Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Author: Quizologist

  • Come to Light — Answers

    The Rosetta Stone.
    Image Hans Hillewaert via Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s Answers

    The first question relates to today, 27 September, while the remainder are not date-related but follow on from the first.

    One

    On 27 September 1822, the Rosetta Stone was decoded 23 years after its discovery in a river delta by an army officer. In what river delta was it found; and in what country’s army was the finder an officer?

    Answers: Nile Delta; France.

    The Rosetta Stone, likely originally displayed in a temple during the Hellenistic period, was later used as building material for a fort near Rosetta. It was rediscovered there in July 1799 by French army officer Pierre-François Bouchard.In 1822, Jean-François Champollion successfully decoded the Rosetta Stone by realising its hieroglyphs served different functions, revealing the ancient inscription to be political propaganda praising Ptolemy V.

    Two

    In 2026, in a new major archaeological project woolly rhinoceros bones were found in a cave under a castle. Is that castle in …

    • Coastal South Wales, United Kingdom
    • Inland river valley, central Italy
    • Alpine foothills, eastern Austria

    Answer: Coastal South Wales, United Kingdom.

    Excavations at Wogan Cavern under Pembroke Castle revealed intact sediments and evidence of human and animal visits over 100,000 years, including bones and stone tools. The site has already yielded the remains of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, reindeer, wild horses, and a hippopotamus which roamed Wales 120,000 years ago; alongside are stone tools and signs of human habitation spanning several eras.

    Three

    In 2023, archaeologists uncovered the submerged remnants of a Nabataean temple during an underwater survey of the ancient port of Puteoli. In what modern country is the ancient port of Puteoli, and what four-letter word describes the ethnic group of the Nabataean people?

    Answers: Italy; Arab.

    Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli), a Roman trading hub, hosts a submerged Nabataean temple mapped via photogrammetry. The rectangular structure in a Lartidianus contains altars and a Latin inscription to Dushara, confirming Nabataean trade integration.

    Four

    A Maya tomb discovered in 2025 may be 1,700 years old. It was found at the ancient city of Carocal. In what modern country is the site of this tomb?

    Answer: Belize.

    Archaeologists in Belize have unearthed a 1,700-year-old tomb at the ancient Maya city of Caracol, which may be the earliest known royal burial at the site and the resting place of its founding king, Te K’ab Chaak. The discovery could also indicate that ties between the Maya and the metropolis of Teotihuacan began earlier than previously thought, though experts note that further evidence is needed to confirm the identity of the tomb’s occupant.

    Five

    In 2026, archaeologists found a papyrus fragment from Homer’s Iliad inside …

    • A harp’s frame
    • A model wooden horse
    • A mummy’s wrapping

    Answer: A mummy’s wrapping.

    Archaeologists have unearthed a 1,600-year-old Egyptian mummy with a papyrus fragment from Homer’s Iliad tucked inside its wrappings. The ancient Greek text, found on the mummy’s abdomen, contains a passage from the “catalog of ships” in Book II, which lists the Greek leaders who sailed to Troy. Researchers from the Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission describe the discovery of a literary text in this context as “truly novel” and are currently studying it further.

  • The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter — Answer

    Today’s Answers

    Charlie Parker, 1947.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to the date 26 September, but the remainder are not date-related. They do, though, follow on a theme from the first.

    One

    On this day in 1939 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published. Who was this ‘Old Possum’?

    Answer: T.S. Eliot.

    In 1939, T.S. Eliot released a collection of light verse titled Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, with ‘Old Possum’ being Ezra Pound’s affectionate nickname for him. The first edition featured an illustration of the author on the cover. In 1954, composer Alan Rawsthorne arranged six poems for speaker and orchestra in a piece called Practical Cats. Following Eliot’s death, the book became the foundation for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, which premiered in the West End in 1981 and opened on Broadway the following year.

    Two

    What American singer, born in 1980, has been referred to as the ‘Voice of a Generation’?

    Answer: Christina Aguilera

    Christina María Aguilera, born 18 December 1980, in New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Known for a four-octave range and reinventions, Rolling Stone ranked her among the greatest singers; her work draws acclaim and controversy.

    Three

    What high-ranking politician from the first couple of decades of the 21st century was given the nickname ‘Mutti’?

    Answer: Angela Merkel.

    Angela Merkel served as Germany’s chancellor from 2005 to 2021, making her the first woman and second longest-serving leader in that role. She was a key figure in European politics, advocating for austerity during the euro-zone debt crisis and maintaining open borders during a major refugee crisis. Her steady leadership navigated Germany through significant global challenges.

    Four

    Eric Clapton joined a band in 1963 which had a name which may have come from Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road. This name was also the nickname of a legendary jazz saxophonist. What was the band’s name; and who was the sax player?

    Answer: The Yardbirds; Charlie ‘Yardbird’ Parker.

    Formed in London in 1963, the Yardbirds featured Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty and Anthony Topham. Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page played lead guitar before the 1968 split. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
    Charles Parker Jr., nicknamed Bird or Yardbird, was an influential American alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer central to bebop. He introduced revolutionary rhythms and harmonies and became an icon for hipsters and the Beat Generation as an uncompromising artist.

    Five

    In September 2026, there are seven reigning monarchs in Europe who are all descended from the same person. Who was that person, and what nickname was bestowed on them relating to earlier descendant rulers?

    Answers: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom; Grandmother of Europe.

    Seven reigning monarchs descended from Queen Victoria: King Charles III of the United Kingdom; King Frederik X of Denmark; King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands; King Philippe of Belgium; King Felipe VI of Spain; King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden; and King Haakon VIII of Norway.

    The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter

    The post title is from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and thought relevant as the questions are about names, not cats’ names but nicknames.

  • The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter

    Charlie Parker, 1947.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to the date 26 September, but the remainder are not date-related. They do, though, follow on a theme from the first.

    One

    On this day in 1939 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published. Who was this ‘Old Possum’?

    Two

    What American singer, born in 1980, has been referred to as the ‘Voice of a Generation’?

    Three

    What high-ranking politician from the first couple of decades of the 21st century was given the nickname ‘Mutti’?

    Four

    Eric Clapton joined a band in 1963 which had a name which may have come from Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road. This name was also the nickname of a legendary jazz saxophonist. What was the band’s name; and who was the sax player?

    Five

    In September 2026, there are seven reigning monarchs in Europe who are all descended from the same person. Who was that person, and what nickname was bestowed on them relating to earlier descendant rulers?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Catch the Worm — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Crow with worm.
    Image mikeyskatie flickr

    Today’s questions are not date-related but do all follow a theme, or at least the answers do.

    One

    In the DC universe, a mutant possessing psychic powers who wore a hooded costume and channeled emotions through a mystical source. Known by many aliases such as Mistress of Magic and Daughter of Darkness but named after a dark, intelligent creature. Who is this?

    Answer: Raven.

    Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, Raven is an empathic sorceress and daughter of Trigon and Arella. A key figure in Teen Titans, she appears in Justice League and media including Teen Titans Go! and Titans.

    Two

    What fictional character links Julianne Moore and Rebecca Breeds with author Thomas Harris?

    Answer: Clarice Starling.

    Clarice Starling, protagonist of Thomas Harris’s novels, was portrayed by Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, and Rebecca Breeds. Foster’s performance earned an Academy Award and top rankings from the American Film Institute, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly.

    Three

    Scout and Jem, siblings, are two children at the centre of a 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; what is their surname?

    Answer: Finch.

    Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, a Pulitzer Prize winner, explores racial injustice and loss of innocence through Atticus Finch. Based on Monroeville observations, it is widely read but challenged. Adaptations include a film and play.

    Four

    Who partners Cormoran Strike in the crime novels written by Robert Galbraith?

    Answer: Robin Ellacott.

    J.K. Rowling, as Robert Galbraith, writes the Cormoran Strike series following Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott; eight novels include The Hallmarked Man; Sleep Tight, Evangeline is being published in 2026. Over 20 million copies sold globally, adapted into BBC One’s Strike.

    Five

    This supervillain is also a clinical psychologist. He first appeared in print in 1941. He has more recently been on the big screen. Both the supervillain name and that of the alias fit with today’s theme. Who are both these names?

    Answers: Scarecrow; Jonathan Crane.

    Scarecrow, created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff, is Dr Jonathan Crane, a psychologist turned criminal in Gotham City. Using a fear toxin, this adversary of Batman pursues sadistic fear experiments and wears a burlap mask.

    Catch the Worm

    The title draws on the phrase ‘the early bird catches the worm’, intended as a clue to use bird(s) as a theme.

  • Catch the Worm

    Image mikeyskatie flickr

    Today’s questions are not date-related but do all follow a theme, or at least the answers do.

    One

    In the DC universe, a mutant possessing psychic powers who wore a hooded costume and channeled emotions through a mystical source. Known by many aliases such as Mistress of Magic and Daughter of Darkness but named after a dark, intelligent creature. Who is this?

    Two

    What fictional character links Julianne Moore and Rebecca Breeds with author Thomas Harris?

    Three

    Scout and Jem, siblings, are two children at the centre of a 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; what is their surname?

    Four

    Who partners Cormoran Strike in the crime novels written by Robert Galbraith?

    Five

    This supervillain is also a clinical psychologist. He first appeared in print in 1941. He has more recently been on the big screen. Both the supervillain name and that of the alias fit with today’s theme. Who are both these names?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Konstantin Chernenko, 1984.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to 24 September.

    One

    Who, on this day, became the first player to win a Grand Slam title in tennis; and in what decade did this take place?

    Answers: Don Budge; 1930s.

    The year was 1938. The term ‘Grand Slam’ originally comes from the card game contract bridge, and was first used in tennis by New York Times columnist John Kieran in 1933 when describing Jack Crawford’s attempt to win all four major tournaments in a single calendar year.

    Two

    The Battle of Shiroyama saw the Imperial Japanese Army decisively defeat what revolution; and in what decade did this occur?

    Answers: Satsuma Rebellion; 1870s.

    The Battle of Shiroyama on 24 September 1877, marked the final stand of the Satsuma Rebellion, where Saigō Takamori and a few hundred remaining samurai fought against 30,000 Imperial Japanese Army troops, effectively ending the samurai era in Japan.

    Three

    A single released this day by Elvis Presley became the Billboard Song of the Year in 1957. What song?

    Answer: Jailhouse Rock.

    Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Elvis Presley recorded Jailhouse Rock for the film of the same name. RCA Victor released it in 1957; it topped US charts and gained recognition from the Grammy Hall of Fame and American Film Institute.

    Four

    Born on this day, this General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union succeeded Yuri Andropov and preceded Mikhail Gorbachev. Who was he?

    Answer: Konstantin Chernenko.

    Konstantin Chernenko, a Siberian-born Soviet politician, led the Soviet Union from February 1984 until his death on 10 March 1985. Elected General Secretary and Chairman, his rule relied on an unofficial triumvirate due to poor health and was succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev.

    Five

    Operation On Wings of Eagles ended on this day after transporting 45,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel. What Biblical book inspired the operation’s name; and by what nickname was it commonly known?

    Answers: Book of Exodus; Operation Magic Carpet.

    Operation On Wings of Eagles, known as Operation Magic Carpet, brought approximately 49,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel between 1948 and 1950. Supported by the United Kingdom and United States, flights from Aden Colony included Alaska Airlines.

    Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone

    The post title, ‘ Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone’, is the opening line of the second verse of Jailhouse Rock.

  • Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone

    Konstantin Chernenko, 1984.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to 24 September.

    One

    Who, on this day, became the first player to win a Grand Slam title in tennis; and in what decade did this take place?

    Two

    The Battle of Shiroyama saw the Imperial Japanese Army decisively defeat what revolution; and in what decade did this occur?

    Three

    A single released this day by Elvis Presley became the Billboard Song of the Year in 1957. What song?

    Four

    Born on this day, this General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union succeeded Yuri Andropov and preceded Mikhail Gorbachev. Who was he?

    Five

    Operation On Wings of Eagles ended on this day after transporting 45,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel. What Biblical book inspired the operation’s name; and by what nickname was it commonly known?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • It Won’t Be Long Till Happiness Steps Up To Greet Me — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to a movie premiere on this date, 23 September. The remaining questions follow an awarding theme.

    One

    The post title draws from a track that earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It comes from a 1969 western film; which film and song are they?

    Answers: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.

    The song Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head by B.J. Thomas, featured in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, became the first American No. 1 hit of the 1970s. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, while the film’s composer, Burt Bacharach, won Best Original Score.

    Two

    Sir Elton John has twice won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song for films which were released in 1994 and 2019. What were the relevant films and songs?

    Answers: The Lion King: Can You Feel the Love Tonight; Rocketman: (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.

    Sir Elton John has 67 wins from 124 nominations, including an EGOT with two Academy Awards, an Emmy, six Grammys, and a Tony. His achievements include 300 million records sold, a best-selling single, and honours from Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and Emmanuel Macron.

    Three

    Evergreen, which was featured in a 1976 film, was also a winner of this award. Who wrote Evergreen and what was the film it was written for?

    Answer: Barbra Streisand; A Star Is Born.

    Evergreen from A Star Is Born was composed and performed by Barbra Streisand with lyrics by Paul Williams and arrangement by Ian Freebairn-Smith. It won an Academy Award, making Streisand the first female composer so honoured, plus a Grammy and Golden Globes.

    Four

    A 2024 French film which featured a Spanish-language song was the winner of this award. What film and what song?

    Answer: Emilia Pérez; El Mal.

    El Mal, a rap rock song in Emilia Pérez written by Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard, features Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón. It won the Academy Award, Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe for Best Original Song; Saldaña won Hollywood Music in Media for her performance.

    Five

    The song that won the award at the 94th Academy Awards in 2021 was co-written by the singer who performed it in the film. The song was the third consecutive theme from a film franchise to win the award. What was the film, song and co-writer/singer referred to?

    Answer: No Time to Die; No Time to Die; Billie Eilish.

    At age 17, Billie Eilish became the youngest artist to record a James Bond theme with No Time to Die. The song topped the UK and Irish charts, making her the first artist born in the 21st century to reach number one in the UK. It also won several major awards, including a Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award.

    It Won’t Be Long Till Happiness Steps Up To Greet Me

    The post title draws from the song Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, used in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which premiered on this date. The film became a Western classic, particularly for the pairing of Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the outlaws.

  • It Won’t Be Long Till Happiness Steps Up To Greet Me

    Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to a movie premiere on this date, 23 September. The remaining questions follow an awarding theme.

    One

    The post title draws from a track that earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It comes from a 1969 western film; which film and song are they?

    Two

    Sir Elton John has twice won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song for films which were released in 1994 and 2019. What were the relevant films and songs?

    Three

    Evergreen, which was featured in a 1976 film, was also a winner of this award. Who wrote Evergreen and what was the film it was written for?

    Four

    A 2024 French film which featured a Spanish-language song was the winner of this award. What film and what song?

    Five

    The song that won the award at the 94th Academy Awards in 2021 was co-written by the singer who performed it in the film. The song was the third consecutive theme from a film franchise to win the award. What was the film, song and co-writer/singer referred to?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Fact Finders — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Sir Philip Sidney. See question five.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are all related to the date, 22nd September. Unusually there are seven questions and the post title should help you find the relevant facts.

    One

    The SI unit of capacitance is named after an English scientist born today in 1791. What is this unit?

    Answer: Farad.

    The Farad honours Michael Faraday, a self-taught English scientist whose early work in electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the groundwork for modern electric motors and the concept of the electromagnetic field. He defined this field and showed that magnetism can affect light, while developing principles of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis. His invention of electromagnetic rotary devices helped make electricity practical for technological use.

    Two

    This professional boxer was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960, beating Floyd Patterson to win the title. He also appeared in the role of Private Torgil in the film All the Young Men (1960). Who was he?

    Answer: Ingemar Johansson.

    Ingemar Johansson, a Swedish world heavyweight champion, was disqualified in the 1952 Olympic semifinal against Ed Sanders for not fighting actively. The IOC awarded him the silver medal in 1982.

    Three

    The events asked about in question seven below took place in what US state?

    Answer: New York.

    See comments after answer seven below.

    Four

    Discovered over a period of ten years from the mid-1940s at the Qumran Caves in the West Bank, these became publicly available for the first time on 22 September 1991. What are they?

    Answer: Dead Sea Scrolls.

    Discovered near the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls are mainly Hebrew manuscripts on leather and papyrus dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Most scholars link them to a Qumrān sect, possibly the Essenes. They include biblical and sectarian texts, aiding reconstruction of Palestine’s history and insights into Christianity and rabbinic Judaism.

    Five

    In 1586, at the Battle of Zutphen in an action against the Spanish, the English statesman, soldier and poet Sir Philip Sidney was mortally injured, dying the following month. During what long war was this battle fought?

    Answer: Eighty Years War.

    Philip Sidney, an Elizabethan courtier and poet, authored Astrophel and Stella and The Defence of Poesie. From an influential family, he travelled Europe and served as ambassador to Rudolf II and Louis VI in 1577. On 22 September 1586 Sidney volunteered to block Spanish supplies to Zutphen, charging three times despite being outnumbered; a bullet shattered his thigh, yet he rode from the field. Taken to Arnhem, his wound became infected leading to his death four weeks later.

    Six

    In 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration banned … Dye No. 4 after it was discovered that it causes tumours in the bladders of dogs. What word is missing from the previous fact?

    Answer: Red.

    Red Dye No. 4, also known as Scarlet GN, is a red azo dye previously used as a food colourant. As a food additive, it is identified by the E number E125. It is generally supplied as a disodium salt.

    Seven

    What is the surname of the person who, on or about, this date in 1823 had a vision of an angel named Moroni?

    Answer: Smith.

    In 1823, near Manchester, in western New York, Joseph Smith reported a vision from Moroni concerning buried golden plates, which he excavated and translated into the Book of Mormon. Smith founded a religion claiming God restored the true church.

    Bonus Question

    The answers above should help with a word linked prominently to today’s quiz, although it is not the bonus answer but it might leave you in a muddle. The bonus answer you are looking for is the name of a television programme that debuted on 22nd September 1994. Which TV show?

    Answer: Friends.

    Your answers should have been Faraday, Ingemar Johansson, New York, Dead Sea Scrolls Eighty Years War, Red, Smith. Remember you were told the title — Fact Finders — would help you and the first words in each answer gives F I N D E R S. Another hint was ‘it might leave you in a muddle’: if you ‘muddle’ F I N D E R S you can end up with F R I E N D S.