Throughout history, there have been people so important or so famous that everyone knows who they are. You don’t even need a clue, you don’t need prompting. Sometimes all you need is a photograph. Take this quiz and see how many historical figures you can name from a picture!
1. You might recognize the woman in this photo as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning nun and missionary who inspired the world with her humanitarian efforts. What is her name?
A. Mother Teresa
B. Helen Keller
C. Florence Nightingale
D. Edith Cowan
Answer: A. Mother Teresa
Insight: This photo features Mother Teresa Bojaxhiu, a Catholic nun and missionary born in Skopje (now North Macedonia) on August 26, 1910. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and became known for her tireless work in the slums of Calcutta.
2. You might recognize the individual in this photo as the 16th president of the United States. Name him.
A. Abraham Lincoln
B. George Washington
C. Andrew Johnson
D. Ulysses S. Grant
Answer: A. Abraham Lincoln
Insight: Abraham Lincoln, born in Kentucky in 1809, rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned lawyer and statesman. His legacy is most firmly cemented by his service as the 16th President of the United States, leading the nation through the Civil War from 1861 until his tragic assassination in 1865.
3. The historical figure in this photo was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, and played a huge role in the American civil rights movement. Who is it?
A. Nelson Mandela
B. Martin Luther King Jr.
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Malcolm X
Answer: B. Martin Luther King Jr.
Insight: A prominent figure of the American civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. stands out in this photo. As a Baptist minister and social activist, he emerged as the most recognizable leader and spokesperson for the movement.
4. This important figure served as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. What is her name?
A. Margaret Thatcher
B. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
C. Theresa May
D. Diana, Princess of Wales
Answer: A. Margaret Thatcher
Insight: Margaret Thatcher, pictured here, made history as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She served in office from 1979 to 1990, leaving a lasting mark in British politics.
5. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and Fire And Ice are among the most popular written works of this historical figure. Who is he?
A. E. E. Cummings
B. T. S. Eliot
C. Ezra Pound
D. Robert Frost
Answer: D. Robert Frost
Insight: This photograph captures Robert Frost, a towering figure in American poetry. Renowned for works like “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” and “The Gift Outright,” his poems continue to resonate with readers for their insightful exploration of human experiences and nature.
6. You might recognize the individual in this photo as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York. Who is it?
A. Mary Ann Evans
B. Queen Elizabeth II
C. Elizabeth I
D. Princess Margaret
Answer: B. Queen Elizabeth II
Insight: Queen Elizabeth II, the eldest child of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, holds the record for both the longest life and reign of any British monarch. She’s not just the Queen of the United Kingdom; she also reigns over 15 other countries within the Commonwealth.
7. The historical figure in this photo was born on August 15, 1769, in Ajaccio, France, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest military leaders. Who is it?
A. Adolf Hitler
B. Eugène de Beauharnais
C. Napoleon Bonaparte
D. Maximilien Robespierre
Answer: C. Napoleon Bonaparte
Insight: This portrait features Napoleon Bonaparte, the famed French emperor. Rising to prominence during the French Revolution, Napoleon’s leadership secured numerous victories for France in the Revolutionary Wars.
8. Who is pictured in this photo, famous for being a motion picture and television producer, showman and for revolutionizing the entertainment industry?
A. Wilfred Jackson
B. Walt Disney
C. Hugh Hefner
D. Clarence Nash
Answer: B. Walt Disney
Insight: Walt Disney, born in Chicago on December 5, 1901, wasn’t just another animator. He was a pioneer who revolutionized moving pictures and television with his cartoons. His legacy continues to shape how we experience animation today.
9. Name the athlete in this photo, best remembered as one of the most influential sports and cultural figures of the 20th century.
A. Floyd Mayweather
B. Mike Tyson
C. Muhammad Ali
D. Joe Frazier
Answer: C. Muhammad Ali
Insight: A legend lives on! This photo captures Muhammad Ali, born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. Nicknamed “The Greatest,” his heavyweight boxing legacy continues to inspire.
10. Born August 16, 1888, in Tremadog, United Kingdom, this man is celebrated for his role in the Arab Revolt. What is his name?
A. T.E. Lawrence
B. David Lean
C. Omar Sharif
D. Robert Graves
Answer: A. T.E. Lawrence
Insight: This is Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, a British man of many talents. Not only was he an archaeologist, but he was also an army officer, diplomat, and writer. His most famous accomplishment came during World War I, where he played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.
11. Born November 30, 1874, in Blenheim, United Kingdom, this man is best known for successfully leading Britain through WWII. What is his name?
A. Neville Chamberlain
B. Franklin D. Roosevelt
C. Winston Churchill
D. Joseph Stalin
Answer: C. Winston Churchill
Insight: The pictured gentleman is Sir Winston Churchill, a towering figure in British history. He’s most recognized for his leadership as Prime Minister during World War II.
12. The historical figure in this photo was born in 69 BC, in Alexandria, Egypt, and is known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Who is she?
A. Nefertiti
B. Arsinoe IV
C. Cleopatra
D. Artemisia
Answer: C. Cleopatra
Insight: Beyond her famous romances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, was a political powerhouse. She left her mark on Roman politics during a critical juncture in history.
13. If you know anything about American history, then this one is a gimme. Name this former U.S. president.
A. Alexander Hamilton
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. George Washington
D. John Adams
Answer: C. George Washington
Insight: This image features George Washington, a Founding Father and the very first President of the United States. Born in Virginia in 1732, he led the nation from 1789 to 1797, leaving a lasting legacy on American history.
14. Known as Gyalwa Rinpoche to the Tibetan people, who is this historical figure awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989?
A. Sher Bahadur Deuba
B. Dalai Lama
C. Thich Nhat Hanh
D. Madhav Kumar Nepal
Answer: B. Dalai Lama
Insight: Though Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd wed in 1842, their love story wasn’t straightforward. Their initial engagement in 1841 fell apart, but fate intervened and they married a year later at Mary’s sister’s home in Springfield.
15. The incredibly influential figure in this photo was born on August 1, 1744, in Bazentin, France, and claimed that species didn’t die out in extinctions as Darwin suggested. Name him.
A. Alfred Russel Wallace
B. Carl Linnaeus
C. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
D. Francis Uble
Answer: C. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Insight: This photo features Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French naturalist who championed the idea of evolution through natural laws. Though his theories differed from Charles Darwin’s, Lamarck’s work significantly influenced our understanding of the natural world.
16. The historical figure in this photo was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Who is it?
A. Eleanor Roosevelt
B. Amelia Earhart
C. Amy Johnson
D. Bessie Coleman
Answer: B. Amelia Earhart
Insight: More than just the first woman to conquer the Atlantic solo flight, Amelia Earhart racked up numerous aviation achievements. Tragically, her attempt in 1937 to become the first person to circle the globe ended in disappearance over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island.
17. What historical figure in this photo is best remembered as the last queen of France before the French Revolution?
A. Madame du Barry
B. Marie Antoinette
C. Marie Thérèse of France
D. Anne Boleyn
Answer: B. Marie Antoinette
Insight: The woman pictured is Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the revolution. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1755, she met a tragic end in 1793. After a controversial reign, she was convicted by the French Revolutionaries and ultimately executed by guillotine.
18. The historical figure pictured here is famously known for having discovered radium and polonium. Who is she?
A. Marie Curie
B. Ada Lovelace
C. Katherine Johnson
D. Lise Meitner
Answer: A. Marie Curie
Insight: A pioneer in radioactivity, Marie Curie, born Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland on November 7, 1867, became a naturalized-French physicist and chemist. Her groundbreaking research revolutionized our understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.
19. Known for her painted sandstone bust, this historical figure’s name means “a beautiful woman has come.” Who is she?
A. Hathor
B. Bastet
C. Nefertiti
D. Akhenaten
Answer: C. Nefertiti
Insight: This photo showcases Nefertiti, a powerful queen from Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, whose famous painted bust, discovered long ago, remains an icon of beauty and female power.
20. The historical figure in this photo was born on Christmas Day in 1642 and became a key figure in the arrival of the Enlightenment. Who is it?
A. Charles Darwin
B. Albert Einstein
C. Isaac Newton
D. Galileo Galilei
Answer: C. Isaac Newton
Insight: The “father of classical physics,” Sir Isaac Newton, was a true polymath. This brilliant mind excelled not only in mathematics and physics, but also in astronomy, theology, and even writing. However, his most famous contribution to science is likely his formulation of the three laws of motion, which remain foundational concepts in physics today.
21. You might recognize the individual in this photo as the brilliant writer behind Murder on the Orient Express. What is her name?
A. Margaret Rutherford
B. Nancy Neele
C. Agatha Christie
D. Jane Austen
Answer: C. Agatha Christie
Insight: This photo features Agatha Christie, born September 15, 1890, in Torquay, UK. A literary powerhouse, Christie penned an impressive 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, solidifying her place as a master of mystery.
22. The woman in this photo served as First Lady of Argentina and played a major role in shaping the freedom of the poor and equality for women. What was her name?
A. Eva Perón
B. Libertad Lamarque
C. Julie Covington
D. Isabel Martínez
Answer: A. Eva Perón
Insight: Eva Perón, born María Eva Duarte de Perón on May 7, 1919 in Los Toldos, Argentina, wore many hats. Actress, politician, activist, and philanthropist, she also served as Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 until her passing in 1952.
23. What historical figure – seen in this photo – was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, and is remembered for both his revolutionary artwork and tumultuous personal life?
A. Vincent van Gogh
B. Pablo Picasso
C. Claude Monet
D. Salvador Dalí
Answer: A. Vincent van Gogh
Insight: This self-portrait depicts Vincent van Gogh, a prolific Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. In just ten years, he created an astonishing amount of art, estimated at around 2,100 works, with roughly 860 being oil paintings.
24. The intimidating person in this photo is sometimes referred to as the “scourge of God.” Who was this fearsome enemy of the Romans?
A. Attila
B. Bleda
C. Prince Csaba
D. Mundzuk
Answer: A. Attila
Insight: Nicknamed “Attila the Hun,” this fearsome leader united the nomadic Huns and built a vast empire. Ruling until 453 AD, he was notorious for his ruthless attacks on Roman cities, leaving a lasting mark on European history.
25. This artist in this photo was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, and was best known for her brilliantly colored self-portraits. Who is it?
A. Frida Kahlo
B. Carmen Miranda
C. Gabriela Mistral
D. María Izquierdo
Answer: A. Frida Kahlo
Insight: This photograph features the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón. Her art often explored themes of identity, the human body, and mortality, leaving a lasting impression on the art world.
26. What historical figure in this photo is best known as a national heroine of France for her role in the Hundred Years’ War?
A. Joan of Arc
B. Marie Antoinette
C. Isabelle Romée
D. Anne Boleyn
Answer: A. Joan of Arc
Insight: This image depicts Joan of Arc, also known as “The Maid of Orléans.” A peasant girl who rose to prominence during the Hundred Years’ War, she claimed divine guidance and led French forces to victory. Later sainted, she remains a revered figure in French history.
27. What young girl pictured here is remembered as a Jewish victim of the Holocaust who kept an extraordinary diary account of her experiences?
A. Eva Braun
B. Hanneli Goslar
C. Helen Keller
D. Anne Frank
Answer: D. Anne Frank
Insight: This image shows Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl whose diary chronicled her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Her powerful words have resonated with readers worldwide, making her diary one of the best-selling books of all time.
28. The figure in this photo is fondly remembered as the first teacher in China to strive towards making education widely available. Name him.
A. Lao Tzu
B. Confucius
C. Mencius
D. Zhuang Zhou
Answer: B. Confucius
Insight: Confucius, a philosopher and politician born in 551 BC in China, revolutionized education. He championed making knowledge accessible to all, a novel concept in his time period.
29. The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart are among the most popular written works of what historical figure pictured here?
A. Edgar Allan Poe
B. Oscar Wilde
C. Charles Dickens
D. Walt Whitman
Answer: A. Edgar Allan Poe
Insight: This photograph features Edgar Allan Poe, born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19th, 1809. A literary powerhouse, Poe excelled as a writer, poet, editor, and critic, leaving a lasting legacy.
30. This influential person helped guide the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the western lands of the United States. Who is pictured here?
A. Pocahontas
B. Lizette Charbonneau
C. Sacagawea
D. Squanto
Answer: C. Sacagawea
Insight: Sacagawea, a remarkable Lemhi Shoshone woman, played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Her knowledge and skills proved invaluable as they explored the vast Louisiana Territory in the early 1800s.
31. A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist are among the most popular written works of what historical figure, seen here?
A. Lewis Carroll
B. Charles Dickens
C. Ernest Hemingway
D. Arthur Conan Doyle
Answer: B. Charles Dickens
Insight: A literary giant, Charles Dickens, was born on February 7, 1812, in Landport, Portsmouth, UK. Known for his social commentary and unforgettable characters like Oliver Twist, Dickens’ prolific writings continue to entertain readers worldwide.
32. You might recognize the individual in this photo as the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees. What is her name?
A. Biruté Galdikas
B. Jane Goodall
C. Dian Fossey
D. Amy Johnson
Answer: B. Jane Goodall
Insight: This photo features Jane Goodall, a pioneering primatologist and anthropologist from England. For nearly 60 years, her groundbreaking research has championed chimpanzee conservation, highlighting the critical need to protect these remarkable creatures.
33. Here’s an easy one. Assassinated on November 22, 1963 while traveling in a presidential motorcade in Dallas, Texas, who is pictured here?
A. Richard Nixon
B. Robert F. Kennedy
C. Lyndon B. Johnson
D. John F. Kennedy
Answer: D. John F. Kennedy
Insight: This photograph features John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. A former Navy Lieutenant, his presidency was cut short by assassination near the end of his third year in office.
34. Born May 5, 1818, in Trier, Germany, this man is famous for his theories about capitalism and communism. What is his name?
A. Friedrich Engels
B. Vladimir Lenin
C. Adam Smith
D. Karl Marx
Answer: D. Karl Marx
Insight: This is Karl Marx, a German thinker who wore many hats: philosopher, author, economist, and social theorist. After his studies at Bonn and Berlin universities, Marx became renowned for his ideas about capitalism and communism, leaving a lasting mark on social and economic thought.
35. You might recognize the individual in this photo as one of the founders of English Romanticism. What is his name?
A. Miguel de Cervantes
B. Dante Alighieri
C. John Keats
D. William Wordsworth
Answer: D. William Wordsworth
Insight: This is William Wordsworth, an English Romantic poet born in Cockermouth, UK on April 7, 1770. He played a key role in launching the Romantic movement in English literature, most notably through his collaboration on the publication Lyrical Ballads.
36. The historical figure pictured here is famously known for having transitioned Rome from a republic to an empire. Who is this statuesque figure?
A. Augustus
B. Mark Antony
C. Pompey
D. Julius Caesar
Answer: D. Julius Caesar
Insight: This sculpture depicts Julius Caesar, a famed Roman general and statesman. Though known for his conquests and political influence, Caesar’s personal life, including his relationship with Cleopatra, also captured public attention.
37. The woman in this portrait was known as the “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved people to freedom. Name her.
A. Harriet Tubman
B. Rosa Parks
C. Gertie Davis
D. Mariah Ritty Ross
Answer: A. Harriet Tubman
Insight: This photograph features Harriet Tubman, a former slave who became a courageous abolitionist and political activist. After escaping bondage herself, she risked her life to guide enslaved people, including loved ones, to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
38. Remembered as the leader of the American Revolution, this person also served as the second president of the United States. Name him.
A. John Adams
B. Aaron Burr
C. Benjamin Franklin
D. James Madison
Answer: A. John Adams
Insight: John Adams, a Founding Father and the second U.S. president (1797-1801), was born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts. This image captures the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the early American republic.
39. The historical athlete in this photo remains the shortest player to have ever won a grand slam in tennis. What is her name?
A. Martina Navratilova
B. Virginia Wade
C. Billie Jean King
D. Chris Evert
Answer: C. Billie Jean King
Insight: Tennis legend Billie Jean King, born in Long Beach, California in 1943, is not just a former world No. 1 player. King is also a champion for social causes, dedicating her life to promoting equality, empowerment, and access.
40. Born October 28, 1466, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the man in this picture was the first editor of the New Testament. What was his name?
A. Charles Darwin
B. Jean-Paul Sartre
C. Desiderius Erasmus
D. Karl Popper
Answer: C. Desiderius Erasmus
Insight: A towering figure of the Northern Renaissance, Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus (or simply Erasmus) wasn’t just the first editor of the New Testament. This influential priest and champion of pure Latin prose was also considered the greatest scholar of his time in Northern Europe.
41. This VIP united the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian plateau and established the largest land empire in history. Who is it?
A. Mao Zedong
B. Kublai Khan
C. Börte
D. Genghis Khan
Answer: D. Genghis Khan
Insight: This is Genghis Khan from Mongolia’s Khentii Mountains. He is that legendary leader who united the nomadic tribes and then became the first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire.
42. Name the historical figure in this photo who changed the face of baseball when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
A. Jackie Robinson
B. Hank Aaron
C. Babe Ruth
D. Willie Mays
Answer: A. Jackie Robinson
Insight: Baseball history was made when Jackie Robinson, also known as Jack Roosevelt Robinson, broke racial barriers to become the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Sadly, he passed away on October 24, 1972, in North Stamford, Connecticut.
43. Who is the historical figure pictured here, remembered as a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period?
A. Antonio Vivaldi
B. George Frideric Handel
C. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
D. Johann Sebastian Bach
Answer: C. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Insight: This image features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an Austrian composer renowned for his exceptional talent from a young age. Though he created music across various styles, his operas and symphonies remain his most celebrated works.
44. The man in this portrait had an extensive resume, including painter, polymath, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect. Who is it?
A. Sandro Botticelli
B. Michelangelo
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino
Answer: C. Leonardo da Vinci
Insight: This portrait features the one and only Leonardo da Vinci. Though most famous for his artistic masterpieces, his brilliance extended far beyond the canvas. He was a true Renaissance man, making significant contributions to astronomy and other scientific fields as well.
45. Leaves Of Grass and Song Of Myself are among the most popular written works of this historical figure. Who is he?
A. Henry David Thoreau
B. Ralph Waldo Emerson
C. Walt Whitman
D. Herman Melville
Answer: C. Walt Whitman
Insight: This photograph captures Walt Whitman, a celebrated American poet, essayist, and journalist. His most famous work, the verse collection Leaves of Grass, continues to be a cornerstone of American literature.
46. This German musical genius continues to be among the most popular composers in the history of Western music. Name this legend.
A. Johann Sebastian Bach
B. Johannes Brahms
C. Franz Liszt
D. Ludwig van Beethoven
Answer: D. Ludwig van Beethoven
Insight: A legend of the music world, Ludwig van Beethoven, was born in Bonn, Germany in December 1770. This German composer and pianist is best known for his works from the early 1800s, which continue to resonate with audiences today.
47. Who is the prominent figure in this photo, best known for his discovery of the four most massive moons of Jupiter?
A. Nicolaus Copernicus
B. Stephen Hawking
C. Galileo Galilei
D. Albert Einstein
Answer: C. Galileo Galilei
Insight: This is Galileo Galilei, the renowned astronomer, physicist, and engineer born in Pisa, Italy in 1564. Often referred to as the “father of modern science,” he made groundbreaking discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of the universe.
48. Born January 14, 1875, in Kaysersberg-Vignoble, France, this man received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of “Reverence for Life.” What is his name?
A. Albert Schweitzer
B. Charles-Marie Widor
C. Serge Koussevitzky
D. Bruno Walter
Answer: A. Albert Schweitzer
Insight: This photo features Albert Schweitzer, a remarkable individual who wore many hats. A man of faith and reason, he was a philosopher, musicologist, and even a medical missionary. Most recognized for his Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Schweitzer is also remembered for establishing the Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon.
49. What prominent figure in this photo developed rules for deductive reasoning and discovered how to plot points on the Cartesian plane?
A. Immanuel Kant
B. David Hume
C. Robert Boyle
D. René Descartes
Answer: D. René Descartes
Insight: A native of France (born March 31, 1596), René Descartes was a jack-of-many-trades: philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. His most notable achievement was bridging the gap between geometry and algebra, forever changing the landscape of these fields.
50. This historical figure is famous for having served as both a U.S. president and a Supreme Court justice. Name this larger-than-life American.
A. Theodore Roosevelt
B. William Howard Taft
C. William McKinley
D. Woodrow Wilson
Answer: B. William Howard Taft
Insight: William Howard Taft, born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, served as the 27th President of the United States. Remarkably, he also held the esteemed position of the tenth Chief Justice of the United States, making him the only individual to have occupied both prestigious offices.
51. Pride and Prejudice and Emma are among the most popular written works of the figure seen here. Name her.
A. Jane Austen
B. Louisa May Alcott
C. Mary Shelley
D. Virginia Woolf
Answer: A. Jane Austen
Insight: Jane Austen, renowned for her timeless novels such as Pride and Prejudice, captivates readers with her portrayal of women navigating the intricacies of love and society. Her works remain cherished and relevant, drawing readers into the vivid world she skillfully crafts.
52. Name the English Renaissance statesman and philosopher known for encouraging the scientific method that’s pictured here.
A. John Locke
B. Francis Bacon
C. Thomas Hobbes
D. Aristotle
Answer: B. Francis Bacon
Insight: Francis Bacon, a philosopher and statesman born in London (1561), left his mark on English history. He served as both Attorney General and Lord Chancellor, but his greatest legacy lies in his championing of the scientific method that is still shaping our approach to understanding the world.
53. Who is the historical figure in this photo? We’ll give you a hint: He was the royal father of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and the Countess of Snowdon.
A. Edward VIII
B. George VI
C. Edward VII
D. George V
Answer: B. George VI
Insight: George VI, King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, was born on December 14, 1895, at York Cottage in the United Kingdom. His reign lasted from 1936 until his death in 1952.
54. Who is the historical figure in this photo? We’ll give you a hint: He was king of the Franks and founder of the Roman Empire.
A. Charlemagne
B. Clovis I
C. Alexander the Great
D. Pope Leo III
Answer: A. Charlemagne
Insight: Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was a powerful figure in European history. He ruled as King of the Franks from 768, expanded his domain by conquering the Lombards in 774, and even achieved the prestigious title of Emperor of the Romans in 800. Beyond military power, Charlemagne’s reign is remembered for fostering a cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
55. Name the influential figure in this photo who was born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was among the key players in the Stonewall uprising of 1969.
A. Marsha P. Johnson
B. Sir Lady Java
C. Andrea Jenkins
D. Stormé DeLarverie
Answer: A. Marsha P. Johnson
Insight: More than just a flamboyant figure, Marsha P. Johnson was a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights. This photo captures Marsha P. Johnson, a key player in the Stonewall Uprising and the founder of the activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries.
56. Born July 28, 1902, in Vienna, Austria, this man was believed that scientific knowledge is temporary. What is his name?
A. Karl Popper
B. Imre Lakatos
C. Paul Feyerabend
D. Thomas Kuhn
Answer: A. Karl Popper
Insight: This image features Karl Popper, a prominent 20th-century philosopher known for his work in science. Popper argued that scientific knowledge is never absolute, but rather constantly evolving and open to challenge.
57. The individual in this photo was the 8th president of the United States with the nickname “Little Magician.” What was their actual name?
A. Andrew Jackson
B. John Quincy Adams
C. John Tyler
D. Martin Van Buren
Answer: D. Martin Van Buren
Insight: This portrait features Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States, born in Kinderhook, New York on December 5, 1782. Nicknamed “Little Magician” and the “Red Fox,” Van Buren was known for his political shrewdness.
58. The historical figure in this photo was born on February 19, 1473, in Torun, Poland, and became known as “The Father of Modern Astronomy.” Who is it?
A. Galileo Galilei
B. Johannes Kepler
C. Giordano Bruno
D. Nicolaus Copernicus
Answer: D. Nicolaus Copernicus
Insight: This image features Nicolaus Copernicus, a brilliant Renaissance scholar who dabbled in many fields but is most famous for astronomy. He challenged the prevailing view by proposing the Sun, not Earth, was at the center of our solar system.
59. Born June 7, 1778, in London, United Kingdom, this man was dubbed the leader of fashion at the beginning of the 19th century. What is his name?
A. Lord Byron
B. Beau Brummell
C. George IV
D. Beau Nash
Answer: B. Beau Brummell
Insight: A close friend of the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), George Bryan “Beau” Brummell reigned supreme as the arbiter of men’s fashion in Regency England. However, a falling out with the future king forced him to flee to France, leaving behind his life of influence and style.
60. The historical figure in this photo was born on February 9, 1737, in Thetford, United Kingdom, and is widely credited with helping convince colonists to take up arms against England. Who is he?
A. Thomas Jefferson
B. Patrick Henry
C. John Locke
D. Thomas Paine
Answer: D. Thomas Paine
Insight: The man in this historical portrait is Thomas Paine, a champion of American independence. His influential pamphlet, “Common Sense,” published in 1776, is believed to have significantly swayed colonists towards revolution against England.
61. The individual depicted here was the revolutionary chemist whose x-ray diffraction studies offered key clues to the structure of DNA. What is her name?
A. Barbara McClintock
B. Lise Meitner
C. Rosalind Franklin
D. Ada Lovelace
Answer: C. Rosalind Franklin
Insight: Rosalind Franklin, born in London in 1920, was a chemist and X-ray crystallographer. Her expertise in this field played a crucial role in unlocking the structures of important molecules like DNA, RNA, and viruses, as well as materials like coal and graphite.
62. You might recognize the individual in this photo as a British political activist and the champion behind women’s voting rights. What is her name?
A. Emmeline Pankhurst
B. Annie Kenney
C. Mary Jane Clarke
D. Emily Wilding Davison
Answer: A. Emmeline Pankhurst
Insight: Emmeline Pankhurst, a British political activist, dedicated four decades to fight for women’s right to vote. Her unwavering efforts paid off in the end, as British women finally gained full equality in voting rights.
63. What historical figure in this photo was a strong opponent of the French Revolution on the basis that it would end disastrously due to its abstract foundations?
A. John Locke
B. Thomas Paine
C. Adam Smith
D. Edmund Burke
Answer: D. Edmund Burke
Insight: Edmund Burke, a prominent Anglo-Irish figure, left his mark on both economics and philosophy. Born in Dublin in 1729, he served in the British Parliament for the Whig Party from 1766 to 1794. Notably, he advocated for Catholic emancipation, a cause he passionately championed.
64. You might recognize the individual in this photo as one of the greatest colorists of the 20th century. Who is he?
A. Paul Cézanne
B. Claude Monet
C. Henri Matisse
D. Gustav Klimt
Answer: C. Henri Matisse
Insight: The portrait features Henri Matisse, a celebrated French artist. Renowned for his vibrant colors and unique drawing style, Matisse wasn’t just a master painter. He excelled in various artistic mediums, showcasing his remarkable talent across different forms.
