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Embarrassing Chapters in Italian History

Guess these people, places, and things in Italian history that they would probably rather forget.
Two of these stories are apocryphal
Easily offended? Here are some more chapters to get mad about.
Quiz by
Quizmaster
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Last updated: April 17, 2020
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First submittedApril 16, 2020
Times taken11,603
Average score70.0%
Rating4.21
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Clue
Answer
After marching on Rome, this leader comes to power in 1922
Benito Mussolini
... who then procedes to establish this "ism" in Italy
Fascism
Italy enters this war on the side of Germany, but performs poorly in the field
WWII
Italy violates the Geneva Convention by using mustard gas during its short-lived
conquest of this African nation
Ethiopia
This Frenchman establishes himself as King of Italy in 1805
Napoleon Bonaparte
This U.S. coffee chain establishes a store in Milan in 2018, with long lines
of customers outside
Starbucks
Six seismologists are jailed in 2012 for not predicting one of these
Earthquake
This insane Roman emperor, known as "Little Boot", supposedly plans to promote
his horse to the rank of consul
Caligula
Merchants from this city steal the remains of Saint Mark from Alexandria in 828 AD
Venice
Reports in the 2010s indicate that most of Italy's exports of this "extra virgin"
product are counterfeit
Olive Oil
The Roman Inquisition denounces this theory, claiming instead that the Sun
revolves around the Earth
Heliocentrism
Early Romans need women, so they steal them from this nearby tribe
Sabines
This nuclear physicist is forced to flee Italy for the United States in 1938 because
of anti-Jewish laws that threatened his wife
Enrico Fermi
This former Prime Minister is convicted of tax fraud in 2013
Silvio Berlusconi
Radiocarbon dating shows that this piece of cloth was not actually used to bury Jesus
Shroud of Turin
This organization, also known as "Cosa Nostra", spreads crime
and corruption throughout much of the world
Sicilian Mafia
This Carthaginian general kills 50,000 Roman soldiers at the Battle of Cannae
Hannibal
This illegitimate son of a pope supposedly holds an orgy at the Papal Palace
called the "Banquet of Chestnuts"
Cesare Borgia
Ferrari loses to this American automaker at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1966
Ford
One of these types of ships sinks in 2012 with 32 deaths. Not among the dead is
the Italian captain who claims he "fell into" a lifeboat.
Cruise Ship
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65 Comments
HinesBrothers
+2
Level 77
Apr 17, 2020
Wouldn't it be a good idea to feature more quizzes that would get the site more traffic? The others in this series have only been getting around five to six thousand takes, whereas the quizzes being featured via nominations are getting way more. It only akes sense to me to feature two nominated quizzes a week and less of ones that will only get six thousand takes. Not saying that these quizzes are bad, just it seems like it would make more sense to make other ones if you are trying to get more people on the site.
WillemLAif
+1
Level 80
Apr 17, 2020
More volume, more achievements to, well, achieve. Seconded.
Tramp
+2
Level 78
Apr 17, 2020
I'd also like to see more achievements. New ones are released too infrequently.
Quizmaster
+62
Level ∞
Apr 17, 2020
There are lots of ways to get more traffic and money on JetPunk.

For example, we could start making personality tests.

Or we could dumb down our quizzes.

Or we could have more advertisements. Our site has 3 ad units. The "other" quiz site has 39. Ugh.

I like making quizzes. If I wanted to make money instead of quizzes, this site would look very different. And you wouldn't like it.

HinesBrothers
+21
Level 77
Apr 17, 2020
Well all I can say is that I am very glad you are doing your best to make this webasite great and not just to earn money. I love JetPunk.
Quizmaster
+21
Level ∞
Apr 18, 2020
Thanks, it's nice to hear. We fight for the users!
ECon211
+17
Level 91
Apr 18, 2020
And this is why I've been using Jetpunk for 6 years and never go on the "other" site.
QRU
+11
Level 75
Apr 18, 2020
I genuinly don't know what "the other site" refers to, and I don't need to. Jetpunk thoroughly gratifies all my quizzical desires.
DonTheLamplighter
+4
Level 86
Apr 19, 2020
What other sites?

Juuuust kidding. Rhetorical question. I don't want to know what other sites. I couldn't care less about what others may be out there. Why go around checking out the used car lots when you already drive a Ferrari?

DonTheLamplighter
+1
Level 86
Apr 19, 2020
And oh yeah.....ad clicked! ;-)
JWC1202
+10
Level 75
Apr 21, 2020
Can me vote for dumberer quizzes? Then me might do betterer on them.
Sifhraven
+2
Level 76
Apr 21, 2020
I don't really get why the reply suddenly is all about money and adds. Hinesbrothers was just ( or seemed to to me atleast) talking about what would make the site more appealing to its users. (Not to make a worse site to make more money, at all). To me it seems quite logical to have more of the quizzes the users seem to value.

And no offense, but I ve seen more non-nominated quizzes that got featured which I would label dumb than nominated quizzes. So I don't see how having more nominated quizzes featured would dumb this site down or make it an add filled site..

Just to clarify I have never actually called any quiz dumb, my point is the nominated ones are often ones that people really think are worth it. I don't nominate every quiz I like, but the ones that impress me and are deservant.

TomatosRaafatos
+2
Level 75
Jun 8, 2020
Related question: are only featured quizzes eligible for points? If so, more featured quizzes makes loads more sense because that will provide a higher reward for users by increasing their level faster.
GeoPhilia
+1
Level 57
Jun 21, 2020
The "Other" Site is a Business, while JetPunk is a Quizzing Website!
ander217
+1
Level 74
Jun 22, 2020
I tried the other site once and didn't like it. This one feels like home and brightens my day. Thank you, QM.
JackintheBox
+3
Level 81
Jun 23, 2020
Is the 'other' quiz site you're referring to Sporcle?
Fianchetto
+1
Level 77
Feb 14, 2024
*Orcspel
Tyacke
+1
Level 60
Nov 23, 2020
Why not place a JetPunk ad on the other site to generate more traffic?
JWatson24
+1
Level 71
Jan 8, 2021
I love having a site where I can completely nerd out while learning things and not being forced to see a million ads. Also, I appreciate that this site is so open to allowing users to make their own quizzes and featuring them. Wouldn't want to have JetPunk any other way.
ShievaAndGolly
+1
Level 59
Apr 27, 2022
What is this "other" quiz site?
FoxChaser
+1
Level 46
May 30, 2023
You're my hero Quizmaster
ellypois
+1
Level 73
Apr 19, 2020
I find this quiz quite racist, to be honest. I do not understand whether it is intended to be ironic; well, it's not.
Quizmaster
+23
Level ∞
Apr 19, 2020
We have similar quizzes for many other countries. So far: United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia. Consider it an honor that we consider your country important enough to feature. Also, accusing people of racism is not a good look.
ellypois
+2
Level 73
Apr 23, 2020
JetPunk is one of my favorite places on the internet, and I care for the community, so let me just rephrase the message.

What I enjoy the most about JetPunk is that it stimulates curiosity and interest for other cultures and for things-I-did-not-know.

That is the reason why I think that quizzes like this (and like the others regarding other Countries you were mentioning) do not embrace the spirit of JetPunk, as they are merely based on preconceptions, common false beliefs and in some cases false facts.

rbezar
+4
Level 44
Jun 21, 2020
@ellypois "Two of these stories are apocryphal"
JWatson24
+1
Level 71
Jan 8, 2021
I've just come up with a new quiz in this series! Please check it out here!
Chutney
+5
Level 62
Jun 21, 2020
bruh you are the softest person ive ever met
Ariiii
+5
Level 55
Mar 24, 2021
Why do you find it racist?
ellypois
+2
Level 73
Apr 24, 2021
I think most of these are written from a side of the history that is supposed to be "the right one".

Ok, it is a quiz, probabily not a big deal, but still I think this mocking attitude is annoying and does not add anything to discussion. Who decides whether something is embarassing or not? Losing a battle is embarassing?

Putting on the same level Cosa Nostra and Starbucks opening in Milan does seem to be embarassing, indeed.

And I know these quizzes are available for other Countries, but I have the same feeling.

ShievaAndGolly
+3
Level 59
Apr 27, 2022
Yeah? be offended.
FoxChaser
+4
Level 46
May 30, 2023
How pathetic, if you think this is racist then you must be incredibly sheltered
Qikiq
+2
Level 89
Apr 20, 2020
Thank you "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". Without you, I wouldn't have know the least guessed answer.
ander217
+1
Level 74
Jun 22, 2020
Same here - those "sobbin" women. (One of my favorite movies.)
Djilas
+1
Level 85
Apr 26, 2020
I thought "jailed" meant they were put in jail, which didn't happen
iuvas
+1
Level 98
Apr 27, 2020
yes, a more correct term would be "pursued"
iuvas
+3
Level 98
Apr 27, 2020
Actually, I fail to see what should be embarassing about the (spoiler) Starbucks (spoiler ends) question. I mean: if queing is embarassing, there were queues also for UNIQLO first store in Italy which opened exactly in front of Starbucks some months lates. If the problem is that S. is an American coffee chain opening in the country of espresso well... queing for that could be a symptom of open mindedness and curiosity as well as cultural subjugation.
TomatosRaafatos
+11
Level 75
Jun 8, 2020
How dare you! How dare those American heathens spoil the most holy land of the pure, original Espresso with their horrid, watered-down blasphemy, the so called "filter coffee"! It is but an abomination, not simply an embarrassment! O dear Italia, how I weep for thee... they'll be adding pineapple to pizzas next!
TomatosRaafatos
+2
Level 75
Jun 8, 2020
Jokes aside, I actually found that question quite entertaining.
blizzrd33
+6
Level 80
Apr 27, 2020
Could you please accept Abyssinia as an answer to the fourth question. This was what the Ethiopian empire was commonly referred to in English speaking world at the time of the incident in 1935. "Abyssinia Crisis" on wikipedia for more details.
JonOfKent
+1
Level 60
May 30, 2020
Agreed. Surprised it's not even an option.
maur85
+7
Level 73
May 30, 2020
Mussolini didn't actually march on Rome. In yet another display of the bravery he would show throughout World War 2, he conveniently waited in Milan until his followers had all congregated in the capital before showing up. By the way, they didn't march either. Some drove, some walked and some took the train and they all got there willy nilly. It really was not the impressive show of paramilitary strength some people would like it to have been.
bn91
+1
Level 70
Jun 21, 2020
Mussolini was one of the greatest leader of Italy, why should Italians be ashamed of him? From Italian aspect he did many good things for workers and made Italy a thriving country in Europe.

But yes, listen to mainstream media, cruel fascist, etc....

BlackJohn
+15
Level 77
Jun 21, 2020
Are you on crack or one of Salvini's neonazi pawns? Mussolini dragged Italy to a war it wasn't even ready for in order to create a new Roman Empire and satisfy his personal sadistic goals. It led to countless deaths and destruction, war on Italian soil for about three years, not to mention the atrocities they committed in Ethiopia, Greece and so on.
bn91
+1
Level 70
Jun 22, 2020
Listen to liberal "fake news" media, everybody is fascist who does not admire BLM, Greta Thunberg, LGBTPXYZ, illegal migrants, vegans, Karl Marx.
camus
+17
Level 79
Jun 22, 2020
Yeah, even people who lead the National Fascist Party are fascists now according to liberal mainstream media.
jmellor13
+1
Level 68
Jun 24, 2020
People have been disgusted by Mussolini for a lot longer since Black Lives Matter has been around. The guy was a monster. And a coward.
dsaved
+6
Level 70
Jun 22, 2020
Ma che davvero? Un fascista su JetPunk? Tanto, tanto divertente.

Ah, per la cronaca, hai dimenticato di dire che al tempo del mascellone FDM i treni arrivavano in orario.

BlackJohn
+7
Level 77
Jun 21, 2020
How about including:

- the sacking and pillaging of Constantinople in the fourth Crusade? It was done against supposedly fellow Christians mostly by Italians and could easily being considered a war crime.

- the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.

- the switching sides in WWI

- Crassus' defeat and death at Carrhae

LuigiDood227
+1
Level 70
Mar 16, 2022
Italy switched sides in WWII, and in WWI they joined the allies despite being in the triple alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany, however to be fair no European nation honors its promises in that time period, so that's nothing too major.
DrakiGuy
+1
Level 60
Jun 21, 2020
If you knew a little bit about the heliocentrist-geocentrist debate besides pop history, it wouldn't be here.
camus
+2
Level 79
Jun 23, 2020
Tell us about it.
EytanMelech
+1
Level 66
Jun 21, 2020
Thank you to Percy Jackson for the Caligula answer.
morcaca
+1
Level 59
Jun 21, 2020
*GEOGRAPHY NERD ALERT* I mixed up Caligula and Cagliari, a city on Sardinia.
JesseFromThe6
+1
Level 70
Jun 22, 2020
Can somebody please confirm which two are apocryphal?

I suspect they are Caligula & his horse and the stealing of women.

JackintheBox
+1
Level 81
Jun 23, 2020
Whoops.. I tried 'Turin' and 'Shroud' but didn't try 'Shroud of Turin'.
NV1
+1
Level 55
Jun 23, 2020
Only 65% guessed Hannibal and Caligula?
johnnyrdnck
+1
Level 48
Mar 4, 2021
an orgy at the pope's palace is the ultimate "fuvck the church" and i love it
TheDutchGod
+2
Level 67
Mar 9, 2021
The Morandi bridge collapse in 2018 would be a good addition imo, horrible maintenance causing the death of 43 people.
dunkinggandalf2
+1
Level 71
May 3, 2021
I like this series.
NokiaQFikec
+1
Level 62
Mar 1, 2022
Romans are not Italians!
LuigiDood227
+2
Level 70
Mar 16, 2022
What's the capital of Italy then
woloomo
+2
Level 66
Sep 15, 2022
Thanks Assassin's Creed Brotherhood for Cesare Borgia!
sarielise
+1
Level 68
Mar 14, 2023
Here comes the Horrible Histories fandom
Type0Negative
+2
Level 73
Dec 12, 2023
shroud of turin bit is false, has never been legitimately disprooved
GnomesRreal
+1
Level 79
Jul 22, 2024
Carbon dating is about as reliable as saying the shroud of Turin is real.
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