Most of what circulates about ancient Egypt is wrong, and the errors are remarkably consistent. Napoleon and the Sphinx. Anubis as the god of death. Cleopatra as an Egyptian.
These ten questions target exactly those points. Every one has a correct answer that most people get wrong, and each comes with an explanation of what the evidence actually shows.
Answer all ten, then check.
Where These Questions Came From
Each question corrects a specific claim that appears repeatedly in popular writing about Egypt. None of them is a trick.
| The common claim | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Napoleon’s troops shot off the Sphinx’s nose | Drawings from 1737 already show it missing. Al-Maqrizi records a deliberate destruction in 1378 |
| Anubis was the god of death | God of embalming and cemeteries. Osiris ruled the dead |
| Cleopatra was Egyptian | Macedonian Greek, from a dynasty that had ruled Egypt for three centuries |
| The heart was removed in mummification | It stayed in the body, to be weighed at judgement. The brain was thrown away |
| Hieroglyphs are picture-writing | Three kinds of sign working together — sounds, words, and silent markers |
If you want the full picture, start with our ancient Egypt timeline or the list of Egyptian pharaohs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in this quiz?
Ten multiple-choice questions, each with four options. You answer all ten, then check them together and get an explanation for every one.
Is this quiz suitable for students?
Yes. The questions cover material in most ancient civilisations curricula — geography, religion, burial practice, writing and chronology — and each explanation cites what the evidence shows rather than just naming the answer.
Can I retake it?
Yes. A Try again button resets the quiz once you have seen your score.
What counts as a good score?
Most people get between three and six. The questions deliberately target the points that popular sources get wrong, so a low score usually reflects what you have been told rather than what you failed to learn.