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
24951
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was set on fire by a man named Herostratus who sought what as his motive?
Answer:
Herostratus is infamous for destroying the Temple of Artemis in 356 BC purely to achieve lasting fame. The act of arson was considered so heinous that the city temporarily banned any mention of his name.
24952
Which of the following landmarks is often cited as a 'Modern Wonder' of engineering and construction?
Answer:
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) compiled a list of the 'Seven Wonders of the Modern World,' which includes the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal, and the Channel Tunnel.
24953
The Colosseum was primarily used for spectacles such as gladiator contests and public executions. What was its seating capacity?
Answer:
Historical estimates suggest the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, placing it among the largest entertainment venues of the ancient world.
24954
Which New Seven Wonder is a massive white marble mausoleum built in India?
Answer:
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
24955
The ancient city of Petra was founded by which semi-nomadic people?
Answer:
Petra was the capital city of the Nabataean kingdom, a people known for their mastery of trade and rock-cut architecture, thriving from the 4th century BC until the 1st century AD.
24956
Which Ancient Wonder was commissioned by King Nebuchadnezzar II, although its existence is still disputed?
Answer:
Ancient Greek writers largely credited King Nebuchadnezzar II (who ruled from 605 BC) with the construction of the Hanging Gardens for his Median wife, Queen Amytis.
24957
The Great Pyramid of Giza is situated near the modern city of:
Answer:
The Great Pyramid complex is located on the Giza Plateau, which is part of the Cairo metropolitan area in Egypt.
24958
Which of the following New Seven Wonders is the site of the vast Inca complex located in the high Andes Mountains?
Answer:
Machu Picchu is the Inca citadel in Peru, famed for its sophisticated dry-stone walls and dramatic mountain setting, making it the highest-elevation wonder on the new list.
24959
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was lost and eventually destroyed after being moved to which city?
Answer:
The statue was reportedly taken to Constantinople (modern Istanbul) during the early Byzantine era, where it was destroyed by a fire in the 5th or 6th century AD.
24960
Which landmark, often cited as a modern or medieval wonder, is a massive Gothic cathedral in France, famous for its stained glass?
Answer:
Chartres Cathedral is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is often included in the broader lists of Medieval Wonders, noted for its spectacular stained-glass windows.