On this day in 1173, in Pisa, Italy, construction began on a bell tower that would become internationally famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This architectural marvel, known for its unintended tilt, has fascinated visitors for centuries. The tower's construction spanned nearly 200 years, with multiple interruptions due to wars and financial constraints, but its enduring legacy is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
The Construction of a Landmark
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was designed as the freestanding bell tower for the cathedral complex in Pisa. Its construction started in the 12th century, but the tower began to lean during its construction due to soft ground on one side. Despite this, builders continued, and the tower was finally completed in the 14th century. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists each year.
Quiz Answers and Trivia
Alongside this historical anniversary, today's quiz offers a range of questions from medical and human knowledge to history. Here are the answers to the questions posed on August 8:
Medical and Human Questions
- The Salk vaccine is used against polio.
- The Spanish call the wrist la muñeca.
- The distaff side of your family refers to the maternal side.
- Kirlian photography might reveal the aura or energy field around a body part.
- The lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) causes the disease beriberi.
- The most abundant protein in your body is collagen.
- The world's first successful human internal organ transplant, a kidney from an identical twin, occurred in 1954.
- People take Dramamine to prevent motion sickness.
- The average baby is born with 300 bones.
- Myology is concerned with muscles.
History Questions
- Oliver Cromwell died of malaria (or possibly septicemia) on 3 September 1658.
- On HMS Bellerophon on 15 July 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte surrendered to the British.
- The USS Arizona is the battleship sunk at Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, now preserved as a national cemetery.
- The anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar is celebrated on 21 October in the UK.
- Abel Tasman made contact with New Zealand in the 1640s.
- There have been 16 popes named Gregory (within one either side).
- Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in the 1980 US presidential election.
- The Bank of England was founded in 1694 because of England's war with France.
- The Americans entered World War I after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania.
- The International Phonetic Alphabet was first founded in the 1880s.
Answers from August 8
For those who missed the previous quiz, here are the answers from August 8:
General Knowledge
- Horseradish Sauce was the first of H J Heinz's 57 Varieties.
- The God of thunder in Norse legend is Thor.
- The Scottish King who defeated the English at Bannockburn was Robert the Bruce.
- St David's Day is 16 days before St Patrick's Day.
- Hickstead in West Sussex is associated with show jumping.
- China's capital Beijing was previously known as Peking.
- Noah's Ark is said to have rested on Mount Ararat.
- The 1980 Summer Olympics were hosted by Moscow.
- The five UK cities beginning with N are: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newport, Newry, Norwich, and Nottingham.
- In 1929, George Arliss became the first British winner of a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Disraeli.
Cryptic: In the Kitchen
- Flo Capp's answer to Andy's late nights: ROLLING PIN
- Shell this snack with this type of biscuit: NUTCRACKER
- Tins of beans for starters: CAN OPENERS
- The first part of a circus act: JUG
- Sounds like it could be a wobbly Flintshire town: JELLY MOULD
- Roosters feathers turned to wood: COCKTAIL STICKS
- Hovis meeting of directors: BREAD BOARD
- Persuade the man to keep out of the kitchen: DETERGENT
- Sir costs nothing: FREEZER
- Cheeky container: SAUCE BOTTLE
More from InYourArea
If you enjoyed this quiz, be sure to check out our other regular features: Get outside with InYourGarden, Get saving with InYourPocket, and See the future with your weekly horoscope.
