General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
2101
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was estimated to be roughly how tall?
Answer:
100-120 meters
Estimates place the Lighthouse between 100 and 120 meters (330–390 ft), making it one of the tallest man-made structures on Earth for centuries.
2102
Which wonder is the only one whose actual existence remains unverified by archaeology?
Answer:
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
No definitive archaeological evidence has been found for the Hanging Gardens, leading some historians to believe they were poetic inventions or confused with gardens in Nineveh.
2103
Approximately how tall was the Great Pyramid of Giza when it was originally built?
Answer:
146 meters
The original height was 146.6 meters (481 feet), though erosion and the loss of the pyramidion have reduced it to about 138.5 meters.
2104
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was located in which modern-day country?
Answer:
Turkey
Halicarnassus is the ancient name for the city now known as Bodrum in Turkey.
2105
Which ancient writer is often credited with compiling the list of the Seven Wonders in a poem?
Answer:
Antipater of Sidon
Antipater of Sidon, a Greek poet around 140 BC, wrote a poem listing the seven wonders, though other lists existed.
2106
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a 'chryselephantine' sculpture, meaning it was made of:
Answer:
Gold and Ivory
Chryselephantine sculpture (from Greek chrysos, 'gold', and elephantinos, 'ivory') uses gold panels and ivory plates over a wooden frame.
2107
Who is famously attributed with burning down the Temple of Artemis to gain fame?
Answer:
Herostratus
Herostratus set fire to the temple in 356 BC solely to immortalize his name, leading to the term 'Herostratic fame'.
2108
What natural disaster was responsible for the destruction of the Colossus of Rhodes?
Answer:
Earthquake
An earthquake in 226 BC snapped the Colossus at the knees, causing it to topple over.
2109
On which island was the Lighthouse of Alexandria built?
Answer:
Pharos
The Lighthouse was built on the island of Pharos. The word 'pharos' eventually became the etymological root for 'lighthouse' in many languages.
2110
The Colossus of Rhodes was a giant statue representing which Greek god?
Answer:
Helios
The Colossus was a bronze statue of the Titan-god of the sun, Helios, erected to celebrate a military victory.