Riddles With Answers

The earliest recorded autopsy in history was performed on which famous historical figure?

Julius Caesar
Cleopatra
Hippocrates
Alexander the Great

Fact: The first recorded autopsy in history is widely credited to the examination of Julius Caesar following his assassination in 44 BCE. According to Roman historian Suetonius, a physician named Antistius examined Caesar’s body after he was stabbed 23 times and concluded that only one wound—inflicted to the chest—was fatal. This methodical post-mortem assessment is considered the earliest known documented autopsy, marking a significant early moment in the history of forensic medicine and the scientific study of cause of death.

Correct Answer: Julius Caesar

Which of these legendary boxers finished their professional career undefeated?

Joe Louis
Muhammad Ali
Rocky Marciano
Sugar Ray Robinson

Fact: Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion in boxing history to retire with a completely unblemished professional record. Fighting from 1947 to 1955, Marciano finished his career 49–0, with an astonishing 43 knockouts, a feat that has never been matched at the heavyweight level. While other greats on this list—including Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson—are considered among the sport’s all-time best, each suffered at least one professional loss. Marciano’s perfect record remains one of boxing’s most enduring and celebrated achievements.

Correct Answer: Rocky Marciano

What is the first name of the title character in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Edward
Charles
Henry
William

Fact: In Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the respectable scientist is named Dr. Henry Jekyll. While his monstrous alter ego, Edward Hyde, has become far more famous in popular culture, Jekyll’s first name is rarely emphasized in adaptations, summaries, or casual references. As a result, many readers remember “Jekyll” but forget “Henry,” making it an easy detail to overlook. That subtle obscurity turns a straightforward literary fact into a deceptively challenging and effective trivia question.

Correct Answer: Henry

Where were Black military nurses photographed arriving in WWII?

A. Greenock
B. Liverpool
C. Cardiff

Correct Answer: Greenock

Which historian launched the event later known as Black History Month?

A. Carter G. Woodson
B. John Hope Franklin
C. Henry Louis Gates

Correct Answer: Carter G. Woodson

During WWII where did Black nurses fight to serve beyond?

A. Segregated bases
B. Military hospitals
C. Civil defense units

Correct Answer: Segregated bases

Which Beatles song is about John Lennon’s mother?

Julia
Eleanor Rigby
In My Life
Michelle

Fact: John Lennon wrote the song “Julia” as a tribute to his mother, Julia Lennon, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver when Lennon was just 17 years old. Featured on The White Album, the track is a gentle, intimate acoustic piece performed by Lennon alone, blending personal grief with poetic, dreamlike imagery. The lyrics reference both his childhood memories and his relationship with Yoko Ono, weaving past and present together. The song stands as one of the Beatles’ most emotionally raw recordings, offering a rare glimpse into Lennon’s private inner life.

Correct Answer: Julia

Which Olympic event would most likely be performed by a toxophilite?

Fencing
Archery
Shooting
Weightlifting

Fact: A toxophilite is a person who loves or practices archery, a term derived from the Greek words toxon (bow) and philos (loving). In ancient and classical usage, it specifically referred to an archer or someone devoted to the bow and arrow. Among Olympic events, archery is the discipline most directly associated with this skill, involving precision shooting with a bow at fixed targets. While events like javelin throw or shooting also involve projectile accuracy, archery is the only Olympic sport that perfectly aligns with the definition of a toxophilite.

Correct Answer: Archery

Which mammal has the greatest number of teeth?

Giant anteater
Hippopotamus
African elephant
Giant armadillo

Fact: The giant armadillo holds the record for the most teeth of any mammal, with up to about 100 teeth lining its long, narrow jaws. Unlike the sharp canines or flat grinding molars seen in many other mammals, its teeth are small, peg-like, and completely lack enamel—an adaptation well suited to its insect-based diet, particularly ants and termites that require little chewing. While some non-mammals, such as snails, far exceed this number overall, the giant armadillo clearly stands alone among mammals as the undisputed tooth-count champion in the animal kingdom.

Correct Answer: Giant armadillo

Which man was NOT one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Vice Presidents?

Harry S. Truman
Henry A. Wallace
Herbert Hoover
John Nance Garner

Fact: Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of the United States four times (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944) and became a central figure in world events during the first half of the 20th century. FDR, as he was often called, had three Vice-Presidents during his four terms in office: John Nance Garner of Texas (March 4, 1933 – January 20, 1941), Henry Agard Wallace of Iowa (January 20, 1941 – January 20, 1945), and Harry S. Truman of Missouri (January 20, 1945 – April 12, 1945). Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States and never served as Vice President.

Correct Answer: Herbert Hoover