The not so easy Spanish History Quiz
Welcome to our Spanish history quiz! Test your knowledge about Spain’s rich and diverse past, from the ancient civilizations that shaped the Iberian Peninsula to the influential figures and events that defined this diverese nation.
Let’s see how much you know about this fascinating country. Get ready to test your knowledge of Spain’s vibrant and tumultous history.
Spain History Quiz Answers and Fun Facts
1. Which Spanish city is known for the Alhambra palace?
Answer: Granada.
Fun Fact: The Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex built during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th century. Its intricate Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens make it one of Spain's most visited monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. What significant event occurred in Spain in 1936?
Answer: Spanish Civil War began.
Fun Fact: The Spanish Civil War was fought from 1936 to 1939 between the Republicans and Nationalists, led by Francisco Franco. This conflict not only devastated Spain but also attracted international attention, with many foreign volunteers joining both sides.
3. In what year did Spain become a constitutional monarchy?
Answer: 1978.
Fun Fact: Following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain transitioned to democracy, culminating in the 1978 Constitution. This constitution established a parliamentary monarchy and granted significant autonomy to Spain's various regions.
4. Which Spanish city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics?
Answer: Barcelona.
Fun Fact: The 1992 Summer Olympics were pivotal in transforming Barcelona into a major tourist destination and modernizing its infrastructure. The Games introduced the world to the city’s stunning architecture and vibrant culture, boosting its global profile.
5. What is the significance of the Treaty of Tordesillas?
Answer: Divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.
Fun Fact: Signed in 1494, the Treaty of Tordesillas established a meridian in the Atlantic Ocean that divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal. This agreement shaped the colonial maps and empires of both nations, leading to extensive exploration and exploitation of the Americas.
6. Which famous Spanish explorer discovered the Pacific Ocean?
Answer: Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
Fun Fact: In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean, crossing the Isthmus of Panama. His expedition confirmed the existence of a vast ocean to the south, opening the way for further Spanish exploration in the Pacific.
7. Which event in 1492 marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain?
Answer: Fall of Granada.
Fun Fact: The Fall of Granada on January 2, 1492, marked the end of the Reconquista, the centuries-long effort by united Christian kingdoms to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula. This event allowed the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, to unify Spain under Christian leadership.
8. Who was the first female deputy Prime Minister of Spain?
Answer: María Teresa Fernández de la Vega.
Fun Fact: María Teresa Fernández de la Vega served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain from 2004 to 2010, becoming the first woman to hold a cabinet position in Spanish history. Her leadership played a significant role in advancing gender equality and women's rights in Spain.
9. What is the significance of the 12th of October in Spain?
Answer: National Day.
Fun Fact: Known as "Día de la Hispanidad," the 12th of October commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. This day is celebrated as Spain's National Day, honoring the country’s cultural ties with Latin America.
10. What historical structure in Spain was originally built as a mosque and later converted into a cathedral?
Answer: The Great Mosque of Córdoba.
Fun Fact: The Great Mosque of Córdoba, known as La Mezquita, is an architectural marvel renowned for its stunning arches and intricate mosaics. After the Reconquista, it was converted into a cathedral, highlighting Spain’s complex religious history.
11. What is the significance of the year 711 in Spanish history?
Answer: The beginning of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
Fun Fact: In 711, Muslim forces invaded the Iberian Peninsula, leading to nearly 800 years of Islamic rule and influence in most of Spain. This period saw significant advancements in science, medicine, and architecture, shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
12. What Spanish region is famous for producing Sherry wine?
Answer: Jerez.
Fun Fact: Jerez de la Frontera, located in Andalusia, is the birthplace of Sherry, a fortified wine with a unique production process involving the solera system, where newer wines are gradually blended with older wines. The region’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivating the Palomino grape, essential for high-quality Sherry.
13. What is the Spanish term for the traditional bullfighting event?
Answer: Corrida.
Fun Fact: Bullfighting, or "corrida," is a controversial tradition in Spain that has deep cultural roots. It involves a matador facing a bull in a series of choreographed movements, showcasing bravery and artistry, though it faces increasing opposition due to animal rights concerns.
14. Which Spanish artist is known for his Blue Period and Rose Period?
Answer: Pablo Picasso.
Fun Fact: Pablo Picasso's Blue Period (1901-1904) features somber tones and themes of poverty, while his Rose Period (1904-1906) shifts to warmer hues and more optimistic subjects. These early styles set the foundation for his later contributions to modern art.
15. What unique feature does the Alhambra in Granada have that reflects Islamic architecture?
Answer: Intricate stucco work.
Fun Fact: The Alhambra is known for its intricate stucco decoration, known as 'arabesques', which displays intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy. This art form shows the aesthetic principles of Islamic architecture, emphasizing beauty and spirituality.
16. Which famous Spanish painter is known for his work "Las Meninas"?
Answer: Diego Velázquez.
Fun Fact: "Las Meninas," painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656, is regarded as one of the most important works in Western art. The painting attempts to blur the line between reality and illusion, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of reality versus representation.
17. What event is celebrated in Spain with fireworks and a giant statue of a local saint during Las Fallas in Valencia?
Answer: Saint Joseph's Day.
Fun Fact: Las Fallas is a vibrant festival in Valencia that honors Saint Joseph, featuring many beautiful and elaborate paper-mâché sculptures, known as 'fallas', which are burned at the end of the festivities. This celebration attracts tens of thousands of visitors from throughout Europe.
18. What was the name of the Islamic empire that ruled over most of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages?
Answer: Umayyad Caliphate.
Fun Fact: The Umayyad Caliphate, which established Córdoba as its capital, greatly influenced art, science, and philosophy in Spain and even beyond its borders. Its legacy can be seen in the architectural and cultural advancements that characterized the Islamic Golden Age in Spain.
19. What is the oldest university in Spain, founded in 1218?
Answer: University of Salamanca.
Fun Fact: The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in the world. It played a significant role in the Renaissance and to this day remains a key institution for higher education in Spain.
20. Which Spanish festival is celebrated in the city of Córdoba with thousands of flower-covered patios?
Answer: La Feria de los Patios.
Fun Fact: La Feria de los Patios is an annual festival in Córdoba where residents showcase beautifully decorated patios and walkways filled with colourful flowers. This tradition reflects the city's cultural heritage and was recognized by UNESCO for its Important Cultural Heritage.
