AM
Who are the two men vying for Socrates' attention in the Symposium?  Both historical figures. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pedrito on February 18, 2010, 09:20:36 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on February 18, 2010, 09:06:25 AM
Who are the two men vying for Socrates' attention in the Symposium?  Both historical figures.

Alcibiades and Agathon.

L.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on February 18, 2010, 10:17:43 AM
Yup.

That wasn't that hard, was it?

You are up, Pedrito.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pedrito on February 18, 2010, 10:32:45 AM
A hurried one:

the lives of the three great greek tragedy writers were ideally linked to a famous battle; which battle was it, and how was it linked to the lives of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Eurypides?

L.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 18, 2010, 10:34:49 AM
Marathon, they were all in it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Warspite on February 18, 2010, 10:42:50 AM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 10:34:49 AM
Marathon, they were all in it.

I believe it was renamed to Snickers, actually.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 11:01:34 AM
Quote from: Warspite on February 18, 2010, 10:42:50 AM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 10:34:49 AM
Marathon, they were all in it.

I believe it was renamed to Snickers, actually.

:glare:

Horrible name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pedrito on February 18, 2010, 11:47:04 AM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 10:34:49 AM
Marathon, they were all in it.

Nopes

L.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 12:03:10 PM
I just finished eating a Snickers right before I opened this thread.  COSMIC. :o
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 12:04:11 PM
Anyway, my guess is Salamis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Savonarola on February 18, 2010, 12:37:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 12:04:11 PM
Anyway, my guess is Salamis.

I know Aeschylus fought at Salamis and Sophocles was a strategos so he might have been there as well.  No idea how Euripides would be involved.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Pedrito on February 18, 2010, 12:45:29 PM
Good guesses Cal & Sav  :)

In tradition, Aeschylus fought in the battle, Sophocles led the choir singing the paean that celebrated the victory, and (in some sources) Eurypides was born on the very island the day of the battle.

Your turn, sirs  :bowler:

L.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 07:44:08 PM
The southernmost land battle of World War II was fought where?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 18, 2010, 07:56:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 07:44:08 PM
The southernmost land battle of World War II was fought where?

Madagascar?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on February 18, 2010, 07:59:01 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 07:44:08 PM
The southernmost land battle of World War II was fought where?

New Guinea?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 08:35:18 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 07:56:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 07:44:08 PM
The southernmost land battle of World War II was fought where?

Madagascar?
Correct.  I think the southernmost significant battle was fought at Diego Suarez bay on Madagascar.

Beeb's guess was good too... the Battle of Milne Bay was probably #2.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 18, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
Name one place where the white man arrived before the present day indigenous people. I know of two.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:42:55 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 08:35:18 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 07:56:56 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 18, 2010, 07:44:08 PM
The southernmost land battle of World War II was fought where?

Madagascar?
Correct.  I think the southernmost significant battle was fought at Diego Suarez bay on Madagascar.

Beeb's guess was good too... the Battle of Milne Bay was probably #2.

Diego Suarez is at the Northern tip of Madagascar. There'd have been fighting further south as the Vichy French defended the capital at Tananarive.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:47:24 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
Name one place where the white man arrived before the present day indigenous people. I know of two.

:hmm:

Cape Town?

Reached by the Dutch before the Bantu tribes, although I've always been somewhat dubious about the claim that the Khoisan peoples weren't living there at that time either.

Southern Greenland?

I believe the natives may have migrated south to the vicinity of the Viking settlements.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: clandestino on February 18, 2010, 08:50:49 PM
I think you are right about Greenland.

That would be my guess anyway.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 18, 2010, 08:55:18 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:47:24 PM
Quote from: Viking on February 18, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
Name one place where the white man arrived before the present day indigenous people. I know of two.

:hmm:

Cape Town?

Reached by the Dutch before the Bantu tribes, although I've always been somewhat dubious about the claim that the Khoisan peoples weren't living their at that time either.

Southern Greenland?

I believe the natives may have migrated south to the vicinity of the Viking settlements.

You got both.

In the cape there were Bantu peoples in the region, the main issue however was that they were not settled farmers. Bantu peoples did not have agriculture which suited the climate. The Dutch, however, did. Eventually European agriculture allowed Bantu settlement.

In Greenland the Thule people arrived in Greenland after the Vikings. They were probably driven by same climate changes which were one of the causes of the fall of norse settlement in greenland.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:59:43 PM
Since its about time I retired for the night/morning, and somebody ( :glare:) complained about me hogging the thread earlier, I yield the floor to Clandestino.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: clandestino on February 18, 2010, 09:21:24 PM
Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 19, 2010, 09:44:02 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:42:55 PM
Diego Suarez is at the Northern tip of Madagascar. There'd have been fighting further south as the Vichy French defended the capital at Tananarive.
Yeah, I know where it is, and while I think there was Vichy resistance at the capital I don't think it was serious... and I said "significant" battle in my followup (but admittedly not in the original question).  To this day there are still partially sunken Vichy/British ships in Diego Suarez harbor.  But in either case, Madagascar is definitely correct as even Diego Suarez is a bit further south than New Guinea. ^_^
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 19, 2010, 09:56:11 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on February 18, 2010, 08:59:43 PM
Since its about time I retired for the night/morning, and somebody ( :glare:) complained about me hogging the thread earlier, I yield the floor to Clandestino.

Not you, Spellus was.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 02, 2010, 07:46:00 PM
2 week rule.

Which country had the first female foreign minister?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on March 02, 2010, 07:48:07 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 02, 2010, 07:46:00 PM
2 week rule.

Which country had the first female foreign minister?

Israel?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 02, 2010, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 02, 2010, 07:48:07 PM
Israel?
Nope.

Goldie was ambassador to the USSR after independence; did she ever hold foreign minister?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on March 02, 2010, 07:52:25 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 02, 2010, 07:50:19 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 02, 2010, 07:48:07 PM
Israel?
Nope.

Goldie was ambassador to the USSR after independence; did she ever hold foreign minister?

She did.  Just looked it up.  1956-1966.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 02, 2010, 10:32:50 PM
I keep reading this thread title as "History Trivia Thread Rednecks".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on March 03, 2010, 12:24:21 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 02, 2010, 10:32:50 PM
I keep reading this thread title as "History Trivia Thread Rednecks".

I was just about to post that. Scary. :ph34r:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 03, 2010, 06:42:00 AM
Ana Pauka of Rumania was the world's first female foreign minister.  Appointed in 1948, purged shortly thereafter.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on March 03, 2010, 07:39:27 AM
In 1794 Sweden, as part of a general crackdown on freedom of the press, banned two specific documents.

Which documents?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: frunk on March 03, 2010, 08:50:30 AM
Thomas Paine's The Rights of Man, and the Declaration of Independence?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on March 03, 2010, 09:34:54 AM
Quote from: frunk on March 03, 2010, 08:50:30 AM
Thomas Paine's The Rights of Man, and the Declaration of Independence?

One of them is correct
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 12:16:20 PM
The Declaration of the Rights of Man (from Revolutionary France) and The US Declaration of Independence ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on March 03, 2010, 02:33:34 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 03, 2010, 12:16:20 PM
The Declaration of the Rights of Man (from Revolutionary France) and The US Declaration of Independence ?

Close!

The French constitution and the US Declaration of Independence.

The floor is yours!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 02:45:50 PM
Robert Stephenson's Rocket competed with it's rivals in a now famous trial, which it won. Name one of the two main design differences between the Rocket and it's competitors which helped it win.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on March 03, 2010, 02:51:23 PM
New question please.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 02:54:37 PM
Quote from: Jaron on March 03, 2010, 02:51:23 PM
New question please.

If I asked a question about copper bottoms, flint locks or cotton gins this would go unremarked. But this is the most important machine in history, both individually and as a definition of class. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on March 03, 2010, 02:57:25 PM
Okay.... if you're that passionate about it..

I'm going to guess detachable rockets and a better type of fuel
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on March 03, 2010, 03:01:33 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 03, 2010, 02:45:50 PM
Robert Stephenson's Rocket competed with it's rivals in a now famous trial, which it won. Name one of the two main design differences between the Rocket and it's competitors which helped it win.

Maglev.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 03:03:22 PM
nope on the fuel, rockets and maglev
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 03, 2010, 03:23:33 PM
It was a system of tubes?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 03:28:43 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 03, 2010, 03:23:33 PM
It was a system of tubes?

Ding ding, we have a winner. The tube design in the boiler increases the surface area between the fire box flue and the water making more steam more quickly. Giving more power for less mass.

However, this is not why the Rocket won. One of it's main competetors had technical problems with the older and more reliable plate design. It performed on par with the Rocket, despite the tubular boiler and the slanted cylinder (the other design feature), it was not the best train at the competition, it did however have the technology which, when developed properly, was the better one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 03, 2010, 03:45:05 PM
I don't want to think of a question cause I don't feel good.  I would just like bask in the glory of knowing stuff about the industrial revolution. :cool:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on March 03, 2010, 04:35:18 PM
What global climate event from the 19th century gave birth, indirectly, to two famous monsters plus to a well-known Christian sect?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 04:41:02 PM
Krakatoa?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 03, 2010, 04:42:07 PM
Irish potato famine?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on March 03, 2010, 04:43:14 PM
Related to volcanoes, yes...

The sect is very famous nowadays...

The monsters are WELL-known...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 03, 2010, 04:46:24 PM
Tambora?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Alexandru H. on March 03, 2010, 04:49:10 PM
Yep, the famous 1816 year... When Frankenstein's monster and the Vampire were created in the same villa near Lake Geneva because of the bad weather... and when Joseph Smith was forced to move to greener pastures, the same ones that held the future Book of Mormon...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 04, 2010, 04:11:36 AM
More Victorian technology. One of the sparks for the Indian mutiny of 1857 was the rumour that cow and pig fat was used in the new Enfield Rifle cartridges. What were the cartridges really greased with?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on March 04, 2010, 04:27:55 AM
Didn't we have a discussion about that recently? Or did I dream it? Anyway I'm not touching that one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 04, 2010, 04:38:24 AM
Quote from: The Brain on March 04, 2010, 04:27:55 AM
Didn't we have a discussion about that recently? Or did I dream it? Anyway I'm not touching that one.

Did "we"? What conclusion did "we" come to?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2010, 05:03:56 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 04, 2010, 04:38:24 AM
Did "we"? What conclusion did "we" come to?
Malthus and grumbler had a long back and forth not too long ago in Hod knows what thread about whether the British were actually planning to grease with lard and later changed to wax or whether they had always planned to grease with wax and lard was a pure fabrication.  Can't remember the final verdict.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 04, 2010, 05:06:39 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2010, 05:03:56 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 04, 2010, 04:38:24 AM
Did "we"? What conclusion did "we" come to?
Malthus and grumbler had a long back and forth not too long ago in Hod knows what thread about whether the British were actually planning to grease with lard and later changed to wax or whether they had always planned to grease with wax and lard was a pure fabrication.  Can't remember the final verdict.

oh, that would explain why I didn't remember it...

But still, that doesn't change anything, what did they grease it with?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:34:23 AM
I think Grumbler said it was actually greased with sheep tallow.  He sourced it, but I don't think Malthus believed it. In fact Grumbler put a persuasive argument forth that few if any new cartridges reached the rebelling areas.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 04, 2010, 07:49:35 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:34:23 AM
I think Grumbler said it was actually greased with sheep tallow.  He sourced it, but I don't think Malthus believed it. In fact Grumbler put a persuasive argument forth that few if any new cartridges reached the rebelling areas.

He's right in that they never reached the area. If he's sourced it then I'd like to see the source. That's not what I have found.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:51:36 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 04, 2010, 07:49:35 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:34:23 AM
I think Grumbler said it was actually greased with sheep tallow.  He sourced it, but I don't think Malthus believed it. In fact Grumbler put a persuasive argument forth that few if any new cartridges reached the rebelling areas.

He's right in that they never reached the area. If he's sourced it then I'd like to see the source. That's not what I have found.

I believe he sourced actual books.  What did you find?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 04, 2010, 08:13:07 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:51:36 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 04, 2010, 07:49:35 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on March 04, 2010, 07:34:23 AM
I think Grumbler said it was actually greased with sheep tallow.  He sourced it, but I don't think Malthus believed it. In fact Grumbler put a persuasive argument forth that few if any new cartridges reached the rebelling areas.

He's right in that they never reached the area. If he's sourced it then I'd like to see the source. That's not what I have found.

I believe he sourced actual books.  What did you find?

I had it from various sources previously, this is the one I checked before asking the question.

Spoiler Alert: the link below contains the answer. Do not click if you want to keep guessing.

http://books.google.no/books?id=i89IQJkIa3oC&pg=PA656&lpg=PA656&dq=linseed+oil+wax+india+1857&source=bl&ots=-_ZnqV93ZE&sig=e7vIQgCTM9HIzUBUVapUwlOZ610&hl=no&ei=AbCPS-2CO5Dd-QbDo93lCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false

the last appendix on the last page of "A history of the Sepoy war in India, 1857-1858, John William Kaye"


which includes the quote
QuoteI cannot doubt that the impression at head-quarters that the "patches" were greased with mutton fat was altogether a mistake.


Edit: to put the google book link on the correct page.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 07:51:28 AM
No answer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 05, 2010, 08:05:36 AM
I'm going to guess linseed oil.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 08:09:33 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 05, 2010, 08:05:36 AM
I'm going to guess linseed oil.

Close enough, it was Linseed Oil and Beeswax. Your floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 05, 2010, 08:13:46 AM
You probably should have hidden the address of your link.  :P

I got nuttin.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 08:14:55 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 05, 2010, 08:13:46 AM
You probably should have hidden the address of your link.  :P

I got nuttin.

:blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 08:17:11 AM
I'll keep the floor


Where does the phrase "Red Herring" come from?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on March 05, 2010, 09:16:39 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 05, 2010, 08:17:11 AM
I'll keep the floor


Where does the phrase "Red Herring" come from?

Didn't bandits in the olden days drag an old herring over their trail to lose sniffing dogs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 09:19:33 AM
Quote from: Syt on March 05, 2010, 09:16:39 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 05, 2010, 08:17:11 AM
I'll keep the floor


Where does the phrase "Red Herring" come from?

Didn't bandits in the olden days drag an old herring over their trail to lose sniffing dogs?


Very very close, but what bandit can arrange for a herring before a job? Dogs?, yes, chasing?, yes, bandits?, no.

Different activity.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 05, 2010, 11:07:07 AM
Pirates?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 03:17:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 05, 2010, 11:07:07 AM
Pirates?

No.

Who might, with the certainty that dogs will be chasing something, have the time, resources and inclination to procure a herring to distract them?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on March 05, 2010, 03:20:55 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 05, 2010, 03:17:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 05, 2010, 11:07:07 AM
Pirates?

No.

Who might, with the certainty that dogs will be chasing something, have the time, resources and inclination to procure a herring to distract them?

Burglars?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 05, 2010, 03:25:10 PM
Let's see.  :hmm:

Irish slaves in Iceland would have access to herring, but no where to run to.  Viking raiders would have access to herring, but would they be scared of some dogs?  Conan the Barbarian and Cool Hand Luke had somewhere to run to but no access to herring.

I give up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Lucidor on March 05, 2010, 04:15:35 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 05, 2010, 03:25:10 PM
Let's see.  :hmm:

Irish slaves in Iceland would have access to herring, but no where to run to.  Viking raiders would have access to herring, but would they be scared of some dogs?  Conan the Barbarian and Cool Hand Luke had somewhere to run to but no access to herring.

I give up.
:lmfao:

Not a bad guess, I think.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 05, 2010, 09:06:06 PM
Fox Hunting. The red herring is used to distract the dogs to make the hunt last longer.

I cede the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 05, 2010, 09:33:48 PM
What is the origin of the expression "hocus pocus?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on March 05, 2010, 09:37:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 05, 2010, 09:33:48 PM
What is the origin of the expression "hocus pocus?"
The origin of that phrase is hard to transubstantiate.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 05, 2010, 09:40:19 PM
he he

I believe there's an entire body of evidence.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on March 06, 2010, 02:16:59 AM
Get a room.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 08, 2010, 02:34:34 PM
I think PDH got it.  IIRC it came from "hoc est corpus" but I forgot exactly how it transformed into "hocus pocus", when, or who was responsible.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 08, 2010, 02:38:32 PM
English protestant satirists during Henry VIII's reign.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 16, 2010, 06:28:12 PM
The British general Charles O'Hara had the dubious distinction of being the only man to surrender to what two other famous men?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on March 16, 2010, 07:39:29 PM
Napoleon and Wellington?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 16, 2010, 07:50:18 PM
You are 50% correct. ^_^
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on March 16, 2010, 07:50:53 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on March 16, 2010, 07:39:29 PM
Napoleon and Wellington?

Why would a British general surrender to a British general? :huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 16, 2010, 07:53:46 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on March 16, 2010, 07:50:53 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on March 16, 2010, 07:39:29 PM
Napoleon and Wellington?

Why would a British general surrender to a British general? :huh:

Napoleon and Washington?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 16, 2010, 09:07:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 16, 2010, 07:53:46 PM
Napoleon and Washington?
Yep.  Technically he surrendered to Benjamin Lincoln at Yorktown, since Washington refused to accept his surrender because he felt Cornwallis should be surrendering to him, not his lieutenant O'Hara (Cornwallis was pretending to be sick).... but Washington was the opposing commander.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on March 16, 2010, 09:18:38 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on March 16, 2010, 07:50:53 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on March 16, 2010, 07:39:29 PM
Napoleon and Wellington?

Why would a British general surrender to a British general? :huh:

He surrenders to Napoleon, decides to fight for the French, then surrenders to the British?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 17, 2010, 02:57:31 AM
Hadrian the style icon. What fad did he start?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 05:06:14 AM
The wearing of beards by Roman men?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 17, 2010, 05:43:23 AM
Quote from: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 05:06:14 AM
The wearing of beards by Roman men?

booo hiss radical!!!

yes, his parochial ways proved a big  hit in Rome and anywhere else he could execute men at will.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 09:01:23 AM
Several years ago, the New Zealand Special Service Medal-Erebus was created by the government of New Zealand to recognize personnel from several countries for what specific reason?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 17, 2010, 09:10:04 AM
Quote from: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 09:01:23 AM
Several years ago, the New Zealand Special Service Medal-Erebus was created by the government of New Zealand to recognize personnel from several countries for what specific reason?

Giving good head.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 09:16:27 AM
Is that your final answer? :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on March 17, 2010, 09:17:26 AM
Recovering survivors/corpses/debris from that flight that crashed near Mt Erebus in Antarctica.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on March 17, 2010, 09:26:03 AM
Quote from: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 09:16:27 AM
Is that your final answer? :)

If it's not correct then it should be.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 17, 2010, 09:33:32 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on March 17, 2010, 09:17:26 AM
Recovering survivors/corpses/debris from that flight that crashed near Mt Erebus in Antarctica.
Nope.  It crashed into Mt. Erebus, not near it. :P

Ok, you're up. ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on March 17, 2010, 07:10:55 PM
open floor
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 24, 2010, 01:31:22 AM
Who was the youngest British general of World War I?

Bonus points if you know what happened to him.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on April 22, 2010, 05:48:45 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 24, 2010, 01:31:22 AM
Who was the youngest British general of World War I?

Bonus points if you know what happened to him.

Roland Bradford, killed in late 1917 at the age of 25. Unfortunately, due to my appalling memory and not wishing this thread to die, I've just had to look that up in Peter Hart's book on the battle of the Somme.  :Embarrass: :Embarrass: :Embarrass: :Embarrass: :Embarrass: :Embarrass: :Embarrass:

So, open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
I was looking for this thread.

What was de Toqueville supposed to be doing while he was meandering around the US?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on April 22, 2010, 06:27:32 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
I was looking for this thread.

The easy way is to look on the forum stats page.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
What was de Toqueville supposed to be doing while he was meandering around the US?

Haven't a clue.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:39:49 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on April 22, 2010, 06:27:32 PM
Haven't a clue.
Thanks for sharing. :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 22, 2010, 06:42:29 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
I was looking for this thread.

What was de Toqueville supposed to be doing while he was meandering around the US?

Avoiding the less than healthy political scene in france?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on April 22, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:20:29 PM
I was looking for this thread.

What was de Toqueville supposed to be doing while he was meandering around the US?

Mocking Americans in an outrageous French accent.  :frog:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 06:47:04 PM
So damn close, both of you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on April 22, 2010, 08:25:13 PM
Agricultural research?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 22, 2010, 08:28:35 PM
Escaping debt collectors?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 08:46:45 PM
Quote from: Caliga on April 22, 2010, 08:25:13 PM
Agricultural research?
Warmer, warmer...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 08:47:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on April 22, 2010, 08:28:35 PM
Escaping debt collectors?
Colder. :weep:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 09:19:45 PM
I gotta sack soon.

He was investigating American prisons.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on April 22, 2010, 09:54:48 PM
Quote from: Viking on April 22, 2010, 08:28:35 PM
Escaping debt collectors?

Like my future brother in law!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2010, 12:27:09 PM
What is the derivation of the word strike, as in a labor stoppage?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on April 30, 2010, 12:30:24 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2010, 12:27:09 PM
What is the derivation of the word strike, as in a labor stoppage?
I have heard two theories - 1) from lowering the sails of a ship, 2) tossing tools on the floor of the shop
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2010, 12:46:50 PM
Quote from: PDH on April 30, 2010, 12:30:24 PM
I have heard two theories - 1) from lowering the sails of a ship, 2) tossing tools on the floor of the shop
I was looking for 1.

Ask one if you got one Humbert.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Berkut on April 30, 2010, 01:55:59 PM
What happened to IPv5?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 30, 2010, 02:29:27 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2010, 12:46:50 PM
Humbert.

:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on April 30, 2010, 07:52:52 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 30, 2010, 02:29:27 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2010, 12:46:50 PM
Humbert.

:lol:

:D close enough, I guess
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 30, 2010, 09:40:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 22, 2010, 09:19:45 PM
I gotta sack soon.

He was investigating American prisons.
Which had a good reputation in Europe.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on May 01, 2010, 02:28:05 PM
I got nothing, floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 02, 2010, 02:34:57 AM
Two teenagers, employed in 1970s by the Oakland A's in non-playing positions, went on to become millionaires in non-baseball jobs. Who are they?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: sbr on May 02, 2010, 03:02:16 AM
I know one for sure and have a feeling I know the second but can't come up with it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 02, 2010, 05:42:12 AM
Well, one worked there from 1973 to 1980, the other from 1969 to 1971.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 06:08:23 AM
One was MC Hammer, right?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 02, 2010, 11:01:04 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 06:08:23 AM
One was MC Hammer, right?

Yes. The other - hint - served cookies and lemonade to umpires between innings, though that was not this person's original function.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 11:05:18 AM
Famous Amos?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 02, 2010, 12:16:11 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 11:05:18 AM
Famous Amos?

No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 12:26:54 PM
the bitch from Mrs. Fields (dunno her first name)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 02, 2010, 12:34:24 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 12:26:54 PM
the bitch from Mrs. Fields (dunno her first name)?

Indeed. Debbi Syvier, later Fields, was a ballgirl for the A's for two years, starting in 1969 at age 13.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2010, 12:57:42 PM
Heh, cool.  :cool:  After you said the person sold cookies I just started running through the list of people with cookie companies.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Depends on how you define "Slavic", Bulgar Khanate or Rus Khaganate.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Barrister on May 27, 2011, 03:49:33 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Rus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 27, 2011, 03:52:29 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Dull ineptitude?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:52:43 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Depends on how you define "Slavic", Bulgar Khanate or Rus Khaganate.

Wrong and wrong - and assuming you are talking about the second Bulgar Khanate (as the first was definitely not Slavic in its upper echelons) out by a couple of centuries in both cases as well.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:54:31 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:52:43 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Depends on how you define "Slavic", Bulgar Khanate or Rus Khaganate.

Wrong and wrong - and assuming you are talking about the second Bulgar Khanate (as the first was definitely not Slavic in its upper echelons) out by a couple of centuries in both cases as well.

Well, you didn't say the choice was limited to Slavic upper echelons. :p The Bulgar Khanate I meant was the one founded in modern Bulgaria in 681, and it did include local Slavic tribes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:00:48 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:54:31 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:52:43 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Must not let this thread die.

What was the name of the first known Slavic state?

Depends on how you define "Slavic", Bulgar Khanate or Rus Khaganate.

Wrong and wrong - and assuming you are talking about the second Bulgar Khanate (as the first was definitely not Slavic in its upper echelons) out by a couple of centuries in both cases as well.

Well, you didn't say the choice was limited to Slavic upper echelons. :p The Bulgar Khanate I meant was the one founded in modern Bulgaria in 681, and it did include local Slavic tribes.

From what I can tell though, it's not considered a Slavic state in mainstream historiography. Slavs certainly didn't run it, and may not even have been a majority in it depending on which migration model you adhere to. It's not the answer I'm looking for, anyway.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 04:04:32 PM
I assume you are looking for an actual recognizable state, rather than a simple tribal union? If so, I am stumped. :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:10:47 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 27, 2011, 04:04:32 PM
I assume you are looking for an actual recognizable state, rather than a simple tribal union? If so, I am stumped. :blush:

Well, the one I want would be more well known today if the Magyars hadn't happened along...

It first appears in Carolingian records...

And predates Bohemia and Poland...

[Do you think that is enough clues? ;)]
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 04:26:39 PM
Samo's State/Kingdom/Realm
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 27, 2011, 04:33:45 PM
The problem with studying dark age Eastern Europe is the fact it's still ongoing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
Quote from: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 04:26:39 PM
Samo's State/Kingdom/Realm

:hmm:

That would be from Merovingian records, though...and it didn't survive the death of its' first and only ruler...I'd personally consider it marginal as a state, given its' impermanency and our lack of knowledge of its government structures.

Wikipedia's article on the state I am looking for does list Samo's realm as the first Slavic state, which disagrees with my own sources (including Heather's "Empires and Barbarians".)

:hmm:

No. I'm sticking by my guns; the state I'm after postdates Samo but predates Bohemia, Poland and the Rus etc.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
No. I'm sticking by my guns; the state I'm after postdates Samo but predates Bohemia, Poland and the Rus etc.

Great Moravia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
No. I'm sticking by my guns; the state I'm after postdates Samo but predates Bohemia, Poland and the Rus etc.

Great Moravia?

Correct!

You're up, Sahib. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 27, 2011, 07:12:13 PM
Well, at least I learned something today.  I never heard of Great Moravia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on May 28, 2011, 04:48:54 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
No. I'm sticking by my guns; the state I'm after postdates Samo but predates Bohemia, Poland and the Rus etc.

Great Moravia?

Correct!

You're up, Sahib. :)

:huh: That was my first thought, but I discarded it since Great Moravia was founded as a kingdom ca. 830, which is later than the Rus Khaganate.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 28, 2011, 07:32:05 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on May 28, 2011, 04:48:54 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on May 27, 2011, 05:04:45 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 27, 2011, 04:47:32 PM
No. I'm sticking by my guns; the state I'm after postdates Samo but predates Bohemia, Poland and the Rus etc.

Great Moravia?

Correct!

You're up, Sahib. :)

:huh: That was my first thought, but I discarded it since Great Moravia was founded as a kingdom ca. 830, which is later than the Rus Khaganate.

Since the first reference to the Rus Khaganate is from 838, and historians don't seem to think it was founded much earlier (not to mention the fact that the "Rus" referred to at this period were almost certainly Scandinavians and not Slavs) I don't see the problem.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on May 28, 2011, 07:32:40 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government

The historian Josephus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 07:36:50 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 28, 2011, 07:32:40 AM
The historian Josephus?

No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 28, 2011, 10:08:20 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government

While his jewish descent might be controversial, his grandfather did convert. Herod the Great. King of Judea, builder of the second temple, herodeum, caesarea and masada.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 10:13:42 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 28, 2011, 10:08:20 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government

While his jewish descent might be controversial, his grandfather did convert. Herod the Great. King of Judea, builder of the second temple, herodeum, caesarea and masada.

I'm thinking of someone who was actually a Roman official, not client kings or intellectuals.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 28, 2011, 11:48:57 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 10:13:42 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 28, 2011, 10:08:20 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government

While his jewish descent might be controversial, his grandfather did convert. Herod the Great. King of Judea, builder of the second temple, herodeum, caesarea and masada.

I'm thinking of someone who was actually a Roman official, not client kings or intellectuals.

Then that is the question you should have asked :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 28, 2011, 12:03:53 PM
Paul was some kind of government official at one point, wasn't he?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on May 28, 2011, 01:15:59 PM
Quote from: Viking on May 28, 2011, 11:48:57 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 10:13:42 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 28, 2011, 10:08:20 AM
Quote from: Sahib on May 28, 2011, 06:49:59 AM
Quote
You're up, Sahib. :)

Ok.
Name a person of Jewish descent who had the most impressive career in 1st century AD Roman government

While his jewish descent might be controversial, his grandfather did convert. Herod the Great. King of Judea, builder of the second temple, herodeum, caesarea and masada.

I'm thinking of someone who was actually a Roman official, not client kings or intellectuals.

Then that is the question you should have asked :contract:
He did mention roman government. i doubt you can stretch the descritption of client king far enough to say he's in the roman government.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 28, 2011, 05:07:29 PM
Wags?  I didn't know he worked for the Italian government.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on July 09, 2011, 07:21:53 PM
Having spent twenty minutes googling and Wikipediaing do you mean Tiberius Julius Alexander?

Although regardless of whether or not that's right, we need a new question; who's up?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on July 09, 2011, 08:44:15 PM
Wasn't that Herod Agrippa dude Jewish?  He was pretty fun in I, Claudius.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on July 09, 2011, 08:48:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on July 09, 2011, 08:44:15 PM
Wasn't that Herod Agrippa dude Jewish?  He was pretty fun in I, Claudius.

I tried Herod the Great, apparently client kings don't count as part of Roman Administration. The Romans themselves might have been a bit surprised to hear that though...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on July 10, 2011, 06:21:53 AM
Quote from: Viking on July 09, 2011, 08:48:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on July 09, 2011, 08:44:15 PM
Wasn't that Herod Agrippa dude Jewish?  He was pretty fun in I, Claudius.

I tried Herod the Great, apparently client kings don't count as part of Roman Administration. The Romans themselves might have been a bit surprised to hear that though...

Do client kings use the cursus honororum? No? Then they're not part of the Roman administration in my book as well. :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 28, 2011, 06:42:41 PM
Reviving this thread.....
question is....

"Where is/was the Curzon Line?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on November 28, 2011, 06:52:01 PM
The question's kinda vague, don't you think?  Are you looking country (Poland), general area (eastern Poland), some type of geographical boundary it was supposed to be (parts of the Bug River, I recall, along with chunks of West Ukraine)?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 28, 2011, 06:52:54 PM
Runs through Belorussia and Lithuania I would imagine.  It was the border suggested by Lord Curzon to settle the dispute between the Polacks and the Bolshois.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on November 28, 2011, 07:00:51 PM
Habbaku gets it. The reason I used is/was was to enable people to basically use any sensible definition. I would have accepted any "historical" answer from "the line between soviet and nazi areas of poland under the molotov-ribbentropp pact" to "the post WWII border between poland and the USSR" to the border between modern Poland and Belarus and Ukraine.

I thought the name "Curzon" might send people off into a wild goose chase into India.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 28, 2011, 08:01:06 PM
QuoteThe Curzon Line was put forward by the Allied Supreme Council[1] after World War I as a demarcation line between the Second Polish Republic and Bolshevik Russia and was supposed to serve as the basis for a future border. In the wake of World War I, which catalysed the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Russian Empire disintegrated in the ensuing Russian Civil War. Several countries, including Poland, used this occasion to declare their independence. Hostilities erupted when Polish and Bolshevik troops, approaching from opposing directions while taking over the territories of Ober Ost from the retreating German troops, met in the city of Masty.

The Allied Supreme Council tasked the Commission on Polish Affairs with recommending Polish eastern borders. The Allies forwarded it as an armistice line several times during the war, most notably in a note from the British government to the Soviets signed by Foreign Secretary George Curzon.

Wiccanpedia
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on November 28, 2011, 08:04:08 PM
Damn Wiccans.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: FunkMonk on December 09, 2011, 11:53:02 PM
Three of the four founding members of the Soviet Union were the Russian SFSR, Ukrainian SSR, and the Belorussian SSR, corresponding of course to Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

What was the fourth founding Soviet republic and what modern country does it correspond to?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on December 10, 2011, 12:11:12 AM
Guess: it's a trick question, and the answer is the Crimean SSR, corresponding to no modern country.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 10, 2011, 12:28:40 AM
Latvia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 10, 2011, 12:35:56 AM
No, that's not right.  The Soviet Union was only declared after the Civil war.  I think it is a trick question since I think the SSR is one of those that does not correspond to a modern state.  Like TransCaucaus, Turkmenistan, or Far East.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on December 10, 2011, 12:42:17 AM
It's a trick question, alright, but only because it doesn't correspond to one modern country.  It was the Transcaucasian SSR--Georgia, Armenia, etc., in the Caucasus.

Of course, they didn't exactly prove to be all that loyal and the SSR was toppled relatively quickly (and then reestablished just as quickly, during the Civil War), but that's academic.

I am too tired to make a question up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on December 10, 2011, 12:42:59 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on December 10, 2011, 12:35:56 AM
The Soviet Union was only declared after the Civil war.

:hmm: You might be right; I wonder if I have my dates off a bit.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on December 10, 2011, 12:43:47 AM
The Turkmen SSR definitely corresponds to a modern country. :huh:

I was wrong about Crimea, the SSR only lasted through 1919, and Crimea was an autonomous part of the Russian SFSR until it was united with the Ukrainian SSR in 54.

Hab is (as he well knows) correct.  Although the Transcaucasus wasn't redivided until 36.  The more you know!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 10, 2011, 01:07:59 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on December 10, 2011, 12:43:47 AM
The Turkmen SSR definitely corresponds to a modern country. :huh:

I was wrong about Crimea, the SSR only lasted through 1919, and Crimea was an autonomous part of the Russian SFSR until it was united with the Ukrainian SSR in 54.

Hab is (as he well knows) correct.  Although the Transcaucasus wasn't redivided until 36.  The more you know!

The Turkmen SSR corresponds to about a five countries.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on December 10, 2011, 01:36:37 AM
I don't think so.  It joined (i.e., was organized) in 1924, and I believe its original borders correspond either exactly or substantially to Turkmenistan today. :unsure:

Ah, ok, you're thinking of the Turkestan ASSR, which was divided into the Turkmen and Uzbek SSRs (the latter ultimately subdivided itself).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 10, 2011, 07:03:56 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.

Trick question, none.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 07:09:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 10, 2011, 07:03:56 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.

Trick question, none.

Wrong.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on December 10, 2011, 07:16:38 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on July 09, 2011, 07:21:53 PM
Having spent twenty minutes googling and Wikipediaing do you mean Tiberius Julius Alexander?

Yes  :)

Quote
I tried Herod the Great, apparently client kings don't count as part of Roman Administration. The Romans themselves might have been a bit surprised to hear that though...

Yeah I don't think Karzai is an American official either.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 10, 2011, 08:14:39 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 07:09:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 10, 2011, 07:03:56 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.

Trick question, none.

Wrong.

hmm... I thought the Romanovs were the first to use "All the Russias" rather than Muscovy and Pjotr Veliki was the first to use "Russia".

but, if that isn't the answer then... Godunovs don't count, neither do false Dmitrys so...

Two, Ivans III and IV.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on December 10, 2011, 01:32:44 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.

300 billion.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 11, 2011, 07:15:31 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 10, 2011, 08:14:39 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 07:09:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on December 10, 2011, 07:03:56 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on December 10, 2011, 06:49:23 AM
I'll put forth a question then. How many Tsars of Russia were there in the 16th century (1500-1599)? List them all for bonus points.

Trick question, none.

Wrong.

hmm... I thought the Romanovs were the first to use "All the Russias" rather than Muscovy and Pjotr Veliki was the first to use "Russia".

but, if that isn't the answer then... Godunovs don't count, neither do false Dmitrys so...

Two, Ivans III and IV.

Nope, Russia/All the Russias was used as soon as the first Tsars were around. And I don't know why you wouldn't count the Godunovs. Also, answer is wrong regardless. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 12, 2011, 06:04:19 AM
Nobody? The answer is four: Ivan IV, Simeon Bekbulatovich, Fyodor I, and Boris Godunov. This is counting all those who were crowned as Tsars. Ivan III and Vasily III used the title on occasion but were never crowned such, so it's a bit questionable for them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 12, 2011, 08:54:31 AM
In who's honor was alfredo sauce (:drool:) invented?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on December 12, 2011, 11:12:56 AM
"who's"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 12, 2011, 11:14:05 AM
hooze?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on December 12, 2011, 02:29:49 PM
Michael Corleone's brother?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 12, 2011, 02:54:06 PM
Quote from: The Brain on December 12, 2011, 11:12:56 AM
"who's"?

Naturally.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on December 12, 2011, 03:12:22 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on December 12, 2011, 08:54:31 AM
In who's honor was alfredo sauce (:drool:) invented?

Alfred the great?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 12, 2011, 03:44:21 PM
No and no.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 12, 2011, 09:11:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on December 12, 2011, 03:44:21 PM
No and no.

Alfredo?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 12, 2011, 09:25:00 PM
Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 13, 2011, 05:32:36 AM
Quote from: Caliga on December 12, 2011, 09:25:00 PM
Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

Yes.

Google? :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 13, 2011, 06:06:47 AM
Nope, I knew that one... I learned about it once when I was reading about alfredo sauce. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on December 13, 2011, 06:13:12 AM
According to wiki that's not correct. It was invented for the glorious benefit of his pregnant wife...in 1914...or something like that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 13, 2011, 06:17:56 AM
Oh. :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 13, 2011, 06:43:33 AM
Quote from: Caliga on December 13, 2011, 06:17:56 AM
Oh. :blush:

Caliga did NOT google it. Q.E.D.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 15, 2012, 05:56:44 PM
24 hour rule, someone post a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 15, 2012, 08:50:08 PM
In the first half of the 17th century the Dutch and English spent years fighting for control of the tiny Indonesian island of Run, since at the time it was the prime source of nutmeg and mace.  As part of the Treaty of Breda in 1667, the English finally agreed to abandon claims to Run.  In exchange, the Dutch agreed to relinquish their claims to which islands?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2012, 08:51:14 PM
Wok and Kraal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 15, 2012, 08:53:51 PM
 :sleep:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 15, 2012, 09:04:06 PM
Quote from: mongers on January 15, 2012, 09:00:56 PM
Channel Islands.
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 15, 2012, 09:06:51 PM
Long Island and Martha's Vineyard.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 15, 2012, 09:11:54 PM
One of these is correct.... there are two more though (guess it would have been helpful to mention that there are 3 islands in total).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 15, 2012, 09:50:09 PM
Ceylon, Long Island, and Rick Perry.  I mean Diego Garcia.  I don't know, I'm totally guessing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 15, 2012, 09:56:45 PM
I'm guessing it's somewhere in the Americas.  The Long Island colony and probably some island in the Caribbean.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 16, 2012, 12:36:14 AM
Quote from: Caliga on January 15, 2012, 09:11:54 PM
One of these is correct.... there are two more though (guess it would have been helpful to mention that there are 3 islands in total).

Long and Staten Islands as well as Manhattan along with the rest of New Netherlands?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 16, 2012, 06:19:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 16, 2012, 12:36:14 AM
Long and Staten Islands as well as Manhattan along with the rest of New Netherlands?
Correct.  In retrospect, what a shitty trade. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Octavian on January 16, 2012, 08:06:54 AM
Quote from: Caliga on January 16, 2012, 06:19:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 16, 2012, 12:36:14 AM
Long and Staten Islands as well as Manhattan along with the rest of New Netherlands?
Correct.  In retrospect, what a shitty trade. :)

:hmm:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F30.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_likogomZne1qb6ahco1_500.jpg&hash=87ef106a3ca4c6cd8852430a48e2525ff31c150b)

vs.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgraphics8.nytimes.com%2Fimages%2F2008%2F11%2F06%2Fnyregion%2Fbarge-480.jpg&hash=cf156c603c5a63ce284080c8f434105a5a673ded)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 16, 2012, 09:40:29 AM
Quote from: Caliga on January 16, 2012, 06:19:25 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 16, 2012, 12:36:14 AM
Long and Staten Islands as well as Manhattan along with the rest of New Netherlands?
Correct.  In retrospect, what a shitty trade. :)

That question was questionable Yi rule wise.

Buut.. moving on

How many times was the Library of Alexandria destroyed and who destroyed it each time.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 16, 2012, 01:43:21 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 16, 2012, 06:19:25 AM
Correct.  In retrospect, what a shitty trade. :)

When you lose wars you end up getting shitty trades.  :secret:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 16, 2012, 02:01:09 PM
I had a question for you guys, but Viking beat me to it. :(

I'll say destroyed only once, by no one as it was accidental fire, not arson.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 16, 2012, 02:32:59 PM
For some reason I thought the Fatimids destroyed it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 16, 2012, 02:33:29 PM
3 times.

Once by the Romans
Once by the Muslims

And the recent fire happened earlier this year.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on January 16, 2012, 02:56:24 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 16, 2012, 02:33:29 PM
Once by the Muslims
Most historians aren't sure about that one.  It may have happened but there's absolutely no evidence from the time that it did.

The Romans did and the Byzantines did.  Not sure who's the third.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on January 16, 2012, 02:59:59 PM
didn't a pope destroy the library too? (or a sub library or soemthing)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 16, 2012, 03:24:09 PM
My understanding was that it was destroyed twice by Romans: once by Julius Caeser, and once in the war suppressing the empire of Queen Zenobia. Then it was pillaged on order of the byzanteens for Christian reasons.

I also thought its last remains were destroyed on order of one of the Muslim Caliphs who said something like "either these books are consistent with the Koran and thus unnecessary, or they are not and thus blasphemous".

That makes 4 times ...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 16, 2012, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: Malthus on January 16, 2012, 03:24:09 PM
My understanding was that it was destroyed twice by Romans: once by Julius Caeser, and once in the war suppressing the empire of Queen Zenobia. Then it was pillaged on order of the byzanteens for Christian reasons.

I also thought its last remains were destroyed on order of one of the Muslim Caliphs who said something like "either these books are consistent with the Koran and thus unnecessary, or they are not and thus blasphemous".

That makes 4 times ...

Yes

Julius Caesar - Demolished when JC turned the Alexandrine War into a building project using Jewish Labor
Aurelian - Burned in the normal course of sacking the city
Orosius - Pillaged when depaganizing the Serapeum
Khalif Umar - Disbanded it for not containin Koranic Knowledge

Malthus gets it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on January 16, 2012, 04:23:25 PM
As I say the story of the Muslim destruction is very much contested.  Here's Bernard Lewis's interpretation of the myth and a response:
QuoteIN RESPONSE TO:
Lost History of the Lost Library from the June 14, 1990 issue                                                 

To the Editors:

From Professor Hugh Lloyd-Jones's review of Luciano Canfora's book on the library of Alexandria [NYR, June 14], one learns, with astonishment, that the author, and perhaps even to some degree the reviewer, are still disposed to lend credence to the story of how the great library of Alexandria was destroyed by the Arabs after their conquest of the city in 641 AD, by order of the Caliph 'Umar.

This story first became known to Western scholarship in 1663, when Edward Pococke, the Laudian Professor of Arabic at Oxford, published an edition of the Arabic text, with Latin translation, of part of the History of the Dynasties of the Syrian-Christian author Barhebraeus, otherwise known as Ibn al-'Ibri. According to this story, 'Amr ibn al-'As, the commander of the Arab conquerors, was inclined to accept the pleas of John the Grammarian and spare the library, but the Caliph decreed otherwise: "If these writings of the Greeks agree with the book of God, they are useless and need not be preserved; if they disagree, they are pernicious and ought to be destroyed." The books in the library, the story continues, were accordingly distributed among the four thousand bathhouses of the city, and used to heat the furnaces, which they kept going for almost six months.

As early as 1713, Father Eusèbe Renaudot, the distinguished French Orientalist, cast doubt on this story, remarking, in his History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria published in that year, that it "had something untrustworthy about it." Edward Gibbon, never one to miss a good story, relates it with gusto, and then proceeds: "For my own part, I am strongly tempted to deny both the fact and the consequences." To explain this denial, Gibbon gives the two principal arguments against authenticity—that the story first appears some six hundred years after the action which it purports to describe, and that such action is in any case contrary to what we know of the teachings and practice of the Muslims.

Since then, a succession of other Western scholars have analyzed and demolished the story—Alfred J. Butler in 1902, Victor Chauvin in 1911, Paul Casanova and Eugenio Griffini, independently, in 1923. Some have attacked the internal improbabilities of the story. A large proportion of books of that time would have been written on vellum, which does not burn. To keep that many bathhouse furnaces going for that length of time, a library of at least 14 million books would have been required. John the Grammarian who, according to the Barhebraeus story, pleaded with 'Amr for his library, is believed to have lived and died in the previous century. There is good evidence that the library itself was destroyed long before the Arabs arrived in Egypt. The 14th century historian Ibn Khaldun tells an almost identical story concerning the destruction of a library in Persia, also by order of the Caliph 'Umar, thus demonstrating its folkloric character. By far the strongest argument against the story, however, is the slight and late evidence on which it rests. Barhebraeus, the principal source used by Western historians, lived from 1226 to 1289. He had only two predecessors, from one of whom he simply copied the story and both preceded him by no more than a few decades. The earliest source is a Baghdadi physician called 'Abd al-Latif, who was in Egypt in 1203, and in a brief account of his journey refers in passing to "the library which 'Amr ibn al-'As burnt with the permisison of 'Umar." An Egyptian scholar, Ibn al-Qifti, wrote a history of learned men in about 1227, and includes a biography of John the Grammarian in the course of which he tells the story on which the legend is based. His narrative ends: "I was told the number of bathhouses that existed at that time, but I have forgotten it. It is said that they were heated for six months. Listen to this story and wonder!" Barhebraeus merely followed the text of Ibn al-Qifti, omitting his final observation on the number of baths. This number is provided by other Arabic sources, in quite different contexts.

To accept the story of the Arab destruction of the library of Alexandria, one must explain how it is that so dramatic an event was unmentioned and unnoticed not only in the rich historical literature of medieval Islam, but even in the literatures of the Coptic and other Christian churches, of the Byzantines, of the Jews, or anyone else who might have thought the destruction of a great library worthy of comment. That the story still survives, and is repeated, despite all these objections, is testimony to the enduring power of a myth.

Myths come into existence to answer a question or to serve a purpose, and one may wonder what purpose was served by this myth. An answer sometimes given, and certainly in accord with a currently popular school of epistemology, would see the story as anti-Islamic propaganda, designed by hostile elements to blacken the good name of Islam by showing the revered Caliph 'Umar as a destroyer of libraries. But this explanation is as absurd as the myth itself. The original sources of the story are Muslim, the only exception being Barhebraeus, who copied it from a Muslim author. Not the creation, but the demolition of the myth was the achievement of European scholarship, which from the 18th century to the present day has rejected the story as false and absurd, and thus exonerated the Caliph 'Umar and the early Muslims from this libel.

But if the myth was created and disseminated by Muslims and not by their enemies, what could possibly have been their motive? The answer is almost certainly provided in a comment of Paul Casanova. Since the earliest occurrence of the story is in an allusion at the beginning of the 13th century, it must have become current in the late 12th century—that is to say, in the time of the great Muslim hero Saladin, famous not only for his victories over the Crusaders, but also—and in a Muslim context perhaps more importantly—for having extinguished the heretical Fatimid caliphate in Cairo, which, with its Isma'ili doctrines, had for centuries threatened the unity of Islam. 'Abd al-Latif was an admirer of Saladin, whom he went to visit in Jerusalem. Ibn al-Qifti's father was a follower of Saladin, who appointed him Qadi in the newly conquered city.

One of Saladin's first tasks after the restoration of Sunnism in Cairo was to break up the Fatimid collections and treasures and sell their contents at public auction. These included a very considerable library, presumably full of heretical Isma'ili books. The break-up of a library, even one containing heretical books, might well have evoked disapproval in a civilized, literate society. The myth provided an obvious justification. According to this interpretation, the message of the myth was not that the Caliph 'Umar was a barbarian because he destroyed a library, but that destroying a library could be justified, because the revered Caliph 'Umar had approved of it. Thus once again, as on so many occasions, the early heroes of Islam were mobilized by later Muslim tradition to give posthumous sanction to actions and policies of which they had never heard and which they would probably not have condoned.

It is surely time that the Caliph 'Umar and 'Amr ibn al-'As were finally acquitted of this charge which their admirers and later their detractors conspired to bring against them.

Bernard Lewis Princeton, New Jersey

Hugh Lloyd-Jones replies:
I am delighted that my review has elicited Professor Lewis's learned and interesting letter. But if he had looked a little more closely at what I wrote, he would have seen that I do not believe that when the Arabs conquered Egypt there was very much left in the library for them to destroy. Whether the Arabs of that time would have destroyed a great library belonging to an alien culture is an interesting question which Professor Lewis is far better qualified to answer than I am, so that I am disappointed that nothing in his letter throws light upon this problem.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 16, 2012, 06:08:09 PM
I don't think anyone contests that when the Arabs invaded, there was probably not a hell of a big library left. The story of heating the bathhouses is certainly apocryphal.

The fact that the same story is told of Persian books burned by the same Caliph doesn't necessarily indicate it is untrue: if it was that Caliph's policy to burn books, why not in Persia as well as Alexandria?

I disagree with Prof. Lewis that the story "provided an obvious justification" for getting rid of Fatimid heresies. The story as told makes the Caliph look like a bumpkin. Saladin didn't need such justification to burn clearly and directly heritical works, and certainly did not wish to look like an ignorant bumpkin for doing so. There is no indication that Saladin thought that nothing other than the Koran was necessary or desireable.

That said, it could easily be untrue, as it is based on a late source.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 16, 2012, 10:45:34 PM
The strange thing about the Umar story is that it fits Islamic attitudes to learning after "The Incoherence of the Philosophers" better than it does the attitude of conquest beduin. The fact here was that the Library ceased to exist as part of the conquest.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:06:39 AM
After more than 24 hours, I take it as an open floor.

Where are situated Australia's oldest known European-built structures, and to what event are these linked?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:12:24 AM
Quote from: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:06:39 AM
After more than 24 hours, I take it as an open floor.

Where are situated Australia's oldest known European-built structures, and to what event are these linked?

Off the coast of W.A. and they are linked to a dutch shipwreck from the 17th or 18th century.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 18, 2012, 10:14:59 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on January 16, 2012, 02:56:24 PM
Most historians aren't sure about that one.  It may have happened but there's absolutely no evidence from the time that it did.

The Romans did and the Byzantines did.  Not sure who's the third.

All the destructions of the Library are pretty sketchy for similar reasons.  We just know at one point there was an institution known as the Library of Alexandria and at one point there wasn't.  There may have been many institutions called the Library of Alexandria.

I for one found it rather funny how rage gets directed at various actors who at various points set civilization back centuries.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:15:12 AM
BTW with wikipedia blacked out today's quiz is somehow more interesting
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 18, 2012, 10:17:36 AM
Quote from: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:06:39 AM
Where are situated Australia's oldest known European-built structures, and to what event are these linked?

Um, on the West coast and the discovery of Australia by the Dutch?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 18, 2012, 10:18:00 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:15:12 AM
BTW with wikipedia blacked out today's quiz is somehow more interesting

It should have no impact.  Nobody on Languish cheats -_-
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 10:19:21 AM
I think we're very good about saying when we've looked up the answer. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:20:07 AM
Quote from: Valmy on January 18, 2012, 10:18:00 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:15:12 AM
BTW with wikipedia blacked out today's quiz is somehow more interesting

It should have no impact.  Nobody on Languish cheats -_-

I agree, unpossible.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:29:32 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 18, 2012, 10:12:24 AM

Off the coast of W.A. and they are linked to a dutch shipwreck from the 17th or 18th century.

It's Dutch, I'll give you that. But I need specifics. And it's not some random obscure event no one should know, by the way. I've checked.

No, the structures are not a shipwreck.

I've found no website giving out the answer. So without the toponyms you guys are fucked and must reel the wheels in your brains this time.  So let the little white mouse work their treadmills. :nelson:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:37:43 AM
Is it related to the Krakatoa eruption?  EDIT:  Not Krakatoa,  the earlier one.  Tamboa.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:48:31 AM
I think you are going to have to define "structure" for us.  That could be anything from a harbor, to a castle, to a pile of stones.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 18, 2012, 10:49:12 AM
Prison on Raine Island?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:52:49 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:48:31 AM
I think you are going to have to define "structure" for us.  That could be anything from a harbor, to a castle, to a pile of stones.

Quotestruc·ture  (strkchr)
n.
1. Something made up of a number of parts that are held or put together in a particular way: hierarchical social structure.
2. The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole; makeup: triangular in structure.
3. The interrelation or arrangement of parts in a complex entity: political structure; plot structure.
4. Something constructed, such as a building.

By "structure", I mean something built by men (here Europeans) with a purpose and a functionality.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 10:52:58 AM
A non-obscure Dutch shipwreck on Australia in the 17th or 18th century... :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:54:52 AM
Quote from: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:52:49 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:48:31 AM
I think you are going to have to define "structure" for us.  That could be anything from a harbor, to a castle, to a pile of stones.

Quotestruc·ture  (strkchr)
n.
1. Something made up of a number of parts that are held or put together in a particular way: hierarchical social structure.
2. The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole; makeup: triangular in structure.
3. The interrelation or arrangement of parts in a complex entity: political structure; plot structure.
4. Something constructed, such as a building.

By "structure", I mean something built by men (here Europeans) with a purpose and a functionality.

Yes, so it could be a harbor, a castle or a pile of rocks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:55:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 18, 2012, 10:49:12 AM
Prison on Raine Island?

It's even anterior to that one. That one is the oldest in tropical Australia. My structure is the oldest in Australia, period.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on January 18, 2012, 10:54:52 AM
Yes, so it could be a harbor, a castle or a pile of rocks.

Yes. But given the circumstances of what was happening, its use and functionality was obvious. Hence my reference to a purpose and functionality.

I can't say too much, otherwise I might give too many clues. What I can tell you it's that these are Dutch, they're old, have been built by humans, and are not leftovers of a shipwreck (if you can get the subtlety of that last part).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 18, 2012, 10:59:36 AM
Quote from: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 10:55:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 18, 2012, 10:49:12 AM
Prison on Raine Island?

It's even anterior to that one. That one is the oldest in tropical Australia. My structure is the oldest in Australia, period.

I have no idea. I'm just trying to out googlefu you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 11:00:15 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 18, 2012, 10:59:36 AM
I have no idea. I'm just trying to out googlefu you.

I've checked that possibility beforehand, too. :shifty:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 11:05:07 AM
A lean-too or shelter built by the survivors of a dutch shipwreck of the west coast of australia?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on January 18, 2012, 11:07:12 AM
The Dutch built pyramids on the coast of Africa.
Then went inland and built Ayer's rock.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 11:12:59 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 18, 2012, 11:05:07 AM
A lean-too or shelter built by the survivors of a dutch shipwreck of the west coast of australia?

Getting a little closer, but it wasn't a lean-to shelter. It was built for a very specific function, warranted by the circumstances.

Before you say I'm being facetious, I really can't say too much without spilling the beans here, so I tread carefully.  :Embarrass:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 11:17:47 AM
A fort built on Tasmania as defence against the savage natives.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 11:18:54 AM
Cairn built to mark the grave of a member of Abel Tasman's crew who died on or near the mainland.

(if it's not that then I give up..)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 11:22:35 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 18, 2012, 11:18:54 AM
Cairn built to mark the grave of a member of Abel Tasman's crew who died on or near the mainland.

(if it's not that then I give up..)

Sadly, no.

However Yi is right in part, it was a fort. However, it wasn't to defend against savage natives.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.panoramio.com%2Fphotos%2Foriginal%2F7322262.jpg&hash=a6b8941ca4a33b5e8e75476ea38d848dc18cf84b)

However, the question is : Where was it built, and to what event it was linked.

The event is so infamous, even for the time, an opera was made of it in our time and it was even part of the celebrations of the Summer JO in Sydney. So no, it's not an obscure event. It's even because of that event that female passengers on VoC ships were severely restricted when the news reached Amsterdam.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on January 18, 2012, 11:31:46 AM
A fort to defend against nagging wives that stowed away on board the ship.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 11:48:50 AM
Is that a fort build as a result of the Batavia mutiny on 'Batavia's Graveyard"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 12:00:27 PM
Quote from: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 11:48:50 AM
Is that a fort build as a result of the Batavia mutiny on 'Batavia's Graveyard"?

We have a winner. It was the fort built by Wiebbe Hayes on West Wallabi Island as a result of the gruesome massacre by the mutineers in vicinity of the shipwrecked Batavia, one of the worst in history.

Wiebbe Hayes and his soldiers were sent by the mutineers, led by Jeronimus Cornelius, to the Wallabi Islands to find water and food, ostensibly to send them to starve to death. But they did find water and food there. 

When they finally learned by survivors who fled the main island by swimming that the mutineers were literally murdering people left and right on the main island (125 people, men, women, and children, were beaten, tortured, raped, and murdered while they were gone) first to cull the population for food ration, and more and more for the lulz as Cornelius and his thugs devolved into savagery for pleasure, they built that fort to hold out until a ship could arrive and protect any survivor that fled the scene.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.voc.iinet.net.au%2Fimages%2Fbatavia%2520muders.jpg&hash=99f888b0384fc13b3552edf3b80e5fdb090a657c)

Twice the mutineers tried to take the fort when they understood that Hayes had indeed found water and food and could hold out forever. The last attempt was nearly successfully, but they were repelled. When the relief ship Sertam arrived, given to Batavia's Commander Pelsaert in Batavia to save his crew and passengers cargo of gold and silver, both raced to reach it (Hayes to alert of the mutiny, Cornelius and the mutineers to seize it, slaughter its crew, and flow away with the Batavia's stock of gold). Hayes won. Amazingly, it's only then that Pelsaert learned that there was a mutiny, as the ship had shipwrecked before it could take place.

Aside from the numerous executions, two mutineers were left marooned on the Australian mainland, never to be heard of again. These are two first European settlers in Australia. Also, Lucretia Jans, now believed to have been Cornelius' power behind the throne in the mutiny plot, and the other surviving women the first women to set foot on Australia.

I expected it to be widely more known than that, though. It's one of the most bloodiest and infamous mutinies in naval history, thus why I was walking on eggshells. It's also why I worded it so the structure wasn't a shipwreck, yet it could be possible it could be to an infamous shipwreck. :huh:

Mathus has the floor - again.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 12:21:42 PM
Never heard of it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 12:27:12 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 12:21:42 PM
Never heard of it.

The Batavia is one of the two replicas (the other is De Ruyter's admiral ship The Seven Provinces) which have been built in the dockyards in Amsterdam in the 1990s, using the methods and resources of the time. It's the Netherlands' (and Australia's) Mutiny on the Bounty, only grosser, gorier, and sleazier.

She was even brought (towed by a barge) into the Sydney harbor to stay there for the Olympic Games in 2000.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 12:31:37 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 18, 2012, 12:21:42 PM
Never heard of it.

It's sort of like a 16th century Dutch version of Lord of the Flies, only with adults.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2012, 12:43:58 PM
Quote from: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 12:31:37 PM
It's sort of like a 16th century Dutch version of Lord of the Flies, only with adults.

It's Lord of the Flies if Jack was an adult, heretical psychopath hell-bent on creating his own little kingdom and turned a bunch of the kids against the others, brutally killing anyone who either was in his path, he didn't like the face of, or just wanted to have fun with. I wouldn't be surprised if William Golding was in part inspired by the story of the aftermath of the Batavia shipwreck for his novel.

Anyway, Malthus has the floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 12:58:41 PM
Okay, then - who was the first (and only) person to provide a written, eyewitness account of a Viking ship cremation burial ceremony? And what language was that account written in?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 18, 2012, 01:02:11 PM
Written in Arabic? Don't remember the name of the guy, some emmissary of the Caliph of Baghdad iirc.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 18, 2012, 01:12:33 PM
The 13th warrior guy?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on January 18, 2012, 01:20:21 PM
ibn Fadlan in Arabic?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 18, 2012, 01:38:39 PM
ships were expensive, burying one is frickin' ostentatious
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2012, 01:57:31 PM
Quote from: The Brain on January 18, 2012, 01:20:21 PM
ibn Fadlan in Arabic?

Yup.

Not really a difficult one, for this crowd.  ;)

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on January 19, 2012, 06:14:19 AM
Quote from: Viking on January 16, 2012, 10:45:34 PM
The strange thing about the Umar story is that it fits Islamic attitudes to learning after "The Incoherence of the Philosophers" better than it does the attitude of conquest beduin. The fact here was that the Library ceased to exist as part of the conquest.
But that's like blaming the Bishop of Rome for the decline of the city, rather than the numerous raids and attacks in the previous centuries.  It seems far more likely that the Arabs presided over the death of the library rather than that they destroyed it.  The first stories are recorded in the 12th century.  That's probably why it reflects the attitudes of that period, not the period the story alleges to narrate.

As I say my understanding is that in Western scholarship this is viewed as a myth (certainly the books I've read that cover the early Caliphate dismiss the story).  Though it's still really interesting, especially what Bernard Lewis tries to address, which is why it's a myth, why it emerged when and where it did.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on January 19, 2012, 11:00:01 AM
Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 01:33:03 PM
To get some traction out of this thread.

Who founded the colonies of New Amsterdam & New Sweden?

Bonus : He bought the land from the Indians, which tribe & how much?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 19, 2012, 03:21:45 PM
$24 worth of Dutch shit.

Can't remember the dudes name, but they named a pipe tobacco after him.

Can't remember the tribe's name at all.  If it was a tribe at all; could have been a chiefdom.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 19, 2012, 03:33:40 PM
I think his name was Peter Minuet or something like that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on January 19, 2012, 03:42:48 PM
Not an answer to the question, but I just like to point out that Rambo settled in New Sweden in 1640.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 19, 2012, 04:06:44 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 01:33:03 PM
To get some traction out of this thread.

Who founded the colonies of New Amsterdam & New Sweden?

The Netherlands and Sweden. :smarty:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 19, 2012, 05:09:44 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 01:33:03 PM
To get some traction out of this thread.

Who founded the colonies of New Amsterdam & New Sweden?

Bonus : He bought the land from the Indians, which tribe & how much?

Johann Printz?

The tribe and the sum, I don't have a clue, though.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 19, 2012, 06:06:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 01:33:03 PM
To get some traction out of this thread.

Who founded the colonies of New Amsterdam & New Sweden?

Bonus : He bought the land from the Indians, which tribe & how much?

The only one I can remember is Peter Stuyvesant.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 07:33:51 PM
Valmy is right, Peter Minuit.

It is believe it's the Lenape tribe but that's hardly official. Yi is right on the number.

Valmy or Yi get to ask a question, who ever does it first.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Cecil on January 19, 2012, 07:36:22 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 19, 2012, 07:33:51 PM
Valmy is right, Peter Minuit.

It is believe it's the Lenape tribe but that's hardly official. Yi is right on the number.

Valmy or Yi get to ask a question, who ever does it first.

He was a great first pick in Colonization. You could just steal the indians shit for free.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 19, 2012, 08:35:34 PM
And the funny thing is that it was the indians who made out like bandits: they traded land that wasn't theirs for a priceless array of high-tech goodies.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 20, 2012, 09:48:32 AM
A follow up question, just to keep the thread going - the Indians were not the only ones to make what may seem in hindsight to have been a bad bargain for Manhattan ... what did the Dutch in turn horse-trade Manhattan away for to the English, in the treaty that ended the second anglo-Dutch war?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2012, 09:49:50 AM
A small island in the Molluccas called Run?  :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 10:19:30 AM
Suriname. Terrible mistake :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 20, 2012, 10:28:21 AM
Quote from: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 10:19:30 AM
Suriname. Terrible mistake :(

This is correct (though releasing historical claims on Run was also part of the deal).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 10:39:47 AM
Continuing the thread.... Henry Hudson explored the river that now bears his name. Who did he name it after?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2012, 11:30:08 AM
Dead son I think.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 11:31:35 AM
I thought he named it North River.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 11:52:44 AM
Hm, apparently it went by two names at the time, North River being the other.
As an additional clue, an island outside the Americas is also named after this person.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 20, 2012, 11:55:32 AM
Tristan da Cunha?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2012, 12:10:49 PM
Hudson von Falkland.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2012, 12:13:59 PM
Oh shit, that's in the Americas.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 12:21:44 PM
Tasman
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 12:27:19 PM
No, none of those.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:33:08 PM
is it grootte Mouritse reviere for Prince Maurits?

I looked it up because we arent going to spend the day just spewing name but I'm not 100% sure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 12:35:19 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:33:08 PM
grootte Mouritse reviere for Prince Maurits.

I looked it up because we arent going to spend the day just spewing name.

Isn't that the point of this game?  :huh:

Anyway, yes it's Maurits, the island of course being Mauritius.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:37:03 PM
Quote from: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 12:35:19 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:33:08 PM
grootte Mouritse reviere for Prince Maurits.

I looked it up because we arent going to spend the day just spewing name.

Isn't that the point of this game?  :huh:

Anyway, yes it's Maurits, the island of course being Mauritius.

Yes but 24h is too much time. You had a good 2 hours of glory.

Feel free to ask a new question.

This is where I found the answer : http://books.google.ca/books?id=vgnh3E5Mm0cC&lpg=PA4&ots

I might buy that book.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 12:46:22 PM
Nah, go ahead.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:50:51 PM
Who was King of France when Jacques Cartier died?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 12:54:26 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 12:50:51 PM
Who was King of France when Jacques Cartier died?

Um...Henri II?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 01:03:24 PM
Yes.

You are on deck.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:06:22 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 01:03:24 PM
Yes.

You are on deck.

Holy crap that was a wild guess.  I just knew it was in the 16th century so I guessed a 16th century king.

Ok...the French Revolution attempted to fund itself through what means and what was the name of the paper money that resulted?

Hint: not futures on the Aristocratic head harvest and they were not called 'Francs'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 20, 2012, 01:18:51 PM
Quote from: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:06:22 PM
Hint: they were not called 'Francs'.

Euros?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on January 20, 2012, 01:30:40 PM
Ecu?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:31:18 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on January 20, 2012, 01:18:51 PM
Euros?

Yes!  The EU wants to glorify the French Revolution foreva! :frog: :wub:

Ok actually no but that would be funny.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:31:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on January 20, 2012, 01:30:40 PM
Ecu?

Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:32:18 PM
assignats
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:32:18 PM
assignats

Ding ding!  And what were they based on?

Ron Paul will be sad to know it was not gold.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 20, 2012, 01:37:53 PM
Quote from: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:32:18 PM
assignats

Ding ding!  And what were they based on?

Ron Paul will be sad to know it was not gold.

Shares of the plunder of Italy?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on January 20, 2012, 01:39:02 PM
Spices?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:40:37 PM
They were based on stolen property, specifically church property.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 20, 2012, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:33:15 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:32:18 PM
assignats

Ding ding!  And what were they based on?

Ron Paul will be sad to know it was not gold.

Lands and properties seized to the Church.

PDH beat me to it by a minute.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:48:10 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:40:37 PM
They were based on stolen property, specifically church property.

Ding ding!  You are up.

Nothing like a church-persecuting based economy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on January 20, 2012, 01:49:23 PM
Quote from: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 01:48:10 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:40:37 PM
They were based on stolen property, specifically church property.

Ding ding!  You are up.

Nothing like a church-persecuting based economy.
somewhere out there Marti creamed himself and he doesn't know why
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 01:52:50 PM
Why did the Dominican Inquisitor Stephen of Bourbon dig up and destroy the bones of Saint Guinefort in the 13th century, all in an attempt to end the veneration of this saint?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 02:00:52 PM
He was an early Christian with heretical beliefs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:06:39 PM
Nope.

And this is somewhat known, there was a movie made about this incident.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 20, 2012, 02:12:28 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:06:39 PM
Nope.

And this is somewhat known, there was a movie made about this incident.

Really, what movie? (In PM, not to spoil the answer)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 20, 2012, 02:14:40 PM
Oh, I know now.  The saint was not human.  If I'm right, the Floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:14:43 PM
I think you can search his name and it will show the movie.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 20, 2012, 02:15:30 PM
Because St. Guinefort's grave was situated so that the venerators who approached it trampled Stephen's vegetable garden.  Stephen was very proud of his vegetable garden, and rightly so.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:18:36 PM
Raz is close, and to say so gives it away.  St Guinefort was a greyhound to whom mothers with sick children prayed for healing.  Stephen was excited to find out about Guinefort, but got quite upset when he learned it was a dog.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 20, 2012, 02:23:21 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:18:36 PM
Raz is close, and to say so gives it away.  St Guinefort was a greyhound to whom mothers with sick children prayed for healing.  Stephen was excited to find out about Guinefort, but got quite upset when he learned it was a dog.

I thought it was because mothers would dump their sick babies on the grave to be "healed" by the dog, and so they would oftentimes die of exposure or starvation?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 02:26:08 PM
Stephen said they dumped them there, the cult (which may have lasted for centuries beyond this) didn't actually do this, but they did leave the infants alone after praying to Guinefort in all likelihood - Stephen also said the Devil was the reason for the cult, so you can take his reporting with the grain of salt you would Santorum's statements.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 20, 2012, 03:17:15 PM
A simple, easy one: Where does the term Merovingian take its origins from, as dynasty?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 03:20:43 PM
Merovic, King of the Franks
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 20, 2012, 03:22:15 PM
Quote from: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 03:20:43 PM
Merovic, King of the Franks

CORRECTIVE EDIT:

Well yes, there's the semi-legendary King Merovech or Meroveus (which is the usual origins) from whom Clovis had traced its lineage from. That was the answer I was expecting, but one of the ortographs is "Merovic".  So I grant it to Maximus. :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 04:14:53 PM
To what royal person did Mercator dedicate his atlas?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 04:21:59 PM
Quote from: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 04:14:53 PM
To what royal person did Mercator dedicate his atlas?

Charles V?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 04:32:33 PM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Oexmelin on January 20, 2012, 04:37:22 PM
Rudolf II?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 20, 2012, 04:39:57 PM
Amerigo Vespuchi?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 20, 2012, 04:46:38 PM
It's a trap!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 04:56:16 PM
None of those.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 20, 2012, 05:05:37 PM
Jesus, King of the Jews.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 05:09:39 PM
No, but you're closer, in a way.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 20, 2012, 05:13:24 PM
Karl von Habsburg, abdicated king of Spain and sundry shit.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 05:16:04 PM
I know, but I don't have a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 20, 2012, 05:20:08 PM
I thought it was a trick question.  He went to a monastery. :(

I assume then that the answer is some pope whose name I don't know.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 05:25:53 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 20, 2012, 05:16:04 PM
I know, but I don't have a question.

You can answer correctly but not give a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 05:27:32 PM
Fine.  He dedicated it to Ptolemy.  I was doing research on maps last year and came across this if I am remembering correctly.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 05:30:27 PM
I hadn't considered that, but it may indeed have been Ptolemy. However that is not the name he used.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 20, 2012, 05:35:53 PM
Crash and burn! Flameout! 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 05:37:16 PM
None of those either
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 05:43:08 PM
Quote from: Maximus on January 20, 2012, 05:30:27 PM
I hadn't considered that, but it may indeed have been Ptolemy. However that is not the name he used.

It is not Ptolemy.  Oh Maximus you magnificent bastard.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 20, 2012, 08:58:45 PM
Quote from: Valmy on January 20, 2012, 05:43:08 PM
It is not Ptolemy.  Oh Maximus you magnificent bastard.
I READ YOUR BOOOOOOOOOK!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 21, 2012, 06:53:39 AM
It's Atlas.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 21, 2012, 08:19:52 AM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.myopera.com%2Fdebplatt%2Fsmiley%2Fshrug2.gif&hash=d622b44438ce478a69d2e9a8c3e003728d659020)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on January 21, 2012, 10:10:40 AM
Quote from: Maladict on January 21, 2012, 06:53:39 AM
It's Atlas.
Atlas, King of Mauritania, you're up
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 21, 2012, 10:30:02 AM
Quote from: Maximus on January 21, 2012, 10:10:40 AM
Quote from: Maladict on January 21, 2012, 06:53:39 AM
It's Atlas.
Atlas, King of Mauritania, you're up

Clever.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 21, 2012, 01:52:35 PM
OH I GET IT.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 21, 2012, 02:26:21 PM
I got nothing, open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2012, 02:34:11 PM
Which country was a the major arms supplier to the communist Cuba's air force in its first couple of years.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 21, 2012, 02:34:42 PM
Berkeley?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on January 21, 2012, 02:35:10 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 21, 2012, 02:34:42 PM
Berkeley?

:lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 21, 2012, 02:37:34 PM
Israel?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 02:39:08 PM
Isreel was going to be my guess as well.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2012, 02:41:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 02:39:08 PM
Isreel was going to be my guess as well.

Not that country either.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on January 21, 2012, 02:43:32 PM
The USA? Simply for the irony factor and because I think I recall reading that Castro turned to the Soviet Union only after he'd tried to get into bed with the Americans.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2012, 02:46:35 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on January 21, 2012, 02:43:32 PM
The USA? Simply for the irony factor and because I think I recall reading that Castro turned to the Soviet Union only after he'd tried to get into bed with the Americans.

Not that I'm aware of.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 02:50:25 PM
Mexico?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2012, 02:54:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 02:50:25 PM
Mexico?

No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 21, 2012, 03:02:47 PM
India.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 03:05:14 PM
Yugoslavia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2012, 03:07:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 21, 2012, 03:05:14 PM
Yugoslavia.

Nope and no.

It's not a very good question, so I'll give you the answer- The UK in the form of the Hawker aircraft company, more details here:

http://www.urrib2000.narod.ru/ArticGiron1-e.html (http://www.urrib2000.narod.ru/ArticGiron1-e.html)

Note the role played by the British technicians and the important role played by the aircraft and especially the supplied rockets during the Bay of Pigs.  :bowler:

One of the surviving gate guards in Cuba:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn-www.airliners.net%2Faviation-photos%2Fphotos%2F8%2F8%2F9%2F1914988.jpg&hash=f2b3bb35eb132aeb46d22439b0e5b90e8ed0f1fd)


Open floor.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 21, 2012, 03:09:30 PM
Oh, someone would've guessed the UK eventually.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 21, 2012, 06:43:57 PM
I thought I put an answer up.  Oh well, it wasn't the correct answer.  Mine was Czechoslovakia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on January 21, 2012, 11:39:50 PM
In 1420, Henry V entered Paris as a conqueror.

Who was the next foreign monarch to enter the city as a conqueror?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 21, 2012, 11:41:17 PM
Wilhelm I of Prussia? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on January 21, 2012, 11:43:08 PM
Gambetta? :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on January 21, 2012, 11:44:41 PM
No, and NO to Shelf  :glare:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 22, 2012, 12:04:48 AM
Czar Alexander?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2012, 12:18:54 AM
Napoleon I?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zoupa on January 22, 2012, 12:29:44 AM
Alexander II, tsar of all Russias, 1814.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 22, 2012, 12:34:20 AM
Okay, open Floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 01:38:46 AM
While (obviously) not confirmed, this monarch is rumored to have died from a disease he caught from a peasant girl he raped.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sophie Scholl on January 22, 2012, 02:07:06 AM
Henry V?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 02:12:09 AM
No
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on January 22, 2012, 03:15:28 AM
Charles XII?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 22, 2012, 05:04:00 AM
That ugly french king from The Borgias Charles something. I'm thinking post facto casting based on later severe syphillis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 10:59:32 AM
No to both
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on January 22, 2012, 11:04:36 AM
Louis XVI?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 22, 2012, 11:05:45 AM
Bad King John?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on January 22, 2012, 11:07:59 AM
Good King Wenceslas?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on January 22, 2012, 11:25:31 AM
Ivan the Terrible?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 22, 2012, 11:42:46 AM
Wild guess: Baldwin of Jerusalem.  He was thought to be leper but leprosy was fairly vague diagnosis at the time and nobody knew how you contracted it.  Viking is probably on the right track with syphillis, which would place the king after the Colombian exchange.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 22, 2012, 12:31:33 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.

Could have been leprosy.  His head falling off at the same time as being placed in the guillotine may have simply been a coincidence.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on January 22, 2012, 01:26:59 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.

On January 21st, no less.   :smoke:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on January 22, 2012, 01:32:20 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on January 22, 2012, 01:26:59 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.

On January 21st, no less.   :smoke:
Oooh.  Didn't he have a condition anyway?  A very tight foreskin or something that made sex very uncomfortable.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on January 22, 2012, 01:38:59 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on January 22, 2012, 01:32:20 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on January 22, 2012, 01:26:59 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.

On January 21st, no less.   :smoke:
Oooh.  Didn't he have a condition anyway?  A very tight foreskin or something that made sex very uncomfortable.

That seems to ring a bell...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 05:59:38 PM
Anyway, Brain was close, but the answer is Louis XV.

Apparently there was a certain Madame du Barry who was known to find young, sometimes pre-pubescent girls for Louis XV to bang. In one rumored incident Louis caught sight of a young girl while on a trip, and unable to control himself, viciously raped her (she apparently was severely injured.) However, she had smallpox which Louis caught and later died from.

We know for a fact he died of smallpox, the rest has always just been rumor/legend; possibly trumped up in the post-monarchy period to highlight the depravity of the Bourbons, but it's also entirely possible it was true.

That leaves the floor open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2012, 11:33:43 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on January 22, 2012, 01:32:20 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on January 22, 2012, 01:26:59 PM
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on January 22, 2012, 11:54:48 AM
No to all those; and unless I'm mistaken Louis XVI did not die of disease or natural causes--having been publicly beheaded.

On January 21st, no less.   :smoke:
Oooh.  Didn't he have a condition anyway?  A very tight foreskin or something that made sex very uncomfortable.

Some have suggested that he had phimosis (unretractable foreskin), as well as, more speculatively, a glandular disorder which delayed puberty, explaining why he didn't care much about fucking Kirsten Dunst and therefore dallied in submitting to a circumcision to fix his problem.  There's an article about it in a 2002 volume of Progres en Urologie.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 07, 2012, 07:24:24 PM
24 hour rule ?


If so, which was the last place ruled by the British crown to use conscription for its' military force ?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 07, 2012, 07:26:45 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 07, 2012, 07:24:24 PM
24 hour rule ?


If so, which was the last place ruled by the British crown to use conscription for its' military force ?

Yi rule?  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 07, 2012, 07:41:54 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 07, 2012, 07:26:45 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 07, 2012, 07:24:24 PM
24 hour rule ?


If so, which was the last place ruled by the British crown to use conscription for its' military force ?

Yi rule?  :lol:

We did away with the Yi rule, besides this place has never been part of the United Kingdom, my country, hint there.  :P
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 07, 2012, 07:57:52 PM
Australia.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 07, 2012, 08:02:28 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 07, 2012, 07:57:52 PM
Australia.

Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: ulmont on February 07, 2012, 10:34:52 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 07, 2012, 07:41:54 PM
We did away with the Yi rule, besides this place has never been part of the United Kingdom, my country, hint there.  :P

US the last holdout?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 07, 2012, 10:43:02 PM
As there's a fair number of African countries who still have it, I assume he meant while they were under Britain.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 07, 2012, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 07, 2012, 10:43:02 PM
As there's a fair number of African countries who still have it, I assume he meant while they were under Britain.

Yeah, I'm not sure what he talking about. What exactly is meant by "ruled by the British crown".  He needs to clarify the question.  I'm guessing it's some place like Belize.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 08, 2012, 09:13:09 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 07, 2012, 11:24:28 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 07, 2012, 10:43:02 PM
As there's a fair number of African countries who still have it, I assume he meant while they were under Britain.

Yeah, I'm not sure what he talking about. What exactly is meant by "ruled by the British crown".  He needs to clarify the question.  I'm guessing it's some place like Belize.

Nope, and I'm using the words "british crown" for a reason. 

Just to clarify, the date of independence of the places you might be guessing is the cut off point. Once they're independent then if they continue to have conscription or reintroduce it isn't relevant, independence would be the last possible date for that country as regards this question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2012, 09:27:25 AM
The UK? :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 08, 2012, 09:39:39 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2012, 09:27:25 AM
The UK? :hmm:

Nope.

I'll give you the answer as I'm going out for a while. 

It's the british crown colony of Bermuda and the date is ... today, Bermuda still has a policy of raising recruits for the Bermuda Regiment by conscription, more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Regiment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Regiment)

Quote
The majority of the Regiment is made up of conscripts, making it unique among all of the land forces still under the British Crown. Conscription is based on a random lottery of men through the ages of 18 to 23, with exemptions granted to Police and Prison officers, members of the British regular forces (or men who have served for two years), church ministers, prisoners or those who have been judged to be of "unsound mind". Temporary deferment is granted for full-time students (attending either the Bermuda College or schools abroad), for the length of their studies, and individuals currently medically unfit but likely to become fit again. Conscientious objectors have the opportunity to either serve in a non-combatant role or perform an alternative community service chosen by the Governor.

This practice (of conscription) is frequently criticised by both Bermudians and aware foreigners, particularly for its sexism and its similarity to slavery (a sensitive issue given the historic background of Bermuda), and has been noted in the British Parliament.[3] It receives support from the community, however, and is hailed for causing interaction between social and racial groups. A recent Bermuda Supreme Court decision has upheld that conscription is a lawful process, as presently administered by the Defence Department, although it required an earlier Supreme Court decision in 1995 to establish conscientious objection on an equal basis with that obtaining in Britain during conscription. Moral issues aside, however, this leaves the force dependent on the qualities of senior officers,[citation needed] whereas similar units – the British Army, in particular, upon which the Regiment is modelled – emphasise the initiative of junior members.



Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 10, 2012, 06:34:04 PM
bump, someone else ask a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: CountDeMoney on February 10, 2012, 06:37:23 PM
Bump yourself, bitch.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 06:47:57 PM
Alright - here's one to pass the time:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_Fh2aCkgfh6Q%2FSkyFm4q_q_I%2FAAAAAAAAAQg%2F44YwFWqlBZI%2Fs400%2FTiger.jpg&hash=b2d0403cf5cb5e243bcd1f0bb4c90231d16a9011)

What is this item, what does it depict, and who had it made?

Extra points for elaborating on the events which may have inspired its manufacture.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 10, 2012, 06:53:52 PM
That is a .Jpg file creating by you, Jacob.  You made it ask ask us questions in History Trivia thread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 07:20:09 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 10, 2012, 06:53:52 PM
That is a .Jpg file creating by you, Jacob.  You made it ask ask us questions in History Trivia thread.

One mark for amusement factor :lol:

Final Mark: 1/10

Grade: F

Anyone else?

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on February 10, 2012, 07:20:44 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 06:47:57 PM
Alright - here's one to pass the time:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_Fh2aCkgfh6Q%2FSkyFm4q_q_I%2FAAAAAAAAAQg%2F44YwFWqlBZI%2Fs400%2FTiger.jpg&hash=b2d0403cf5cb5e243bcd1f0bb4c90231d16a9011)

What is this item, what does it depict, and who had it made?

Extra points for elaborating on the events which may have inspired its manufacture.

Lettow fails casting the moon runes, dies horribly. Squee.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 10, 2012, 07:24:22 PM
Thanks to Malthus's link I found a mew is a collective noun for castrated chickens.  Seems appropriate really.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 07:30:05 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 10, 2012, 07:20:44 PMLettow fails casting the moon runes, dies horribly. Squee.

3 marks for being poetically apt. 1 for sound effects.

Final mark: 4/10
Grade: F
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on February 10, 2012, 07:33:20 PM
I'm going to the dean. My precious child will not have a failing grade!

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 10, 2012, 07:42:07 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 06:47:57 PM
Extra points for elaborating on the events which may have inspired its manufacture.

I'm thinking perhaps a man getting eaten by a tiger?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 07:46:36 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 10, 2012, 07:42:07 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 06:47:57 PM
Extra points for elaborating on the events which may have inspired its manufacture.

I'm thinking perhaps a man getting eaten by a tiger?

Not a bad guess, but I am looking for something a little more specific  :bowler:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 10, 2012, 07:59:42 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 06:47:57 PM
Alright - here's one to pass the time:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_Fh2aCkgfh6Q%2FSkyFm4q_q_I%2FAAAAAAAAAQg%2F44YwFWqlBZI%2Fs400%2FTiger.jpg&hash=b2d0403cf5cb5e243bcd1f0bb4c90231d16a9011)

What is this item, what does it depict, and who had it made?

Extra points for elaborating on the events which may have inspired its manufacture.

I can't place it, but I think I've seen the object in RL, it's not a musical box that commemorates the the Indian Mutiny, though that's probably too late as it looks mid 18th century.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 08:06:17 PM
I expect you probably have seen IRL. You're also in the right geographical area, and you're correct - it's not to commemorate the Indian Mutiny.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on February 10, 2012, 09:31:48 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 08:06:17 PM
I expect you probably have seen IRL. You're also in the right geographical area, and you're correct - it's not to commemorate the Indian Mutiny.

Yeah, so you'd give me about a D-   :D

It's a good question as it's such a wel known object, I probably saw it about two years ago.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 09:43:13 PM
A gift from French colonialists to some Indian ruler?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 09:49:36 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2012, 09:31:48 PM
Quote from: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 08:06:17 PM
I expect you probably have seen IRL. You're also in the right geographical area, and you're correct - it's not to commemorate the Indian Mutiny.

Yeah, so you'd give me about a D-   :D

It's a good question as it's such a wel known object, I probably saw it about two years ago.

I'm a harsh marker. You're still getting an F, but I'll give you a chance to retake the test given that you're showing interest in the subject :bowler:

EDIT: On review I'm redacting my mark. You get a D on the strength of the "musical box" part, which is substantially correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 10, 2012, 09:56:06 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 09:43:13 PM
A gift from French colonialists to some Indian ruler?

The French are not involved (but you are implying something about the subject, I believe). The involvement of "some Indian ruler" is correct.

D- with potential for a higher grade if you develop your analysis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on February 11, 2012, 11:35:31 PM
The picture is of Tipu's Tiger - a mechanical musical instrument which, when played reproduces the sounds of a man moaning and screaming while being eaten by a tiger as well as the growls of the man-eating tiger.

The tiger was commissioned by Tibu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore around the year 1795. It is speculated that it was inspired by the death of Hugh Munro, killed by a tiger while on a hunting expedition in India. Hugh Munro's father was General Hector Munro, who had commanded a division in the second Anglo-Mysore war in which Tipu's father, Hyder Ali had been defeated.

The figure is on display at the Victoria & Albert museum in London.

Yi, you were on the right track as Tipu was allied with the French against the English. It is quite possible that Frenchmen visiting his court contributed to the construction, but it was Tipu himself who had it commissioned.

The wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipu's_Tiger

The floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 10:31:49 AM
Let's revive this Frankenstein of a thread once more.

When the Turks attacked King Karl XII of Sweden staying at Bender on Feb. 1st 1713, the King and about fourty lifeguards managed to ward off thousands of Turkish soldiers, including archers and artillery, for seven hours straight. What happened that finally defeated the Swedes and allowed the Turks to seize the King and make him and his men prisoners?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on February 17, 2012, 10:33:08 AM
The Swedes embraced multiculturalism?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 10:34:19 AM
The lifeguards demanded overtime?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on February 17, 2012, 12:09:51 PM
Thirst?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on February 17, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
No, wait, fire?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:11:19 PM
I'm not saying it was aliens...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 12:30:43 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on February 17, 2012, 10:33:08 AM
The Swedes embraced multiculturalism?

Oh the Swedes were embracing multiculturalism allright - and then they were by the Turks jumping on them to grab them and seize them.


Quote from: Threviel on February 17, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
No, wait, fire?

Well they were in a house, so fire did prompt the Swedes to react. And then something happened... which is the answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:38:40 PM
The King and his men made for a different building but he tripped on his spurs and fell. Lt Åberg of the Upplanders threw himself on top of him to shield him and got a sabre cut to his head. The King was captured.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 12:41:32 PM
When the house caught on fire the heat made the lifeguards think they were in a sauna, so they all stripped off their armor and were easily overcome.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 17, 2012, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 10:31:49 AM
Let's revive this Frankenstein of a thread once more.

When the Turks attacked King Karl XII of Sweden staying at Bender on Feb. 1st 1713, the King and about fourty lifeguards managed to ward off thousands of Turkish soldiers, including archers and artillery, for seven hours straight. What happened that finally defeated the Swedes and allowed the Turks to seize the King and make him and his men prisoners?

They ran out of gunpowder?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 12:47:42 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:38:40 PM
The King and his men made for a different building but he tripped on his spurs and fell. Lt Åberg of the Upplanders threw himself on top of him to shield him and got a sabre cut to his head. The King was captured.

Bingo.

Karl XII got out of the building but tripped on his own spurs and fell down to get jumped by dozens Turks surrounding him. Game over. :nelson:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Threviel on February 17, 2012, 12:48:54 PM
Quote from: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 12:47:42 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:38:40 PM
The King and his men made for a different building but he tripped on his spurs and fell. Lt Åberg of the Upplanders threw himself on top of him to shield him and got a sabre cut to his head. The King was captured.

Bingo.

Karl XII got out of the building but tripped on his own spurs and fell down to get jumped by dozens Turks seizing him. Game over. :nelson:

That fucker just didn't know when to quit.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:53:54 PM
Staying on that topic, which warlord captured an Ottoman Sultan?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 12:54:52 PM
Timur the Lame.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 12:55:16 PM
ja
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 12:56:20 PM
Name the four UK banks that issue paper money.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 01:16:30 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 12:56:20 PM
Name the four UK banks that issue paper money.

Bank of England
Bank of Scotland
Bank of Wales
Bank of Northern Ireland?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Habbaku on February 17, 2012, 01:17:03 PM
Bank of Wales, Bank of Scotland, Bank of England, Bank of Northern Ireland.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:20:19 PM
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 17, 2012, 01:39:47 PM
Dogger Bank
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 01:44:37 PM
This is a history question?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:45:43 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 01:44:37 PM
This is a history question?

Name the four banks that issued paper money in the UK yesterday.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 01:46:51 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi13.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa299%2FSlayhem%2FHitlerbe2.jpg&hash=ca05397d028151d3b12997423a24f06f2eaa4357)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:45:43 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 01:44:37 PM
This is a history question?

Name the four banks that issued paper money in the UK yesterday.

Isn't one of them a bank of some god-ridden town deep in the countryside that has the custom privilege to print its own money legally?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:50:13 PM
Quote from: Drakken on February 17, 2012, 01:48:33 PM
Isn't one of them a bank of some god-ridden town deep in the countryside that has the custom privilege to print its own money legally?

Eh, couldn't tell you for sure.  One of them was definitely a bank I had not heard of before.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:52:57 PM
To clarify, of the answers given so far Bank of England (duh) and Bank of Scotland are correct.

Need two more.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 17, 2012, 01:55:41 PM
Philip and Carlton Banks
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 02:13:59 PM
Hints: no bonus and large animal.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 17, 2012, 02:34:59 PM
Bank of Whales
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 02:35:58 PM
No.  Good try.

Well, shitty try but you're a good guy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: Solmyr on February 17, 2012, 10:33:08 AM
The Swedes embraced multiculturalism?
:lmfao:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 02:38:54 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 01:45:43 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 17, 2012, 01:44:37 PM
This is a history question?

Name the four banks that issued paper money in the UK yesterday.

Also funny. :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on February 17, 2012, 02:52:05 PM
btw, I thought it was 8 banks. Not that I know the name of any of them.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 02:55:02 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 17, 2012, 02:52:05 PM
btw, I thought it was 8 banks. Not that I know the name of any of them.

Not even the ones I gave you? :hmm:

Time is up.  Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Clydesdale.

Floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 02:57:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 12:56:20 PM
Name the four UK banks that issue paper money.
Bank of England, Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, Northern Bank and the Bank of Ulster?

Edit:  As it's been answered I looked it up.  Bank of Ireland and First Trust Bank also issue.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:01:17 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 02:57:49 PM
Bank of England, Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, Northern Bank and the Bank of Ulster?

Edit:  As it's been answered I looked it up.  Bank of Ireland and First Trust Bank also issue.

Hmmm.  Article in the FT only mentioned my four.  Either way.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:01:17 PM
Hmmm.  Article in the FT only mentioned my four.  Either way.
Those are only England and Scotland.  There's four Northern Irish banks too.

Apparently all the governments of the Crown dependencies issue their own version of the pound too.  So there's a Manx pound, Jersey pound, Gibraltar pound, Falklands pound etc.  Never seen any of them though.  I assume they can be used here?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on February 17, 2012, 03:06:50 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:01:17 PM
Hmmm.  Article in the FT only mentioned my four.  Either way.
Those are only England and Scotland.  There's four Northern Irish banks too.

Apparently all the governments of the Crown dependencies issue their own version of the pound too.  So there's a Manx pound, Jersey pound, Gibraltar pound, Falklands pound etc.  Never seen any of them though.  I assume they can be used here?

The question was who issued the notes yesterday...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 03:12:22 PM
My cat is a manx. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:14:04 PM
I've dated a girl from Jersey.  :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on February 17, 2012, 03:53:33 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:01:17 PM
Hmmm.  Article in the FT only mentioned my four.  Either way.
Those are only England and Scotland.  There's four Northern Irish banks too.

Apparently all the governments of the Crown dependencies issue their own version of the pound too.  So there's a Manx pound, Jersey pound, Gibraltar pound, Falklands pound etc.  Never seen any of them though.  I assume they can be used here?

I once found a coin minted on the Island of Jersey in my change - in Canada.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on February 17, 2012, 03:54:57 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 17, 2012, 03:14:04 PM
I've dated a girl from Jersey.  :)

It's a royal tradition!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillie_Langtry

:D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 04:02:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 03:12:22 PM
My cat is a manx. :)
Very odd place the Isle of Man.  The tail-less cats are a bit weird.  There's the Fairy Bridges too, where you're meant to greet the fairies as you cross.  According to my nan if you don't they follow you forever :mellow:

Also the last place in the UK (and I think Europe) to abolish corporal punishment.  My Manx family are still furious that 'human rights' means there's no more birching of shoplifters :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 04:11:03 PM
They should bring that back, really.  The administration of an instructive beating is far less spiritually damaging than imprisonment.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 04:18:20 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 04:11:03 PM
They should bring that back, really.  The administration of an instructive beating is far less spiritually damaging than imprisonment.
Well it was only for petty theft, so I think the other option was community service. 

From what I've been told the other problem was that the Manx also had a tendency to use it on young offenders  :ph34r:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 17, 2012, 04:51:43 PM
I don't see that as a problem.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on February 18, 2012, 06:35:37 AM
Particularly teens in Catholic schoolgirl uniforms right? :perv:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on February 18, 2012, 06:52:35 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on February 17, 2012, 04:02:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 03:12:22 PM
My cat is a manx. :)
Very odd place the Isle of Man.  The tail-less cats are a bit weird.  There's the Fairy Bridges too, where you're meant to greet the fairies as you cross.  According to my nan if you don't they follow you forever :mellow:

Also the last place in the UK (and I think Europe) to abolish corporal punishment.  My Manx family are still furious that 'human rights' means there's no more birching of shoplifters :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX8Dg4nW7lU
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 18, 2012, 07:07:32 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 18, 2012, 06:35:37 AM
Particularly teens in Catholic schoolgirl uniforms right? :perv:

Depends on the teen.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on February 18, 2012, 07:38:28 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 18, 2012, 07:07:32 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 18, 2012, 06:35:37 AM
Particularly teens in Catholic schoolgirl uniforms right? :perv:

Depends on the teen.
And their gender. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 19, 2012, 10:54:34 PM
Since the floor's open.

How many French Kings directly died from playing real tennis (or jeu de paume), and who were they?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:09:35 PM
Is "real tennis" where you use a peasant as the ball?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 19, 2012, 11:13:42 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:09:35 PM
Is "real tennis" where you use a peasant as the ball?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fd%2Fd1%2FJeu_de_paume.jpg%2F240px-Jeu_de_paume.jpg&hash=fdbbf31b65d5fdd678f8cfb9597d4e9ffdb0e5a6)

No.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 03:06:13 AM
2, both named Louis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 20, 2012, 07:42:23 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 03:06:13 AM
2, both named Louis.

You'll have to be more precise. ;)

Number is good, though. Two Kings of France died. But only one was a Louis.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 20, 2012, 08:34:46 PM
Answer:

- Louis X in 1316, from drinking a very cold drink after an exhausting game of real tennis. He died within days of pneumonia or pleurisy. By this account of his death, Louis X is widely considered the first real tennis player known by name.

- Charles VIII in 1498, after stricking his head on the lintel of a door while playing. He fell in a coma and died a few hours later.

Floor's open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 20, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
Wilf Batty, a Tasmanian farmer, is famous for doing what in 1930?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ed Anger on February 20, 2012, 09:55:25 PM
MFFFFFFF super orgy
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 20, 2012, 10:17:42 PM
Going coocoo for cocoa puffs?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 20, 2012, 10:22:11 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 20, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
Wilf Batty, a Tasmanian farmer, is famous for doing what in 1930?

Capturing the last Thylicene?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 20, 2012, 10:25:50 PM
Raz would be the closest so far.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 20, 2012, 10:29:12 PM
Well I'm all out of extinct Tasmanian animals.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 20, 2012, 11:04:24 PM
He died?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on February 20, 2012, 11:10:03 PM
Killing the last indiginous Tasmanian?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 20, 2012, 11:18:22 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 20, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
Wilf Batty, a Tasmanian farmer, is famous for doing what in 1930?

Shooting the last Tazzie Tiger. Over the years there have been many claimed sightings these have been diligently checked out but nothing could be confirmed iirc.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on February 21, 2012, 07:35:09 AM
Yep.  Well, the last wild tiger anyways.  But close enough.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on February 21, 2012, 09:00:03 AM
Wasn't that what Raz said?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 21, 2012, 09:56:48 AM
Quote from: Maximus on February 21, 2012, 09:00:03 AM
Wasn't that what Raz said?

capturing /= shooting



Before the Battle of Kulikova a champion from each side presented himself and they fought a duel, what was the outcome of the duel.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 21, 2012, 10:01:34 AM
The battle of Kulikova.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 21, 2012, 10:10:26 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 21, 2012, 10:01:34 AM
The battle of Kulikova.

The battle would have happened with or without the duel, lets try an outcome that depended on the duel itself.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on February 21, 2012, 11:23:09 AM
I think Eddie got it. :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 21, 2012, 09:21:34 PM
Pure guess: they killed each other on the first blow?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HisMajestyBOB on February 21, 2012, 10:42:23 PM
They kissed and made up?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on February 21, 2012, 11:23:41 PM
Quote from: Drakken on February 21, 2012, 09:21:34 PM
Pure guess: they killed each other on the first blow?

first pass yes, though the russians claim to this day that the mongol fell off his horse first
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on February 21, 2012, 11:51:46 PM
Yippie.

Floor's open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:14:14 AM
Resurecting this beast, just 'cos:

For what reason was the prominent Soviet botanist and geneticist Nikolai Vlavilov arrested on Stalin's orders in 1940 and sent to the gulag, where he starved to death in 1943?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:16:03 AM
Quote from: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:14:14 AM
Resurecting this beast, just 'cos:

For what reason was the prominent Soviet botanist and geneticist Nikolai Vlavilov arrested on Stalin's orders in 1940 and sent to the gulag to be starved to death there in 1943?

Opposed Lysenkenism in support of evolution?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:16:03 AM
Opposed Lysenkenism in support of evolution?

Correct on the first part, he was a vociferous opponent of Lysenkism.

Vlavilov was supporting the Mendelian theory of genetics, which was VERY anathema to Trofim Lysenko's socialist, non-competitive vision of "genetics". Lysenko settled the debate by having Vlavilov arrested and sent to his death.

As an aside, even the Russian Front was accessory in advancing the science of plant genetics!  :lol:

QuoteAccording to Cohen, by 1940, Vavilov had accumulated a collection of 200,000 plant seeds from the Soviet Union and from abroad. The collection was seized by a German SS squad in 1943 and partially transferred to the SS Institute for Plant Genetics, which had been established at the Lannach Castle near Graz, Austria.[5] However, the Germans could only take samples stored within the territories occupied by the German armies, mainly in Ukraine and Crimea. The main gene bank in Leningrad was not affected. The leader of the German squad was Heinz Brücher, an SS officer who was also a plant genetics expert.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:23:07 AM
Quote from: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:16:03 AM
Opposed Lysenkenism in support of evolution?

Correct on the first part, he was a vociferous opponent of Lysenkism.

Vlavilov was supporting the Mendelian theory of genetics, which was VERY anathema to Trofim Lysenko's socialist, non-competitive vision of "genetics". Lysenko settled the debate by having Vlavilov arrested and sent to his death.

Commonly known as the "Argumentum ad Parabellum". As Max Planck said, "science progresses one funeral at a time".

It might just be me, but my gut reaction to the question was "opposing lysenko was just way too obvious, the real answer must be something else".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:29:41 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:23:07 AM
It might just be me, but my gut reaction to the question was "opposing lysenko was just way too obvious, the real answer must be something else".

I threw around enough curveball questions in the past, so I elected to go for one that wasn't too difficult.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:30:21 AM
Quote from: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:16:03 AM
Opposed Lysenkenism in support of evolution?

Correct on the first part, he was a vociferous opponent of Lysenkism.

Vlavilov was supporting the Mendelian theory of genetics, which was VERY anathema to Trofim Lysenko's socialist, non-competitive vision of "genetics". Lysenko settled the debate by having Vlavilov arrested and sent to his death.


I'd say Lysenko got the better of that debate.  :D

How about this, an easy one - the intricately carved Lewis Chessmen are one of the most famous treasures from the early medieval period ever discovered. The "warders" (their version of castles) display what prominent and unmistakable feature that vividly demonstrates the particularly Scandinavian heritage of the carvers?   
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 09:34:39 AM
I thought Lysenko's ideas were evolution.  Just not Darwinian evolution.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 09:37:35 AM
I am going to say "breasts".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:42:23 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 09:34:39 AM
I thought Lysenko's ideas were evolution.  Just not Darwinian evolution.

Lysenko's ideas were that Mendelian's genetics, at least for plants and seeds, as competitive and "survival of the fittest" was a Capitalist propaganda idea. His beliefs were that genetic traits were acquired and could be passed (akind to Lamarckism), and that these genes would pass on because the agents would collaborate with one another to survive, a more Socialist-friendly idea.

Through hoaxes and false research he was able to convince the Soviet apparatchiks that he was a genuine Soviet expert on plant genetics and agriculture, and they decided to base their agricultural policies on Lysenko's ideas, like planting seeds very early in winter in barely frozen ground in high humidity and low temperature (a process Lysenko termed vernalization) so that they could acquire resistance to cold, or plant them in batches very close to one another so that they would support each other's growth. Unsurprisingly the results were disastrous for Soviet agriculture.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:43:39 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:30:21 AM

I'd say Lysenko got the better of that debate.  :D

How about this, an easy one - the intricately carved Lewis Chessmen are one of the most famous treasures from the early medieval period ever discovered. The "warders" (their version of castles) display what prominent and unmistakable feature that vividly demonstrates the particularly Scandinavian heritage of the carvers?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclassicfun.ws%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fnom-nom-nom-2-480x412.jpg&hash=9e2dfd75d64adb75c814603b09ceeb7a85300aa6)

nom nom nom
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:44:20 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 09:37:35 AM
I am going to say "breasts".

Unsurprisingly, not.  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:43:39 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:30:21 AM

I'd say Lysenko got the better of that debate.  :D

How about this, an easy one - the intricately carved Lewis Chessmen are one of the most famous treasures from the early medieval period ever discovered. The "warders" (their version of castles) display what prominent and unmistakable feature that vividly demonstrates the particularly Scandinavian heritage of the carvers?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclassicfun.ws%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fnom-nom-nom-2-480x412.jpg&hash=9e2dfd75d64adb75c814603b09ceeb7a85300aa6)

nom nom nom

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:47:00 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:30:21 AM
How about this, an easy one - the intricately carved Lewis Chessmen are one of the most famous treasures from the early medieval period ever discovered. The "warders" (their version of castles) display what prominent and unmistakable feature that vividly demonstrates the particularly Scandinavian heritage of the carvers?

They had carved Drakkars instead of Rooks?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).

Berserkers would chew on their shields to use up some of that nervous energy they built up controlling their drug addled minds after eating the fly-shrooms.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:56:58 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).

Berserkers would chew on their shields to use up some of that nervous energy they built up controlling their drug addled minds after eating the fly-shrooms.

Interesting. Kinda like Crystal Meth users who can't stop clentching or grinding their teeth so much that they end up screwing with their dentition? Odds are surviving berserkers had bad dentition, then.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:02:17 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).

Berserkers would chew on their shields to use up some of that nervous energy they built up controlling their drug addled minds after eating the fly-shrooms.

I dunno if it is yet known what motivated berserkers. The point of shield-chewing I would have thought was to demonstrate an intimidating level of violent insanity ...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:03:01 AM
Quote from: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:56:58 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).

Berserkers would chew on their shields to use up some of that nervous energy they built up controlling their drug addled minds after eating the fly-shrooms.

Interesting. Kinda like Crystal Meth users who can't stop clentching or grinding their teeth so much that they end up screwing with their dentition? Odds are surviving berserkers had bad dentition, then.

I dunno if berserkers worried about dentition. Or surviving, for that matter.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:04:58 AM
Anyway, here's a pic of said berserkers:

http://blog.britishmuseum.org/2011/11/15/going-berserk-the-lewis-chessmen-in-new-york/
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:05:48 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria

This is the mushroom they used, the sagas give the impresison that chewing on his shield was the only thing a berserker was good for (apart from killing lots of people in a suicidal charge) after eating the mushroom..


Anyways... the question is...

What event cause the invention of the socket musket?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:08:37 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:03:01 AM
Quote from: Drakken on April 05, 2012, 09:56:58 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:54:09 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:45:54 AM

I'm giving it to you  ;) - the warders are shown chewing on their shields (the sign of a berserker).

Berserkers would chew on their shields to use up some of that nervous energy they built up controlling their drug addled minds after eating the fly-shrooms.

Interesting. Kinda like Crystal Meth users who can't stop clentching or grinding their teeth so much that they end up screwing with their dentition? Odds are surviving berserkers had bad dentition, then.

I dunno if berserkers worried about dentition. Or surviving, for that matter.  :lol:

Berserkur - literally means bear skin. Thought to be a magically induced skin shift into a bear leaving the berserker inveulnerable to enemy weapons. They didn't worry about surviving mainly because they thought they did and if they didn't they were pretty much assured of a fast track to Valhöll.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:18:01 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:05:48 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria

This is the mushroom they used, the sagas give the impresison that chewing on his shield was the only thing a berserker was good for (apart from killing lots of people in a suicidal charge) after eating the mushroom..


Your source is far from definite on that ...

QuoteA single source for the notion that Vikings used A. muscaria to produce their berserker rages was first suggested by the Swedish professor Samuel Ödman in 1784.[102] Ödman based his theories on reports about the use of fly agaric among Siberian shamans. The notion has become widespread since the 19th century, but no contemporary sources mention this use or anything similar in their description of berserkers. Today, it is generally considered an urban legend or at best speculation that cannot be proven. Muscimol is generally a mild relaxant, but could create a range of reactions within a range of people.[103] It is possible that it could make a person incredibly angry, as well as make them "very jolly or sad, jump about, dance, sing or give way to great fright".[103]

Quote
Anyways... the question is...

What event cause the invention of the socket musket?

A clarification - you mean some single event, rather than "I can't fire my damn musket with a knife-hilt shoved down the barrel"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:22:12 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:18:01 AM
A clarification - you mean some single event, rather than "I can't fire my damn musket with a knife-hilt shoved down the barrel"?

I'm talking about a specific case of mass "it took me longer to put in the plug than it took for the other guy to run to within stabbing distance".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:22:12 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:18:01 AM
A clarification - you mean some single event, rather than "I can't fire my damn musket with a knife-hilt shoved down the barrel"?

I'm talking about a specific case of mass "it took me longer to put in the plug than it took for the other guy to run to within stabbing distance".

Ah, fair enough - that would indeed be awkward (well, briefly awkward)  :D

I dunno without looking it up.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:49:04 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:22:12 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 10:18:01 AM
A clarification - you mean some single event, rather than "I can't fire my damn musket with a knife-hilt shoved down the barrel"?

I'm talking about a specific case of mass "it took me longer to put in the plug than it took for the other guy to run to within stabbing distance".

I'd accept the campaign as a good enough answer.
Ah, fair enough - that would indeed be awkward (well, briefly awkward)  :D

I dunno without looking it up.



I'd accept the campaign as a good enough answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 11:07:13 AM
Quote from: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 09:44:20 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 09:37:35 AM
I am going to say "breasts".

Unsurprisingly, not.  :D

I was thinking they might be Valkyries.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 05, 2012, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 11:07:13 AM
I was thinking they might be Valkyries.

Amazons had breasts too, ya know. ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 02:27:08 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 05, 2012, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 11:07:13 AM
I was thinking they might be Valkyries.

Amazons had breasts too, ya know. ;)

Well, one each, anyway. They had the other removed so they could shoot the bow more easily.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 05, 2012, 02:54:30 PM
That's not how they're depicted in Diablo 2!
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 05, 2012, 03:44:16 PM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:05:48 AM
What event cause the invention of the socket musket?

Bonnie Prince Charlie?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on April 05, 2012, 03:49:40 PM
What is a socket musket?  Is that a musket that has a socket for a bayonet?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 04:12:01 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on April 05, 2012, 03:49:40 PM
What is a socket musket?  Is that a musket that has a socket for a bayonet?

Yup. As opposed to the plug bayonet (handle fits down the muzzle).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on April 05, 2012, 04:28:49 PM
The more important question is who thought it was a good idea to stick a bayonet in the mussel of a musket to begin with.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 05, 2012, 04:31:51 PM
Quote from: HVC on April 05, 2012, 04:28:49 PM
The more important question is who thought it was a good idea to stick a bayonet in the mussel of a musket to begin with.

Some guy who fired at and missed a charging cavalryman.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 04:45:29 PM
Quote from: HVC on April 05, 2012, 04:28:49 PM
The more important question is who thought it was a good idea to stick a bayonet in the mussel of a musket to begin with.

It's the obvious way to convert a firearm into a spear. Considering the slow rate of fire of early firearms, it makes some sense.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: HVC on April 05, 2012, 04:54:02 PM
I don't mean attaching a knife to the gun, which if I recall started as a hunting thing (bears and boars get angry if you shoot and just maime :P ) and makes sense. I mean sticking it in the mussel itself, that seems like a bad plan :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 05:01:46 PM
Quote from: HVC on April 05, 2012, 04:54:02 PM
I don't mean attaching a knife to the gun, which if I recall started as a hunting thing (bears and boars get angry if you shoot and just maime :P ) and makes sense. I mean sticking it in the mussel itself, that seems like a bad plan :lol:

As I said, it's simply the easiest way to do it so the knife sits securely, if the knife & gun doesn't come with an extra attachment.

Now obviously having the ability to fire with the knife on is a better idea- that's why the socket bayonet style took off. But someone needs to make the special attachment first. It is a lot easier to simpy remove the handle of a knife and jam the tang down the barrel of a gun. Don't need any special attachments for that.

The actual attachment is a simple yet sophisticated little machine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayonet_mount

Prior to use of this device, "ring" bayonets had the alarming disadvantage of simply falling off in combat.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 05:16:13 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 05, 2012, 02:54:30 PM
That's not how they're depicted in Diablo 2!

It's not how they are typically depicted in Greek art either.  The "Without out breasts" thing seems an unlikely etymology.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 05, 2012, 05:35:14 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on April 05, 2012, 05:16:13 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 05, 2012, 02:54:30 PM
That's not how they're depicted in Diablo 2!

It's not how they are typically depicted in Greek art either.  The "Without out breasts" thing seems an unlikely etymology.

It isn't purely a matter of etymology. Both Both Herodotus and Hippocrates - the two most prominent sources for their existence - claim that they cut off a breast.

They are described by Hippocrates as:

"They have no right breasts...for while they are yet babies their mothers make red-hot a bronze instrument constructed for this very purpose and apply it to the right breast and cauterize it, so that its growth is arrested, and all its strength and bulk are diverted to the right shoulder and right arm."

It is true that they are not depicted as having only one tit in art, but who wants to look at hawt women warriors with only one tit?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 05, 2012, 06:49:17 PM
The plug bayonent is a logical descendent of the pike.  This barrel is kind of a stick, let's put a pike head on it.  BTW Hillary it's muzzle.  Mussels are what Belgians pull from a shell and eat with frites.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on April 05, 2012, 09:21:13 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 05, 2012, 03:44:16 PM
Quote from: Viking on April 05, 2012, 10:05:48 AM
What event cause the invention of the socket musket?

Bonnie Prince Charlie?

Right place, wrong time. The problem was psychotic highlanders running at you very fast. However, it was a problem in 1689 rather than 1745. The true solution to chargin psychotics was solved, not by Hugh Mackay after the battle of Killiecrankie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Killiecrankie), which is the answer to the question. But rather by Hiram Maxim, but that is a question for another day.

QuoteAt seven o'clock Dundee gave the order to advance, at which point the entirety of the Highlanders dropped their gear, fired what muskets they had, and charged. Mackay's forces, realising the battle was on, stepped up their rate of fire, however due to a shallow terrace on the hillside shielding the advancing Jacobites, this fire was partly masked.[3] Eventually the lines met and Mackay's men in the centre were "swept away by the furious onset of the Camerons." So fast was the Jacobite charge that many Government troops had insufficient time to fix their bayonets, leaving them defenceless at close-quarters (during this period, the plug bayonet was used, which fitted into the barrel of the musket and prevented further reloading or firing - this meant that fixing bayonets was delayed till the last possible moment). The battle soon ended with the entirety of Mackay's force fleeing the field, quickly turning into a rout that killed 2,000.[2]


Floor is open.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 15, 2012, 12:17:58 PM
Heh, I just came across an obscure one - which famour historical person was depicted as the target in the first picture to depict hand-gun violence?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 15, 2012, 12:21:21 PM
Gustavus Adolphus.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 15, 2012, 01:38:35 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 15, 2012, 12:21:21 PM
Gustavus Adolphus.

Nope - much earlier.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on August 15, 2012, 01:39:24 PM
Genghis Khan?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: FunkMonk on August 15, 2012, 01:45:14 PM
Grumbler?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on August 15, 2012, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 15, 2012, 12:17:58 PM
Heh, I just came across an obscure one - which famour historical person was depicted as the target in the first picture to depict hand-gun violence?

Was the person a contemporary to the picture? Because I suppose someone in the 16th century may have drawn a picture of Julius Ceasear or something...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on August 15, 2012, 02:04:06 PM
William of Orange?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 15, 2012, 03:31:58 PM
Quote from: Martinus on August 15, 2012, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 15, 2012, 12:17:58 PM
Heh, I just came across an obscure one - which famour historical person was depicted as the target in the first picture to depict hand-gun violence?

Was the person a contemporary to the picture? Because I suppose someone in the 16th century may have drawn a picture of Julius Ceasear or something...

Good question ... and the answer is no. The person is not a contemporary of the picture.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 08:32:30 AM
Okay, here it is. The guy being threatened with an early hand-gun was ... the Buddha.  :lol:

The gun in question was the Chinese "fire lance":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_lance

The picture:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/FireLanceAndGrenade10thCenturyDunhuang.jpg

Guy with the gun is the snake-haired demon in the upper right (another demon is holding a grenade!)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 10:41:49 AM
I don't think that's really a hand gun, anymore then a Bazooka is a hand gun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 01:48:37 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 10:41:49 AM
I don't think that's really a hand gun, anymore then a Bazooka is a hand gun.

It's the earliest hand-held gunpowder weapon that used exploding gunpowder to fire a projectile out of a tube. A bazooka works on a different principle altogether - it's a rocket launcher.

This is of course a trick question, the trick spotted by Martinus - that the guy being menaced lived one thousand six hundred years before the invention of such weapons. Also, ironic that it is the Buddha, associated with peaceful stuff.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on August 16, 2012, 02:37:00 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 01:48:37 PM
Also, ironic that it is the Buddha, associated with peaceful stuff.

There are a lot of Japanese Buddhists that would disagree with you.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 03:44:41 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 01:48:37 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 10:41:49 AM
I don't think that's really a hand gun, anymore then a Bazooka is a hand gun.

It's the earliest hand-held gunpowder weapon that used exploding gunpowder to fire a projectile out of a tube. A bazooka works on a different principle altogether - it's a rocket launcher.

This is of course a trick question, the trick spotted by Martinus - that the guy being menaced lived one thousand six hundred years before the invention of such weapons. Also, ironic that it is the Buddha, associated with peaceful stuff.

Being hand held doesn't make it a hand gun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 03:45:39 PM
Quote from: Drakken on August 16, 2012, 02:37:00 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 01:48:37 PM
Also, ironic that it is the Buddha, associated with peaceful stuff.

There are a lot of Japanese Buddhists that would disagree with you.

I didn't know that the Buddha was personally known to be a bad-ass, even among Japanese types.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 03:51:34 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 03:44:41 PM
Quote from: Malthus on August 16, 2012, 01:48:37 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on August 16, 2012, 10:41:49 AM
I don't think that's really a hand gun, anymore then a Bazooka is a hand gun.

It's the earliest hand-held gunpowder weapon that used exploding gunpowder to fire a projectile out of a tube. A bazooka works on a different principle altogether - it's a rocket launcher.

This is of course a trick question, the trick spotted by Martinus - that the guy being menaced lived one thousand six hundred years before the invention of such weapons. Also, ironic that it is the Buddha, associated with peaceful stuff.

Being hand held doesn't make it a hand gun.

I disagree.

QuoteA handgun is a firearm designed to be handheld, in either one or both hands. This characteristic differentiates handguns as a general class of firearms from long guns such as rifles and shotguns (which are mounted against the shoulder).

and

QuoteHandheld firearms were first made in China where gunpowder was first developed. They were hand cannons (although they were not necessarily fired from the hand, but rather at the end of a handle). By the 14th century, they existed in Europe as well. The first handheld firearms that might better be called "pistols" were made as early as the 15th century, but their creator is unknown.[5] By the 18th century, the term came to be used often to refer to handheld firearms. Practical revolver designs appeared in the 19th century, but it was not until the mid-twentieth century that the (sometimes-observed) differentiation in usage of the words "pistol" and "revolver" evolved among some speakers and the use of "handgun" became prevalent. Previously there had been no such differentiation, and in fact Samuel Colt's original patent was for a "revolving-breech pistol." There is no literal equivalent for "handgun" in the Romance languages, which continue to use cognates of the word "pistol".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handgun#Multiple_senses_of_the_word_.22pistol.22

You are mistaking "handgun" and "pistol". The fire lance was a "handgun" because it was fired from the hands, not brought to the shoulder like a rifle, musket or shotgun.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 28, 2012, 05:38:02 PM
Thread necromancy!!!!!


What is the modern name of Diopolis Megale?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on December 28, 2012, 05:43:39 PM
Nicki Minaj.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 05:48:50 PM
I dunno, Tunis?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 28, 2012, 05:55:21 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 05:48:50 PM
I dunno, Tunis?

Tunis was founded as the islamic military camp after the conquest of north africa, it was chosen specifically to be a new city without traditions the muslims could be enticed into.

So, no, not Tunis and not Nicki Minaj.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jacob on December 28, 2012, 06:08:36 PM
Ceuta

... or Melila?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 06:09:31 PM
I don't know why I said Tunis.  I was thinking Tripoli, but I don't think that's right either.  It might help if I knew Greek.  I'm guessing that Diopolis means "ten cities".  Or "God City".  I dunno.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on December 28, 2012, 06:22:09 PM
Milan ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 28, 2012, 06:27:10 PM
Thebes?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 28, 2012, 06:50:45 PM
Istanbul?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:02:26 PM
Quote from: Jacob on December 28, 2012, 06:08:36 PM
Ceuta

... or Melila?

Both hispanicized romanized punic names. Neither is greek and neither is the right answer.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:05:27 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 06:09:31 PM
I don't know why I said Tunis.  I was thinking Tripoli, but I don't think that's right either.  It might help if I knew Greek.  I'm guessing that Diopolis means "ten cities".  Or "God City".  I dunno.

Tripoli, Libya is named after Tripoli in Lebanon and is often referred to as Tripoli of the west in both punic and arabic. The name today is a greek bastardardization of the original punic name.

Diopolis Megale literally means "City of the Great God" referring to Zeus as the Great God.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:12:14 PM
Quote from: Caliga on December 28, 2012, 06:50:45 PM
Istanbul?

Famous for having many names, yes, but Diopolis Megala isn't one of them.

Quote from: Maladict on December 28, 2012, 06:27:10 PM
Thebes?

I know my question is a trick question, but this answer is a trick answer. Then again Raz's answer was a trick answer as well. Thebes is not the answer to the question.

Quote from: mongers on December 28, 2012, 06:22:09 PM
Milan ?

Mediolanum means middle of the plain in latin iirc. Milan is a lombard bastardization of that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 28, 2012, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:12:14 PM
I know my question is a trick question, but this answer is a trick answer.

Not sure what's tricky about it.  :huh:
We're talking Diospolis megale, yes? It's Thebes, or Luxor if you want to be pedantic about it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 08:16:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:05:27 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 06:09:31 PM
I don't know why I said Tunis.  I was thinking Tripoli, but I don't think that's right either.  It might help if I knew Greek.  I'm guessing that Diopolis means "ten cities".  Or "God City".  I dunno.

Tripoli, Libya is named after Tripoli in Lebanon and is often referred to as Tripoli of the west in both punic and arabic. The name today is a greek bastardardization of the original punic name.

Diopolis Megale literally means "City of the Great God" referring to Zeus as the Great God.

I'm pretty sure it means "three cities".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 28, 2012, 08:24:17 PM
Ephesus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 28, 2012, 09:21:16 PM
Quote from: Maladict on December 28, 2012, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:12:14 PM
I know my question is a trick question, but this answer is a trick answer.

Not sure what's tricky about it.  :huh:
We're talking Diospolis megale, yes? It's Thebes, or Luxor if you want to be pedantic about it.

I gave up and looked.  It's something really obscure.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 29, 2012, 04:37:55 AM
Quote from: Maladict on December 28, 2012, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 28, 2012, 07:12:14 PM
I know my question is a trick question, but this answer is a trick answer.

Not sure what's tricky about it.  :huh:
We're talking Diospolis megale, yes? It's Thebes, or Luxor if you want to be pedantic about it.

You have the floor. I couldn't accept Thebes as an answer since Luxor is the modern name and there were two Thebes.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 29, 2012, 05:16:28 AM
Ok, fair enough.


Where is Leonardo da Vinci's famous Vitruvian Man, illustrating the proportions of the human body, kept? Either the museum or the city will do.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on December 29, 2012, 06:16:44 AM
Gonna do a wild guess - Louvre, Paris?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 29, 2012, 07:02:27 AM
The Vatican?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on December 29, 2012, 07:03:19 AM
My guess is Milan.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 29, 2012, 07:07:56 AM
Not Paris, Milan or the Vatican.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: chipwich on December 29, 2012, 08:54:41 AM
Zagreb.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on December 29, 2012, 08:57:33 AM
New York?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 29, 2012, 09:49:54 AM
Nope
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Martinus on December 29, 2012, 10:55:22 AM
Florence?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 29, 2012, 11:19:51 AM
It's only a piece of parchment. It's not like it's something some army would carry off. I would have guessed the monastary where he died near paris... but that's not a city, plus I can't remember it's name :( .

He lived in Milan, Venice and Paris. Milan and Paris have been guessed.

Venice.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on December 29, 2012, 12:08:19 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 29, 2012, 11:19:51 AM
It's only a piece of parchment. It's not like it's something some army would carry off. I would have guessed the monastary where he died near paris... but that's not a city, plus I can't remember it's name :( .

He lived in Milan, Venice and Paris. Milan and Paris have been guessed.

Venice.

Yes, although he only stayed very briefly and did not create the drawing there.
Also, he lived in Amboise, not Paris. And of course in Vinci, Florence and Rome.
It's not parchment but paper and the French would most definitely have carried it off if it had been in the city in 1797. As it happened, the Accademia did not acquire it until 1815.
It's only rarely on display, I missed out on seeing it by a day back in 2002. :cry:

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 29, 2012, 01:48:02 PM
Ok,

sooo...

Melbourne, Sidney, Hobart and Brisbane are named after British statesmen, Darwin after a British scientist and Perth after a British City. Who/What is Adelaide named after?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
Princess Adelaide
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 29, 2012, 02:43:36 PM
It's an abbreviation of the Scottish "I dinna get laid."  Rankers of the highland regiment posted there considered it a hardship post because of the lack of female convicts to rape.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 29, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
Princess Adelaide

Adelaide was not a princess, though the standards of this thread would require you to say what she was princess of. You answer is almost half a hair short of answering with "Adelaide".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on December 29, 2012, 03:55:22 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 29, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
Princess Adelaide

Adelaide was not a princess, though the standards of this thread would require you to say what she was princess of. You answer is almost half a hair short of answering with "Adelaide".

It was a ship ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 04:40:05 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 29, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
Princess Adelaide

Adelaide was not a princess, though the standards of this thread would require you to say what she was princess of. You answer is almost half a hair short of answering with "Adelaide".

Quote
It's an abbreviation of the Scottish "I dinna get laid."  Rankers of the highland regiment posted there considered it a hardship post because of the lack of female convicts to rape.

Yeah, standards of this thread.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 29, 2012, 05:40:41 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 29, 2012, 03:55:22 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 29, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
Quote from: Sahib on December 29, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
Princess Adelaide

Adelaide was not a princess, though the standards of this thread would require you to say what she was princess of. You answer is almost half a hair short of answering with "Adelaide".

It was a ship ?

There are certainly ships named Adelaide, but none of them gave the name to the city.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on December 29, 2012, 09:11:43 PM
Huh, that one's easy. She was named after William IV's consort, Queen Adelaide.

Watched Young Victoria last week, so there.  :nerd:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 29, 2012, 11:18:42 PM
I like Yi's answer best.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 30, 2012, 01:50:40 AM
Quote from: Drakken on December 29, 2012, 09:11:43 PM
Huh, that one's easy. She was named after William IV's consort, Queen Adelaide.

Watched Young Victoria last week, so there.  :nerd:

Yepp, she wasn't Princess Adelaide when the city was founded.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on December 31, 2012, 10:56:49 AM
Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 31, 2012, 12:27:40 PM
Taking the open floor.

Why is the political spectrum described as being from right to left? What was the original political significance of right and left.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 31, 2012, 12:29:14 PM
French assembly.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 31, 2012, 12:48:16 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 31, 2012, 12:29:14 PM
French assembly.

can you elaborate?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 31, 2012, 12:52:24 PM
Clowns to the left, jokers to the right.  :D

Ok, the revolutionary faction that wanted more drastic change sat on the left side. Possibly it was the Jacobins vs Girondists, though I'm not 100% positive on that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on December 31, 2012, 01:00:06 PM
The King lovers sat on his right, so the revolutionary lovers sat on his left.

What's the question again?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on December 31, 2012, 01:11:40 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 12:48:16 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 31, 2012, 12:29:14 PM
French assembly.

can you elaborate?

The French king's assembly when those who supported him were on his right hand and those in opposition on the left.

Iirc it's probably the constitutional assembly convened to decide the fate of the French monarch vs a republic, but I like my made up one better.   :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 31, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
You're getting closer, I'll give the floor to the one who can say why the royalists sat on the right rather than on the left; which they did for a specific reason.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on December 31, 2012, 05:56:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
You're getting closer, I'll give the floor to the one who can say why the royalists sat on the right rather than on the left; which they did for a specific reason.

Is it supporting the sword wielding hand ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on December 31, 2012, 06:12:54 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 31, 2012, 05:56:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
You're getting closer, I'll give the floor to the one who can say why the royalists sat on the right rather than on the left; which they did for a specific reason.

Is it supporting the sword wielding hand ?

That is sooo close I'm gonna give it.

The Royalists sat on the right of the king because that was the position of honor. This is where we get the phrase "right hand man" as well. To the best of my knowledge this is due to one of two reasons, either it has to do with the left hand being used for wiping ones arse or it has to do with hoplite warfare.

With the hoplon/aspis not being held, but rather bound to the wielder's arm the shield only covered half the body, the other half being covered by the man to your right. This meant that hoplite formations tended to drift left AND the man on the far right didn't have anybody to on his right covering half his body. So the place on the far right at the front became the place for your best warriors and subsequently the place of greatest prestige since you were not only facing more enemies (since the formation was drifting left) but you were also only half covered by a shield.

Despite using a center grip scutum which covered all the bearer the romans still put officers on the right as well as iirc the first cohort. This is then taken up by the barbarians and thus becomes feudal tradition in the middle ages despite the position on the far right not having any real significance anymore.

So royal toadies always seek to sit as close to the king as possible on the right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on December 31, 2012, 07:08:47 PM
Open floor, I have no trivia. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: chipwich on January 01, 2013, 10:01:30 AM
Wackjob Jacobins were seated on the Left side of the room, conservative dudes on the Right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2013, 08:21:19 AM
Trivia question :

Who is the oldest President of the United States to have living grandchildren, as of today?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: sbr on January 18, 2013, 08:55:21 AM
H W Bush? #lowhangingfruit
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 18, 2013, 09:04:13 AM
You're way off. I googled it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on January 18, 2013, 09:07:58 AM
Wow, the answer will blow your mind! :o
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 18, 2013, 09:15:58 AM
Quote from: Drakken on January 18, 2013, 08:21:19 AM
Trivia question :

Who is the oldest President of the United States to have living grandchildren, as of today?

I'm thinking Roosevelt.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 18, 2013, 09:31:55 AM
Saw this on the news a few months back - isn't it someone like Tyler?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2013, 10:07:15 AM
I have no real idea but I'm going with honest Abe. Just because it would be dammned impressive.  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: garbon on January 18, 2013, 10:16:21 AM
Quote from: PDH on January 18, 2013, 09:31:55 AM
Saw this on the news a few months back - isn't it someone like Tyler?

I think it was something like this too.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on January 18, 2013, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 18, 2013, 09:07:58 AM
Wow, the answer will blow your mind! :o

It's a little humbling in a way, to think of only three generations of a family seeing all they have.

Yes, I had to google it too.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on January 18, 2013, 10:34:00 AM
Quote from: Agelastus on January 18, 2013, 10:18:35 AM
It's a little humbling in a way, to think of only three generations of a family seeing all they have.

Yeah. "When my granddad was born George Washington was president and Louis XVI was still King of France".  :wacko:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on January 18, 2013, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: Malthus on January 18, 2013, 10:07:15 AM
I have no real idea but I'm going with honest Abe. Just because it would be dammned impressive.  :D

Abe has had no more living descendant for a long while. Lincoln and Buchanan are the only two Presidents to have no living descendant.

PDH got it. It was indeed John Tyler, 10th President of the United States, and he died in 1862.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PDH on January 21, 2013, 08:31:36 PM
Anyone else can have the question.

By the way, my grandfather was born in 1897 - and I thought that was rather old.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Ideologue on January 21, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 06:12:54 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 31, 2012, 05:56:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
You're getting closer, I'll give the floor to the one who can say why the royalists sat on the right rather than on the left; which they did for a specific reason.

Is it supporting the sword wielding hand ?

That is sooo close I'm gonna give it.

The Royalists sat on the right of the king because that was the position of honor. This is where we get the phrase "right hand man" as well. To the best of my knowledge this is due to one of two reasons, either it has to do with the left hand being used for wiping ones arse or it has to do with hoplite warfare.

Does anyone actually use their non-dominant hand to wipe their ass?  Isn't that asking for trouble?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 21, 2013, 08:51:48 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 21, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Does anyone actually use their non-dominant hand to wipe their ass?  Isn't that asking for trouble?

One would think so.  Would hate to wipe twice because of the smear.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2013, 09:13:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 21, 2013, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 06:12:54 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 31, 2012, 05:56:49 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 31, 2012, 02:43:47 PM
You're getting closer, I'll give the floor to the one who can say why the royalists sat on the right rather than on the left; which they did for a specific reason.

Is it supporting the sword wielding hand ?

That is sooo close I'm gonna give it.

The Royalists sat on the right of the king because that was the position of honor. This is where we get the phrase "right hand man" as well. To the best of my knowledge this is due to one of two reasons, either it has to do with the left hand being used for wiping ones arse or it has to do with hoplite warfare.

Does anyone actually use their non-dominant hand to wipe their ass?  Isn't that asking for trouble?

:blink:

I thought it was 'human nature' or at least a common cultural habit, to Not use your dominant hand for dirty jobs ? 

Or are you very handed and notable diminished motor/hand to eye co-ordination with your non-dominant hand. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on January 21, 2013, 09:46:51 PM
I make a habit of washing my hands afterwords.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 21, 2013, 09:53:28 PM
Quote from: mongers on January 21, 2013, 09:13:00 PM
:blink:

I thought it was 'human nature' or at least a common cultural habit, to Not use your dominant hand for dirty jobs ?

Says the guy that pisses and shits on trees.

It's not a dirty job if you learned how to use TP properly, and wash your hands.

QuoteOr are you very handed and notable diminished motor/hand to eye co-ordination with your non-dominant hand.

Personally, I lose my balance and fall over if I try to do anything right-handed.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on January 21, 2013, 10:22:01 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 21, 2013, 09:53:28 PM
Quote from: mongers on January 21, 2013, 09:13:00 PM
:blink:

I thought it was 'human nature' or at least a common cultural habit, to Not use your dominant hand for dirty jobs ?

Says the guy that pisses and shits on trees.

It's not a dirty job if you learned how to use TP properly, and wash your hands.

QuoteOr are you very handed and notable diminished motor/hand to eye co-ordination with your non-dominant hand.

Personally, I lose my balance and fall over if I try to do anything right-handed.

:D

Oh you're a leftie as well. 

Personally I've always tried to use my right for as much stuff as possible, so I can use most tools either hand, sawing wood doesn't seem a problem and for some stuff like ratchet drives I'm more comfortable with the right.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: PRC on February 15, 2013, 11:03:14 PM
Quote from: PDH on January 21, 2013, 08:31:36 PM
Anyone else can have the question.

Since it happened on yesterday's date in history, the Battle of Cape St. Vincent featured what famous bridge?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2013, 02:52:58 AM
The Nelson Bridge.

Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 09:09:00 AM
Just learned one (on the can):

Against whom were the Maccabbees revolting?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 04, 2013, 09:15:24 AM
Egypt?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 09:45:41 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 10:07:49 AM
The Selucids. Who were a Macedodian successor-state to the empire of Alexander.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 10:11:45 AM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 10:07:49 AM
The Selucids. Who were a Macedodian successor-state to the empire of Alexander.

I'm sorry.  The answer I was looking for was Seleucids.  :(

I thought it was an interesting question because I've heard the Maccabbees mentioned a lot but not once was their enemy mentioned.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 10:11:45 AM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 10:07:49 AM
The Selucids. Who were a Macedodian successor-state to the empire of Alexander.

I'm sorry.  The answer I was looking for was Seleucids.  :(

I thought it was an interesting question because I've heard the Maccabbees mentioned a lot but not once was their enemy mentioned.

You seriously expect me to get the correct spelling without looking it up?  :P

But yeah, the enemies of the Macabees aren't usually named.

How about another Maccabee-themed question: the guy they were fighting against assumed the name "Antiochus" when he assumed the throne. He then took another name as an epithet, which was guaranteed to annoy the Jews. What dd that epithet name mean?

For bonus marks: the Romans did something to him that is sometimes considered the origin of the phrase "to draw a line in the sand". What, exactly?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 11:52:24 AM
The Baconator.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:54:55 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 11:52:24 AM
The Baconator.

Well, that would certainly do it ... but no.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 04, 2013, 12:51:50 PM
Jesus Christ.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 01:25:26 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 04, 2013, 12:51:50 PM
Jesus Christ.

Close!  :D
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 04, 2013, 01:29:15 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 11:52:24 AM
The Baconator.
I had one of those for lunch. :mmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 04, 2013, 01:30:30 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
How about another Maccabee-themed question: the guy they were fighting against assumed the name "Antiochus" when he assumed the throne. He then took another name as an epithet, which was guaranteed to annoy the Jews. What dd that epithet name mean?
Messiah?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 01:36:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on March 04, 2013, 01:30:30 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
How about another Maccabee-themed question: the guy they were fighting against assumed the name "Antiochus" when he assumed the throne. He then took another name as an epithet, which was guaranteed to annoy the Jews. What dd that epithet name mean?
Messiah?

Nope ... a bit less close than the last guess.  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on March 04, 2013, 01:38:18 PM
Pigfucker
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 01:41:03 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 04, 2013, 01:38:18 PM
Pigfucker

So said "Lyndon B. Johnson Maccabbee".  ;)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on March 04, 2013, 01:44:33 PM
"the anointed one"?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on March 04, 2013, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
How about another Maccabee-themed question: the guy they were fighting against assumed the name "Antiochus" when he assumed the throne. He then took another name as an epithet, which was guaranteed to annoy the Jews. What dd that epithet name mean?

For bonus marks: the Romans did something to him that is sometimes considered the origin of the phrase "to draw a line in the sand". What, exactly?

I know this one!  Epiphanes.  Antiochus Epiphanes.  I think that means enlightened one.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 04, 2013, 01:52:52 PM
I assume it had something to do with the Greek/Roman pantheon, as the original cause of the Maccabbee revolt was Antiochus' decision to build a temple to Zeus in Jerusalem.

"Zeus-lover?"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 04, 2013, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
How about another Maccabee-themed question: the guy they were fighting against assumed the name "Antiochus" when he assumed the throne. He then took another name as an epithet, which was guaranteed to annoy the Jews. What dd that epithet name mean?

For bonus marks: the Romans did something to him that is sometimes considered the origin of the phrase "to draw a line in the sand". What, exactly?

I know this one!  Epiphanes.  Antiochus Epiphanes.  I think that means enlightened one.

You got it.

Though it means "god manifest" - i.e., meaning something like "Antiochus, God on Earth". 

Sort of similar to the Christian notion of the messiah (though not at all like the Jewish notion). Such a title was, of course, deeply offensive to believing Jews.

Allegedly, his "often eccentric behavior and capricious actions led some of his contemporaries to call him Epimanes ("The Mad One"), a word play on his title Epiphanes".
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on March 04, 2013, 04:55:29 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
For bonus marks: the Romans did something to him that is sometimes considered the origin of the phrase "to draw a line in the sand". What, exactly?

Stopped his (successful) invasion of Ptolemaic Egypt by, at a parley, drawing a circle in the sand around him and stating if he crossed it without agreeing to take his army home he would have to face the might of Rome etc. etc.

On one side - Antiochus, his officers and his army. Tens of thousands of men.

On the other side, a Roman Official with his lictors and aides. Probably a dozen or so men if the tale is to be believed in its' entirety.

Something like that, anyway. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 05:18:24 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on March 04, 2013, 04:55:29 PM
Quote from: Malthus on March 04, 2013, 11:48:01 AM
For bonus marks: the Romans did something to him that is sometimes considered the origin of the phrase "to draw a line in the sand". What, exactly?

Stopped his (successful) invasion of Ptolemaic Egypt by, at a parley, drawing a circle in the sand around him and stating if he crossed it without agreeing to take his army home he would have to face the might of Rome etc. etc.

On one side - Antiochus, his officers and his army. Tens of thousands of men.

On the other side, a Roman Official with his lictors and aides. Probably a dozen or so men if the tale is to be believed in its' entirety.

Something like that, anyway. :)

Close - Antiochus was told not to invade Egypt by Roman dude, Antiochus said he'd have to to take that under advisement etc. clearly stalling for time, Roman dude draws a circle around Antiochus in the sand and says something like "I'll have your answer before you leave this circle or it's war", Antiochus backs down.

But you get the bonus marks ...  :D

Edit: Roman dude was this fellow: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Popillius_Laenas
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on March 09, 2013, 10:14:04 PM
As thread's dying I thought I'd ask a question. Which Muslim jurisprudent and theologian retold the story of Jesus saving Mary Magdalene, with the words 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone', only to add that John the Baptist then ran out of the crowd and pummelled her?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 09, 2013, 10:47:07 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 09, 2013, 10:14:04 PM
As thread's dying I thought I'd ask a question. Which Muslim jurisprudent and theologian retold the story of Jesus saving Mary Magdalene, with the words 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone', only to add that John the Baptist then ran out of the crowd and pummelled her?

I know there is an apocryphal story about a Rabbi who retold the story like that (but not with John the Baptist and the prostitute not being Mary Magdalene) as a musing on self-righteousness. I can't remember who it was though. In his version the stone thrower was the husbands wife iirc.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 10, 2013, 09:12:18 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 09, 2013, 10:14:04 PM
As thread's dying I thought I'd ask a question. Which Muslim jurisprudent and theologian retold the story of Jesus saving Mary Magdalene, with the words 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone', only to add that John the Baptist then ran out of the crowd and pummelled her?

Sayid Al-Douchebag
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 10, 2013, 12:44:25 PM
We don't know, tell us.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Yeah. Day's up. Ibn Hanbal.

I quite liked the story. It does highlight what's always struck me, that that story isn't necessarily about unconditional forgiveness and tolerance which is often how its presented.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 10, 2013, 08:57:46 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Yeah. Day's up. Ibn Hanbal.

I quite liked the story. It does highlight what's always struck me, that that story isn't necessarily about unconditional forgiveness and tolerance which is often how its presented.

Hanbal as in Hanbali school of juristprudence?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 09:04:09 PM
Yep.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 06:45:48 AM
Who was the first person to talk about winning "hearts and minds" in the context of counterinsurgency?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 13, 2013, 07:03:08 AM
Napoleon?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 07:05:27 AM
Nope. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on March 13, 2013, 07:21:49 AM
Himmler
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 07:33:29 AM
 :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 13, 2013, 07:53:24 AM
Gaius Julius Caesar
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 08:01:28 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Yeah. Day's up. Ibn Hanbal.

I quite liked the story. It does highlight what's always struck me, that that story isn't necessarily about unconditional forgiveness and tolerance which is often how its presented.
Elaborate
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:05:06 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 13, 2013, 07:53:24 AM
Gaius Julius Caesar

Nope.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on March 13, 2013, 08:10:40 AM
Stalin ?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:13:50 AM
Nope.

The Wigger has been warmest so far.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maladict on March 13, 2013, 08:20:52 AM
Alexander?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 13, 2013, 08:22:47 AM
Having google/wiki'd it, I'm not sure how I was at all close.  :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Grey Fox on March 13, 2013, 08:25:46 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 06:45:48 AM
Who was the first person to talk about winning "hearts and minds" in the context of counterinsurgency?

Crassus.

Or is it Pompey?  :hmm:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:26:19 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 13, 2013, 08:22:47 AM
Having google/wiki'd it, I'm not sure how I was at all close.  :hmm:

Warmer than Himmler and Caesar.  :contract:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:28:39 AM
No to Alexander and Crassus.

No to Pompey.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Solmyr on March 13, 2013, 08:29:11 AM
Robespierre?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:31:53 AM
Quote from: Solmyr on March 13, 2013, 08:29:11 AM
Robespierre?

No.

A slight hint: he wasn't being ironic when he said it. Or wrote it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 13, 2013, 08:43:29 AM
Sherman
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 08:46:05 AM
Quote from: Viking on March 13, 2013, 08:43:29 AM
Sherman

Nyet.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 09:00:19 AM
General Howe?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 09:02:59 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 09:00:19 AM
General Howe?

No.  :ph34r:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 09:24:50 AM
Timmy was off by a hair.  It was General Clinton.

If Timmy has a question, he can ask it.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 08:50:14 PM
Crown Prince Sado of the Joseon dynasty was executed by his father the Emperor in an extremely cruel way.

How was he killed? Why was he killed (there are two answers I will accept)

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 13, 2013, 08:56:13 PM
Crown Prince Sado?

It has to be said, "In a BDSM play accident"
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 09:00:33 PM
dynsaty?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on March 13, 2013, 09:39:39 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 08:01:28 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Yeah. Day's up. Ibn Hanbal.

I quite liked the story. It does highlight what's always struck me, that that story isn't necessarily about unconditional forgiveness and tolerance which is often how its presented.
Elaborate
....On what?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 11:08:55 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 09:00:33 PM
dynsaty?
dynasty!  :mad:

Now stop using my typos to distract the masses from the fact that you don't know your motherland's history.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 11:10:20 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 13, 2013, 09:39:39 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 08:01:28 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on March 10, 2013, 08:52:52 PM
Yeah. Day's up. Ibn Hanbal.

I quite liked the story. It does highlight what's always struck me, that that story isn't necessarily about unconditional forgiveness and tolerance which is often how its presented.
Elaborate
....On what?
What you think the story is neccessarily about.

Hard not to see it as not about unconditional forgiveness when all humans, even Saints, have sinned and are thus unfit to judge.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 11:11:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 13, 2013, 08:56:13 PM
Crown Prince Sado?

It has to be said, "In a BDSM play accident"
If only he knew the safe word. :(
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Sheilbh on March 13, 2013, 11:19:08 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 11:10:20 PMWhat you think the story is neccessarily about.

Hard not to see it as not about unconditional forgiveness when all humans, even Saints, have sinned and are thus unfit to judge.
:lol: I was mainly flippant. But it seems more about an awareness of our own faults and a sort of tolerance of others' than forgiveness. Christ forgives but that's because he can. He could also stone her to death.

Depending on status of sin some humans could stone her. The Ibn Hanbal story made me laugh because there's an old Catholic joke about the Virgin Mary doing exactly the same.

Edit: Also it doesn't per se condemn stoning for adultery. It's a little bit Tariq Ramadan.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 13, 2013, 11:34:24 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 09:00:33 PM
dynsaty?

Making typos is Tim's dynsaty. I mean his destiny.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 26, 2013, 04:09:29 PM
What did the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks call their party/group/terror cell before they split?

May be a gimme for some; I didn't know it or forgot it if I ever did.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 09, 2013, 06:30:54 AM
24+ hour rule (and it was the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party). :P



New question: which American president was the first to host an Iftar (the breaking of the fast at sunset during Ramadan) in the White House?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 06:38:13 AM
Jefferson.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 09, 2013, 06:44:04 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 09, 2013, 06:38:13 AM
Jefferson.

That is correct.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 07:30:56 AM
Which was the first US President to be an unambiguously Trinitarian Christian.


Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 09, 2013, 07:32:44 AM
Obama.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 07:36:33 AM
no,

btw, I'm using wikipedia as the arbiter here due to the often controversial nature of the question and my precieved biases.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 09, 2013, 10:18:21 AM
None, since the word "unambiguously" is used, there is probably someone, somewhere who claims they aren't a real christian.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 10:33:47 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 09, 2013, 10:18:21 AM
None, since the word "unambiguously" is used, there is probably someone, somewhere who claims they aren't a real christian.

which is why I'm using wikipedia as the arbiter and the word unambiguously. Which is the first american president which was clearly a trinitarian christian? viz. never spent significant parts of his life as a deist, unitarian or non-practicing.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 09, 2013, 10:53:04 AM
That's a strange definition.  I suppose it's a good one for your purposes though.  By that definition George W. Bush wouldn't be considered a trinitarian Christian
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 09, 2013, 11:05:51 AM
Wilson?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 09, 2013, 11:08:17 AM
Volleyball.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 09, 2013, 11:05:51 AM
Wilson?

No, I'm pretty sure that a few of the 19th century presidents were christians.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on May 09, 2013, 03:04:02 PM
Washington was Episcopalian - who are Trinitarians... Adams was Unitarian... I'd go with Washington, unless there's some weird disqualifier in there... if the question is actually "Trinitarian" as opposed to 'lifelong and devout' - it's Washington.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on May 09, 2013, 03:04:02 PM
Washington was Episcopalian - who are Trinitarians... Adams was Unitarian... I'd go with Washington, unless there's some weird disqualifier in there... if the question is actually "Trinitarian" as opposed to 'lifelong and devout' - it's Washington.

This is why I used the qualifier "unambiguously". Washington's iconic status meant that everybody wanted a piece of him. The Baptists claim he was baptised at valley forge, the episcopalian minister in philadelphia asserted that Washington was a deist strangely enough.

It is quite possible that he cultivated the ambiguity due to his appreciation of his own iconic stature. He was nominally an episcopalian but his religion is sufficiently ambiguous that his wikipage lists both deism and episcopalianism as his religion that that was the arbiter I choose. Listing both means it was ambiguous.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 09, 2013, 03:25:09 PM
Jackson?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: AnchorClanker on May 09, 2013, 03:29:00 PM
James Garfield was notably devout...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 03:46:42 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 09, 2013, 03:25:09 PM
Jackson?

Yes, Andrew Jackson was the first explicitly Christian president. While he wasn't a notable paragon of christian values, he was a Presbyterian. It took getting to the generation after the founders before a US president was willing to explicitly declare himself a Christian.

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 09, 2013, 06:22:08 PM
You're up Wigger.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 09, 2013, 07:45:28 PM
I got nuttin'.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 09, 2013, 10:42:30 PM
I'll grab it again...

What was Ulysses S. Grant's given middle name?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 09, 2013, 11:31:39 PM
Ulysses
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 09, 2013, 11:32:43 PM
Hiram?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 09, 2013, 11:37:10 PM
Grant
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 10, 2013, 01:01:23 AM
Danger.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on May 10, 2013, 03:36:48 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 09, 2013, 11:31:39 PM
Ulysses

Yes, his given name was

Hiram Ulysses Grant. His name was "changed" when a friend of the family who only knew him as Ulyss or Ulysses Grant arranged to have him go to West Point. He added the extra S.

Stop answering questions if you don't have any yourself.

I insist that you answer a question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 10, 2013, 04:41:19 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 10, 2013, 03:36:48 AM
I insist that you answer a question.

Already did!  :P


Ok, the Song of Roland is based upon which battle?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 04:52:04 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 10, 2013, 04:41:19 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 10, 2013, 03:36:48 AM
I insist that you answer a question.

Already did!  :P


Ok, the Song of Roland is based upon which battle?

Roncesvalles?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 10, 2013, 04:52:21 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 10, 2013, 04:41:19 AM
Quote from: Viking on May 10, 2013, 03:36:48 AM
I insist that you answer a question.

Already did!  :P


Ok, the Song of Roland is based upon which battle?

The Battle of Tull.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 10, 2013, 05:09:54 AM
Quote from: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 04:52:04 AM
Roncesvalles?

Yep.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:21:32 AM
Wooo!

Ok, which was the most bombed place in WWII?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 10, 2013, 05:29:21 AM
Dresden?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:31:47 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 10, 2013, 05:29:21 AMDresden?

Nope.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Caliga on May 10, 2013, 05:37:24 AM
Do you mean most bombed as in largest number of times?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 10, 2013, 05:39:07 AM
Malta?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zanza on May 10, 2013, 05:40:17 AM
Berlin
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:41:59 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 10, 2013, 05:39:07 AM
Malta?

Yup. 3.340 air raids were sent against it between June 1940 and November 1942.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Zanza on May 10, 2013, 05:45:10 AM
Quote from: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:41:59 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 10, 2013, 05:39:07 AM
Malta?

Yup. 3.340 air raids were sent against it between June 1940 and November 1942.
I bet the amount of bombs was nowhere near what was dropped on Berlin or Tokyo.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:50:28 AM
Quote from: Zanza on May 10, 2013, 05:45:10 AM
Quote from: The Larch on May 10, 2013, 05:41:59 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 10, 2013, 05:39:07 AM
Malta?

Yup. 3.340 air raids were sent against it between June 1940 and November 1942.
I bet the amount of bombs was nowhere near what was dropped on Berlin or Tokyo.

Sorry, should have specified that it was by number of raids rather than by tonnage dropped.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 10, 2013, 05:59:07 AM
120 years ago today, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the case Nix vs. Hedden. What was the ruling?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 10, 2013, 06:08:44 AM
Nix lost due to the votes of the Texas and Illinois justices.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on May 10, 2013, 06:11:01 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 10, 2013, 06:08:44 AM
Nix lost due to the votes of the Texas and Illinois justices.
:huh:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 10, 2013, 06:53:00 AM
Giggle.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on May 10, 2013, 06:02:14 PM
That the tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit.

On her 55th birthday evening party in 131 BC, what noteworthy gift did Cleopatra II allegedly receive from her brother/ex-husband/ex co-ruler, Ptolemy VIII Physcon, and her daughter/niece Cleopatra III, who Physcon had married after divorcing Cleopatra II?

Obviously it's about Ptolemaic family politics, that should you give you a slight clue.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 10, 2013, 07:10:07 PM
The head of Pompey?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on May 10, 2013, 07:11:02 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 10, 2013, 07:10:07 PM
The head of Pompey?

Wrong Cleopatra(s).
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Razgovory on May 10, 2013, 07:12:10 PM
Somebody was given head.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 10, 2013, 07:13:04 PM
A combination family tree/dating guide.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 10, 2013, 08:02:59 PM
An asp in her bed?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on May 10, 2013, 08:06:35 PM
Jacob?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on May 10, 2013, 09:26:01 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 10, 2013, 07:12:10 PM
Somebody was given head.

Among other things.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on May 11, 2013, 02:16:32 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 10, 2013, 07:13:04 PM
A combination family tree/dating guide.

It would have been quite a simple dating guide : the eldest son marries the eldest daughter, and the rest of the daughters get married off to Syria or other diadochi eligible bachelors.

But no. That said Raz's reply, taken literally, is getting slightly warmer.


Quote from: Peter Wiggin on May 10, 2013, 08:02:59 PM
An asp in her bed?

No. The gift was an even harsher "go fuck yourself" than that.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Drakken on May 12, 2013, 08:17:28 PM
I apply the 24 hour rule.

As the "gift" sent from Ptolemy VIII Physcon (usually translated as Potbelly) and her daughter Cleopatra III, she received Ptolemy Memphites, her only surviving son and the only child she's conceived with Physcon. Except that Physcon had him decapitated and torn into pieces before sending the whole remains in a carried box right on time for her birthday.  :nelson:

Languish is losing its ways. In the good old time it would have had been fiercely contended. :(

Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 02, 2013, 01:02:34 PM
500 hour rule.

What is the origin of the word ostracize/ostracism?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Jaron on June 02, 2013, 01:04:42 PM
Ostriches
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 02, 2013, 01:11:16 PM
Clay pots
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 02, 2013, 01:12:13 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on June 02, 2013, 01:11:16 PM
Clay pots

Can you elaborate a little for the edification and amusement of the groundlings?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 02, 2013, 01:18:15 PM
Athenians used clay shards to vote on who to exile from the city. Think it was dependant on color of the shard.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 02, 2013, 01:20:38 PM
:thumbsup:

My source says you wrote the name on the shard and voted based on which pile you threw it in.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: sbr on June 02, 2013, 01:22:21 PM
Did the Athenians call the shards ostriches?  Otherwise I still don't see the origin of the word.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 02, 2013, 01:23:35 PM
They called them like ostrakateioea or something.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 02, 2013, 01:26:36 PM
The "Mighty Handful" consisted of Mily Balakirev, Cesar Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Alexander Borodin, and what other composer?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on June 03, 2013, 04:01:38 PM
Vangelis
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on June 03, 2013, 04:10:54 PM
I looked it up... the last one is the only one I recognize... I suck...
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 03, 2013, 05:08:06 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cobrapest.com%2Finflight.jpg&hash=52d59e10893133c02efc3fa4b0ded9b395f312d8)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 03, 2013, 05:25:04 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 03, 2013, 04:10:54 PM
I looked it up... the last one is the only one I recognize... I suck...

Have you seen Fantasia? Mussorgsky composed Night on Bald Mountain(featured in the scene with the giant demon, before Handel's Ave Maria). Also Pictures at an Exhibition is pretty well known.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on June 08, 2013, 02:17:28 AM
Answer was Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Open floor.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 29, 2013, 01:52:29 PM
An interesting factoid I picked up today: In what war and under what flag did Anders' Army fight? Hint: neither the war nor the flag is obscure. Bonus points: where was this army formed?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 29, 2013, 01:56:58 PM
I'm still disappointed that nobody was able to connect a composer with this picture. :(

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cobrapest.com%2Finflight.jpg&hash=52d59e10893133c02efc3fa4b0ded9b395f312d8)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 02:13:54 PM
The flag might not be obscure but Who is Anders and what was his army?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 29, 2013, 02:16:21 PM
Indeed
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 29, 2013, 02:19:26 PM
Stab in the dark: the Danish contingent at the Battle of the Boyne.  Formed...over there.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 29, 2013, 02:30:49 PM
Nope, more recent
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 02:47:38 PM
Quote from: Maximus on August 29, 2013, 02:30:49 PM
Nope, more recent

Has a nice Hogan's Heroes type ring to it so I am going to guess WWII.  Anders - sounds scandi but nothing was really going on there except the Germans landing in Norway so I am going to guess a bunch of Norwegians trying to fight the Nazi's under a British flag because they were formed in England - since the local Norwegians had already learned how to goose step.


Even remotely close?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 29, 2013, 03:10:17 PM
I'm going to give it to you because you got the war right and kinda-sorta the flag.

Anders' Army was more formally known as Polish Armed Forces in the East, an army formed by the Soviet Union out of Polish PoWs and other prisoners in Soviet concentration camps. They wore the Piast eagle and fought under Soviet command until '42 when they were transferred to Iran and joined British command, eventually seeing fighting in North Africa and Italy.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 05:36:52 PM
I was close in a game of nuclear horse shoes... lol.


Here is the question.  The formation of the English Common Law is often heralded as one of the foundations of the Rule of Law.  But what was the not so noble reason for its creation orginally?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: mongers on August 29, 2013, 05:45:10 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 05:36:52 PM
I was close in a game of nuclear horse shoes... lol.


Here is the question.  The formation of the English Common Law is often heralded as one of the foundations of the Rule of Law.  But what was the not so noble reason for its creation orginally?

So people couldn't seek 'refuge' within the church system of justice ?  :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 29, 2013, 05:51:53 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 05:36:52 PM
I was close in a game of nuclear horse shoes... lol.


Here is the question.  The formation of the English Common Law is often heralded as one of the foundations of the Rule of Law.  But what was the not so noble reason for its creation orginally?

Giving the king a monopoly on selling writs, thus pumping up his income?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: barkdreg on August 30, 2013, 04:38:14 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 29, 2013, 01:56:58 PM
I'm still disappointed that nobody was able to connect a composer with this picture. :(

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cobrapest.com%2Finflight.jpg&hash=52d59e10893133c02efc3fa4b0ded9b395f312d8)

Rimsky-Korsakov?
EDIT: just noticed the answer on the previous page, my timing sucks
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Gups on August 30, 2013, 04:57:00 AM
I don't think there is a simple answer to CC's question.

Prior to the introduction (or at least formalisation) of a common law system by Henry II by sending out judges on a circuit, the law was localised with local bigwigs dispensing their version of justice. HII imposes a common system throughout the country. One can speculate as to the reasons but they would include seeking a unified approach and extending the power of the King in opposition to the obility and higher gentry.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 30, 2013, 09:52:16 AM
Quote from: Malthus on August 29, 2013, 05:51:53 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 29, 2013, 05:36:52 PM
I was close in a game of nuclear horse shoes... lol.


Here is the question.  The formation of the English Common Law is often heralded as one of the foundations of the Rule of Law.  But what was the not so noble reason for its creation orginally?

Giving the king a monopoly on selling writs, thus pumping up his income?

bingo.  you have the floor
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on August 30, 2013, 09:55:29 AM
Quote from: Gups on August 30, 2013, 04:57:00 AM
I don't think there is a simple answer to CC's question.

Prior to the introduction (or at least formalisation) of a common law system by Henry II by sending out judges on a circuit, the law was localised with local bigwigs dispensing their version of justice. HII imposes a common system throughout the country. One can speculate as to the reasons but they would include seeking a unified approach and extending the power of the King in opposition to the obility and higher gentry.

Naw, Henry the second wasnt motivated to seek a unified approach.  We can say that with some confidence because that was a consequence of creating a royal monopoly on justice which developed incrementally.  With hindsight we can see his policy as the start of what would become the Common Law but he did it to increase his revenues. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 30, 2013, 10:25:07 AM
This is probably an easy one for this crowd ... but here goes.

The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the wonders of the ancient world (as well as in the Civilization series of games  ;) ). In the real world, its construction was alleged to have been financed from a rather unusual source. How did Rhodes allegedly pay for building its colossus?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on August 30, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Not sure about financing, but I think the bronze came from melted down weapons and armor of an invading army?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on August 30, 2013, 10:35:36 AM
Temple whores? :unsure:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on August 30, 2013, 10:40:30 AM
Quote from: Maximus on August 30, 2013, 10:34:58 AM
Not sure about financing, but I think the bronze came from melted down weapons and armor of an invading army?

You got it.

The bronze partly came from melted down weapons and the money from selling the other stores the army was forced to leave behind - at least, allegedly.

The Colossus itself was a memorial of thanks to Helios for Rhodes' success in defeating the siege. 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on August 30, 2013, 11:29:09 AM
I keep thinking this is the History Trivia Thread Rednecks.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: merithyn on August 30, 2013, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: Valmy on August 30, 2013, 11:29:09 AM
I keep thinking this is the History Trivia Thread Rednecks.

Me, too. :blush:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 07, 2013, 09:40:25 AM
Who is widely believed to be the only British soldier to kill an enemy with a longbow in World War 2?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on September 07, 2013, 09:56:23 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 07, 2013, 09:40:25 AM
Who is widely believed to be the only British soldier to kill an enemy with a longbow in World War 2?

The Axis didn't use longbows.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 07, 2013, 10:23:44 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 07, 2013, 09:40:25 AM
Who is widely believed to be the only British soldier to kill an enemy with a longbow in World War 2?

It's that psychopathic scottish guy in the SBS who did in a hopefullly german sentry with a longbow during a raid on bordeaux before attaching limpet mines to a series of ships hidden up the garonne river. I don't remember his name.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Syt on September 07, 2013, 11:19:10 AM
Quote from: Viking on September 07, 2013, 10:23:44 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 07, 2013, 09:40:25 AM
Who is widely believed to be the only British soldier to kill an enemy with a longbow in World War 2?

It's that psychopathic scottish guy in the SBS who did in a hopefullly german sentry with a longbow during a raid on bordeaux before attaching limpet mines to a series of ships hidden up the garonne river. I don't remember his name.

Good enough:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Churchill

QuoteLieutenant Colonel John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming "Jack" Churchill, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar (16 September 1906 – 8 March 1996), nicknamed Fighting Jack Churchill and Mad Jack, was a British soldier who fought throughout the Second World War armed with a longbow, and a Scottish broadsword. He is known for the motto "any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly armed."

[...]

Churchill resumed his commission after Poland was invaded. In May 1940 Churchill and his unit, the Manchester Regiment, ambushed a German patrol near L'Epinette, France. Churchill gave the signal to attack by cutting down the enemy Feldwebel (sergeant) with a barbed arrow, becoming the only British soldier known to have felled an enemy with a longbow in WWII.[2] After fighting at Dunkirk, he volunteered for the Commandos.[3]

Churchill was second in command of No. 3 Commando in Operation Archery, a raid on the German garrison at Vågsøy, Norway on 27 December 1941.[4] As the ramps fell on the first landing craft, Churchill leapt forward from his position and played a tune on his bagpipes, before throwing a grenade and running into battle in the bay. For his actions at Dunkirk and Vågsøy, Churchill received the Military Cross and Bar.

In July 1943, as commanding officer, he led 2 Commando from their landing site at Catania in Sicily with his trademark Scottish broadsword slung around his waist, a longbow and arrows around his neck and his bagpipes under his arm,[5] which he also did in the landings at Salerno. Leading 2 Commando, Churchill was ordered to capture a German observation post outside of the town of La Molina, controlling a pass leading down to the Salerno beach-head. He led the attack by 2 and 41 Commandos, infiltrated the town and captured the post, taking 42 prisoners including a mortar squad. Churchill led the men and prisoners back down the pass, with the wounded being carried on carts pushed by German prisoners. He commented that it was "an image from the Napoleonic Wars."[6] He received the Distinguished Service Order for leading this action at Salerno.[7]

In 1944 he led the Commandos in Yugoslavia, where they supported Josip Broz Tito's Partisans from the Adriatic island of Vis.[8] In May he was ordered to raid the German held island of Brač. He organized a "motley army" of 1,500 Partisans, 43 Commando and one troop from 40 Commando for the raid. The landing was unopposed but on seeing the eyries from which they later encountered German fire, the Partisans decided to defer the attack until the following day. Churchill's bagpipes signalled the remaining Commandos to battle. After being strafed by an RAF Spitfire, Churchill decided to withdraw for the night and to re-launch the attack the following morning.[9] The following morning, one flanking attack was launched by 43 Commando with Churchill leading the elements from 40 Commando. The Partisans remained at the landing area; only Churchill and six others managed to reach the objective. A mortar shell killed or wounded everyone but Churchill, who was playing "Will Ye No Come Back Again?" on his pipes as the Germans advanced. He was knocked unconscious by grenades and captured.[9] He was later flown to Berlin for interrogation and then transferred to Sachsenhausen concentration camp.[3]

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fd%2Fd2%2FJack_Churchill_leading_training_charge_with_sword.jpg&hash=5b0e7607e81f2eff9ad41f9ca09a60e54f55922b)
Jack Churchill (far right) leads a training exercise, sword in hand, from a Eureka boat in Inveraray.

In September 1944 Churchill and a Royal Air Force officer crawled under the wire, through an abandoned drain and attempted to walk to the Baltic coast. They were captured near the coastal city of Rostock, a few kilometres from the sea. In late April 1945 Churchill and about 140 other prominent concentration camp inmates were transferred to Tyrol, guarded by SS troops. A delegation of prisoners told senior German army officers they feared they would be executed. An army unit commanded by Captain Wichard von Alvensleben moved in to protect the prisoners. Outnumbered, the SS guards moved out, leaving the prisoners behind.[10] The prisoners were released and after the departure of the Germans, Churchill walked 150 kilometres (93 mi) to Verona, Italy where he met an American armoured force.[3]

As the Pacific War was still on, Churchill was sent to Burma,[3] where the largest land battles against Japan were being fought. By the time Churchill reached India, Hiroshima and Nagasaki had been bombed and the war ended. Churchill was said to be unhappy with the sudden end of the war, saying: "If it wasn't for those damn Yanks, we could have kept the war going another 10 years."[3]
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 07, 2013, 11:28:48 AM
hmm.. maybe he used a crossbow in the garonne raid? I'm actually a bit surprised that psychopathic scottish guy gave that specific a result....

OK, this may be pre-history, but, what was the most recent, and possibly only specific and dated event to nearly wipe out humanity. (as in kill nearly everybody rather than nearly getting to the point where everybody dies). I want event type, location and time.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Maximus on September 07, 2013, 11:33:28 AM
Volcano, Lake Toba, ~750kya
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on September 07, 2013, 03:48:59 PM
Quote from: Maximus on September 07, 2013, 11:33:28 AM
Volcano, Lake Toba, ~750kya

only off by one order of magnitude, but I'll give it to you. But, 750,000 years ago would be homo erectus, which had it's own migration out of europe. Toba was 75,000 years ago (ish) and mitochondrial eve's range includes toba in it's lower range.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 11:08:46 AM
time to restart the thread


In the movie Lawrence of Arabia, when crossing a difficult section of desert one of the Arabs, named Gasim, goes missing and Lawrence goes back to save him.

QuoteIn David Lean's epic film, the rescue of Gasim would be immortalized in a ten minute scene, culminating in Lawrence finally rejoining his comrades to their relieved and raucous cheers, his noble act cementing his image as a true "sone of the desert". The reality was quite different.

The quote is from Lawrence in Arabia:War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson.

The question is what really happened when Lawrence returned with Gasim and bonus points if you know how Gasim came to be separated from the group.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 07, 2014, 11:18:10 AM
In the film gasim is executed by lawrence after some crime. In reality the guy he saved was not the one he executed.

So, nothing special happened to the guy when he returned to the camp, I have no idea how he got lost, incompetence or malice I suspect.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:10:56 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 07, 2014, 11:18:10 AM
In the film gasim is executed by lawrence after some crime. In reality the guy he saved was not the one he executed.

So, nothing special happened to the guy when he returned to the camp, I have no idea how he got lost, incompetence or malice I suspect.

You are correct that Gasim was not shot.  In fact the shooting incident occurred with another group long before Lawrence met up with the group of Arabs he crossed the desert with.

But that wasnt the answer, there was in fact something that did happen when he and Gasim returned which was different than that portrayed in the movie.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 07, 2014, 02:14:30 PM
Well, I have no idea what actually happened to him.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:23:47 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 07, 2014, 02:14:30 PM
Well, I have no idea what actually happened to him.

The question isnt what happened to Gasim, the question is what happened when Lawrence returned with Gasim.  The bonus question is why did Gasim need rescuing in the first place.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 07, 2014, 02:26:04 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:23:47 PM
Quote from: Viking on March 07, 2014, 02:14:30 PM
Well, I have no idea what actually happened to him.

The question isnt what happened to Gasim, the question is what happened when Lawrence returned with Gasim.  The bonus question is why did Gasim need rescuing in the first place.

Well I still don't know.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:30:11 PM
Ok, hopefully you are not the only one who reads this thread. :)
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Viking on March 07, 2014, 02:33:10 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:30:11 PM
Ok, hopefully you are not the only one who reads this thread. :)

I think I might be.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on March 07, 2014, 02:54:30 PM
There was a sexy party.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 02:55:19 PM
Quote from: The Brain on March 07, 2014, 02:54:30 PM
There was a sexy party.

The camels were already exhausted from the trip across the desert
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: crazy canuck on March 10, 2014, 12:02:18 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 07, 2014, 11:08:46 AM
time to restart the thread


In the movie Lawrence of Arabia, when crossing a difficult section of desert one of the Arabs, named Gasim, goes missing and Lawrence goes back to save him.

QuoteIn David Lean's epic film, the rescue of Gasim would be immortalized in a ten minute scene, culminating in Lawrence finally rejoining his comrades to their relieved and raucous cheers, his noble act cementing his image as a true "sone of the desert". The reality was quite different.

The quote is from Lawrence in Arabia:War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson.

The question is what really happened when Lawrence returned with Gasim and bonus points if you know how Gasim came to be separated from the group.

Rather than arriving to relieved and raucous cheers the arabs were very disappointed in Lawrence for risking his life for someone who obviously deserved to die.  They took out their disppointment on Lawrence's two servants who were beaten for allowing Lawrence to leave.

The bonus question, Gasim didnt secure his camel when he got off to take a piss.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 01:59:54 PM
Here's an odd one: who is the only non-Jewish person to be proclaimed as "messiah" in the Old Testament? Where was he proclaimed, and why?
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: The Brain on April 02, 2014, 02:09:12 PM
The anus. Don't know the second question.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:11:33 PM
Quote from: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 01:59:54 PM
Here's an odd one: who is the only non-Jewish person to be proclaimed as "messiah" in the Old Testament? Where was he proclaimed, and why?
Cyrus, Babylon, ending the Babylonian Exodus? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 02, 2014, 02:11:48 PM
Squeelus stole my guess.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 02, 2014, 02:12:27 PM
You sure that question is Yi rule-compliant Malthus?  :glare:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 02:13:10 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:11:33 PM
Quote from: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 01:59:54 PM
Here's an odd one: who is the only non-Jewish person to be proclaimed as "messiah" in the Old Testament? Where was he proclaimed, and why?
Cyrus, Babylon, ending the Babylonian Exodus?

Yup.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 02:14:23 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 02, 2014, 02:12:27 PM
You sure that question is Yi rule-compliant Malthus?  :glare:

I dunno. If Cyrus was Canadian, that would sure prove confusing.  :lol:
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:22:26 PM
Tough, northern, extremely tolerant religiously and culturally and fond of horses?  Possible.  He also might have worn something like flannel, we know the Saka did. 

Who was the founder of the Sassanid Dynasty, where in Persia did he come from, and why did he rebel against the Parthians? 
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Malthus on April 02, 2014, 02:26:06 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:22:26 PM
Tough, northern, extremely tolerant religiously and culturally and fond of horses?  Possible.  He also might have worn something like flannel, we know the Saka did. 


Also, the world's most polite world-emperor. He always said "excuse me?" when having someone impaled.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on April 02, 2014, 02:42:18 PM
The Persian Empire would have had free health care for all and compulsory Curling.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Valmy on April 02, 2014, 02:43:43 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:22:26 PM
Who was the founder of the Sassanid Dynasty, where in Persia did he come from, and why did he rebel against the Parthians? 

Um Sassan, he came from erm...Susa, and he rebelled against the Parthians because they were dirty Turkish foreigners.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on April 02, 2014, 02:45:08 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 02:22:26 PM
Tough, northern, extremely tolerant religiously and culturally and fond of horses?  Possible.  He also might have worn something like flannel, we know the Saka did. 

Who was the founder of the Sassanid Dynasty, where in Persia did he come from, and why did he rebel against the Parthians?

Ardashir, but I don't have a clue about the rest.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 03:25:14 PM
A lot of that could be guessed, Age.
Title: Re: History Trivia Thread Reducks
Post by: Agelastus on April 02, 2014, 05:31:45 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on April 02, 2014, 03:25:14 PM
A lot of that could be guessed, Age.

I knew that he'd started conquering other Parthian vassals in the Persis-Fars area after ascending the throne but as to where exactly he was born? Or what the exact cause of his rebellion was?

No, I don't know that.