32 History Trivia Questions for Kids

History is like a treasure trove of fascinating stories, incredible discoveries, and remarkable people from the past.

It’s not just about dusty old books and boring facts; it’s an exciting journey into the past that can spark curiosity and imagination in kids of all ages.

Whether you’re a parent looking to make history fun for your children or a teacher searching for an engaging way to teach history, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of some history trivia questions specially designed for kids.

These questions will take your young historians on a thrilling adventure through time, from ancient civilizations to modern inventions.

Let’s begin.

History Trivia Questions for Kids

In 1492, an adventurous explorer set sail across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new route to Asia, but instead, he stumbled upon a ‘New World.’ Who was this explorer and what were the names of his three famous ships?
In ancient Egypt, the Pharaohs built massive structures as their resting places, which are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What are these structures called, and can you name the most famous one?
In 1776, a pivotal document was drafted that declared the independence of 13 American colonies from British rule. What is the name of this document, and who was its principal author?
Known for his wisdom and leadership, this King of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah built the First Temple in Jerusalem and is a central figure in many religious texts. Who is he, and what is he most known for?
In 1876, an inventor created the first successful version of this device, which fundamentally changed how people communicate over long distances. Who was this inventor, and what was his groundbreaking invention?
This brilliant scientist was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields and is famous for her research on radioactivity. Who is she, and what elements did she help to discover?
During World War II, a major battle occurred in 1940 involving British and German air forces. This battle was crucial in preventing a German invasion of Britain. What is the name of this battle, and why was it so significant?
In 1963, a prominent civil rights leader delivered a famous speech in Washington D.C., where he shared his dream of equality and freedom. Who was this leader, and what are the first five words of his historic speech?
In ancient Greece, there was a city known for its remarkable contributions to arts, philosophy, and democracy. Which city was this, and can you name a famous philosopher who lived there?
In the early 20th century, an invention transformed the way people and goods traveled around the world, making it much faster. What was this invention, and who is credited with inventing it?
In the early 1800s, two explorers embarked on an expedition to explore the newly acquired western part of the United States, after the Louisiana Purchase. Who were these explorers, and what was the name of their expedition?
The Roman Empire was one of the largest and most powerful in history. Who was the first emperor of Rome, and what famous Roman structure began construction during his reign?
In China, a significant revolution took place in the mid-20th century, drastically changing the country’s political and social structure. What was this event called, and who was the leader behind it?
This scientist developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. Who is he, and what is his most famous equation?
During the 1400s, a young peasant girl led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War, claiming divine guidance. Who was she, and what is she famously known as?
Discovered in 1799, this stone was key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and understanding ancient Egyptian civilization. What is the name of this stone, and what three scripts are inscribed on it?
This Venetian explorer traveled to Asia and the court of Kublai Khan in the 13th century, documenting his experiences in a famous book. Who was he, and what was the title of his book?
In India, a magnificent white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by an emperor in memory of his beloved wife. What is this monument called, and which emperor built it?
This South African leader fought against apartheid and became the country’s first black president. Who was he, and how long did he spend in prison before his eventual release?
In 1928, this American aviator became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Who was she, and what was the name of her plane?
In the late 18th century, a major revolution took place in France, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy. What was this event called, and what device became infamous for executions during this period?
In Central America, the Mayan civilization built a famous step pyramid known as ‘El Castillo.’ Where is this pyramid located, and what is the ancient city it’s part of?
In 1215, a group of rebellious barons forced an English king to sign a document limiting his powers and establishing certain legal protections. What is this document called, and which king signed it?
On July 20, 1969, a historic event took place when the first human set foot on the moon. Who was this astronaut, and what were his first words on the lunar surface?
Often cited as unsinkable, this famous ship struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912 and tragically sank. What was the name of this ship, and where was it heading?
In 1955, a courageous woman refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking a significant movement in the civil rights era. Who was she, and what was the name of the movement she inspired?
Famous for its leaning condition, this bell tower in Italy began tilting during its construction in the 12th century. What is this tower called, and in which city is it located?
In China, a massive wall stretches over 13,000 miles, built over centuries to protect against invasions. What is the name of this wall, and during which dynasty was the majority of it built?
This Soviet cosmonaut became the first human to journey into outer space in 1961. Who was he, and what was the name of his spacecraft?
Known for his code of laws, this Babylonian king ruled in the 18th century BC and created one of the earliest and most complete ancient legal codes. Who was he, and what is his code called?
A famous artist and inventor painted the Mona Lisa and designed flying machines during the Renaissance. Who was this polymath, and what is one of his well-known inventions?
In the mid-20th century, a musical movement emerged in the United States, characterized by rock and roll and iconic fashion. What was this era called, and who was one of its most famous musicians?

Answers

Christopher Columbus was the explorer who sailed in 1492. His three ships were the Niña, Pinta, and the Santa María.
These structures are called Pyramids, and the most famous one is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The document is the Declaration of Independence. Its principal author was Thomas Jefferson.
This is King Solomon, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the First Temple.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.
The scientist is Marie Curie. She discovered the elements polonium and radium.
This was the Battle of Britain. It was significant as it marked the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.
The leader was Martin Luther King Jr., and the speech began with the words, “I have a dream”.
The city was Athens, and a famous philosopher from there was Socrates.
The airplane was the invention that changed travel, invented by Orville and Wilbur Wright.
The explorers were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and their expedition was known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The first emperor was Augustus Caesar. The Colosseum began construction during his reign.
This event was the Cultural Revolution, led by Mao Zedong.
The scientist is Albert Einstein, and his most famous equation is E=mc².
She was Joan of Arc, also known as The Maid of Orléans.
The artifact is the Rosetta Stone, and it has inscriptions in Greek, Demotic, and Hieroglyphic scripts.
The explorer was Marco Polo, and his book was titled “The Travels of Marco Polo”.
The monument is the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
This leader was Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison.
The aviator was Amelia Earhart, and her plane was named “The Spirit of St. Louis”.
This event was the French Revolution, and the device used for executions was the guillotine.
The pyramid, located in Chichen Itza, is in the ancient city of the same name in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
The document is the Magna Carta, signed by King John of England.
The astronaut was Neil Armstrong, and his first words were “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
The ship was the RMS Titanic, and it was heading from Southampton to New York City.
The woman was Rosa Parks, and her act of defiance inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
This is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in Pisa, Italy.
This is the Great Wall of China, with much of it built during the Ming Dynasty.
The cosmonaut was Yuri Gagarin, and his spacecraft was named Vostok 1.
The king was Hammurabi, and his legal code is known as the Code of Hammurabi.
The polymath was Leonardo da Vinci, known for inventions like the helical air screw (an early concept of a helicopter).
This era is often referred to as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Era, with Elvis Presley being one of its most iconic figures.