Question 1: What is the architectural style of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris?
Question 2: In ancient Rome, what was an 'aqueduct' used for?
A Roman aqueduct was an artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge supported by tall columns across a valley. It was part of a sophisticated system to bring fresh water to cities and towns.
Question 3: Which of these religions originated in India?
Buddhism originated in India in the 5th to 4th century B.C. from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who later came to be known as the "Buddha".
Question 4: How is the age of a fossil generally determined?
The age of a fossil is generally determined using radiometric dating, a method that measures the concentration of certain radioactive isotopes. This technique can accurately date rocks and fossils over billions of years old.
Question 5: Why is the Mona Lisa considered so valuable?
The Mona Lisa is considered very valuable not only because Leonardo da Vinci painted it, but because of its seminal influence on the art world. Its mysteriously engaging smile and the details of the portrait makes it a milestone work in the world of art.
Question 6: If you were to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which country's culture would you be embracing?
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. It is often mistaken as Mexico's Independence Day, but that's actually on September 16.
Question 7: Where is the hottest place on Earth located?
Death Valley, located in California, USA, holds the record for the highest reliably reported air temperature in the world, 134 °F (56.7 °C) on July 10, 1913. Despite this, on average, Dasht-e Lut in Iran is the world's hottest place based on ground temperatures.
Question 8: Which musical features the song "Defying Gravity"?
"Defying Gravity" is a signature song from the 2003 musical 'Wicked.' It's a powerful duet sung by characters Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda in the first act.
Question 9: How many labours were Hercules required to complete as punishment for his actions according to Greek mythology?
Hercules, a mythical Greek hero, was sentenced by King Eurystheus to complete twelve challenging labours as penance for his actions. These included slaying the Nemean lion, stealing the golden apples of the Hesperides, and capturing the Cerberian hound.
Question 10: Who was the first American astronaut to orbit the earth?
John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth on February 20, 1962, as part of NASA's Friendship 7 mission. This followed Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin's orbiting of the earth in 1961, making Glenn the third person overall and the first American to achieve this feat.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, recognized by its high, intricate ceilings, large stained glass windows, and use of flying buttresses.