History quiz – Vikings, mobile phones and the Varangian Guard

Vikings, mobile phones and the Varangian Guard quiz How will you fare in this week's history quiz? Questions written by Eugene Byrne, author and journalist.

Who coined the term “eugenics”, meaning the study of ways in which the physical and mental quality of people could be improved by selective breeding? “My father is deceas’d! Come, Gaveston/And share the kingdom with thy dearest friend”. These are the opening lines of a play by whom? “I would rather have four of my teeth pulled out than deal with that man again,” said Hitler of whom? Who was protected by an elite military unit usually known in English as the ‘Varangian Guard’? Before he retired at the age of 49 to paint full-time, what was the occupation of Henri Rousseau (1844–1910)? Jim Kardach is known for developing a system that allows mobile phones to wirelessly communicate with computers. In 1997 he named it after a real historical figure who featured in the novel he was reading at the time, Frans Bengtsson’s ‘The Long Ships’. Name the historical figure: Below are three Republican presidents of the United States and one Democrat. Which one is the Democrat? Better luck next time... Not bad... Amazing! How did you do? Share your result on social media to see how your history knowledge compares to other History Extra readers!

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History quiz – Vikings, mobile phones and the Varangian Guard

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