The Arc de Triomphe stands as one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon, this majestic arch honors French military history and serves as a focal point of the city’s unique geography.
This quiz looks at its construction, Neoclassical design, and symbolic elements like the Eternal Flame. You will find questions about the historic figures and battles honored on its massive pillars.
When you finish, explore more about famous landmarks. We also have trivia on architectural styles and historic cities of the world.
In which European city is the Arc de Triomphe located?
Rome
Rome
London
London
Paris
Paris
Berlin
Berlin
Which French leader commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in 1806?
King Louis-Philippe
King Louis-Philippe
Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte
Louis XIV
Louis XIV
The design of the Arc de Triomphe was inspired by which historical architectural style?
Renaissance architecture
Renaissance architecture
Ancient Roman architecture
Ancient Roman architecture
Classical Greek architecture
Classical Greek architecture
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture
How many radiating avenues meet at the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the monument stands?
12
12
10
10
11
11
13
13
The Arc de Triomphe was specifically modeled after which Roman landmark?
The Pantheon
The Pantheon
The Colosseum
The Colosseum
The Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus
The Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located beneath the Arc, commemorates the unidentified dead from which conflict?
World War I
World War I
The Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars
The Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War
World War II
World War II
In what year was the construction of the Arc de Triomphe finally completed?
1836
1836
1816
1816
1826
1826
1846
1846
Napoleon commissioned the arch to celebrate the military victories of which entity?
The British Empire
The British Empire
The French Empire
The French Empire
The Russian Empire
The Russian Empire
The Austrian Empire
The Austrian Empire
Which of these famous roadways is one of the twelve avenues that radiate from the Place Charles de Gaulle?
Avenue de l’Opéra
Avenue de l’Opéra
The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées
Rue de Rivoli
Rue de Rivoli
Boulevard Saint-Germain
Boulevard Saint-Germain
In what year was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier officially installed beneath the arch?
1922
1922
1924
1924
1920
1920
1918
1918
At what time is the ‘Eternal Flame’ at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris rekindled daily?
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
What is the primary commemorative purpose of the Eternal Flame at the Arc de Triomphe?
To mark the geographical center of Paris
To mark the geographical center of Paris
To celebrate a royal marriage
To celebrate a royal marriage
To honor those who died for France in battle
To honor those who died for France in battle
To serve as a triumphal entrance for Napoleon’s palace
To serve as a triumphal entrance for Napoleon’s palace
Who was the primary architect commissioned to design the Arc de Triomphe?
Claude-Nicolas Ledoux
Claude-Nicolas Ledoux
Gustave Eiffel
Gustave Eiffel
Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier
Jean-François Chalgrin
Jean-François Chalgrin
Which of these French military figures is actually one of the 660 names inscribed on the pillars of the Arc de Triomphe?
Philippe Pétain
Philippe Pétain
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte
General Marceau
General Marceau
Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle
What is the primary material used in the construction of the Arc de Triomphe?
Granite
Granite
Marble
Marble
Sandstone
Sandstone
Limestone
Limestone
Before being named Place Charles de Gaulle, the square was historically known by what name?
The Star (L’Étoile)
The Star (L’Étoile)
The Sun (Le Soleil)
The Sun (Le Soleil)
The Crown (La Couronne)
The Crown (La Couronne)
The Gate (La Porte)
The Gate (La Porte)
Napoleon famously told his soldiers, ‘You will go home under triumphal arches,’ after which specific 1805 victory?
The Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Borodino
The Battle of Borodino
The Battle of Leipzig
The Battle of Leipzig
In what year was the Eternal Flame first lit at the base of the Arc de Triomphe?
1927
1927
1921
1921
1923
1923
1930
1930
How many main pillar relief sculptures, often called ‘groups,’ adorn the base of the Arc?
Five
Five
Four
Four
Six
Six
Three
Three
Which of these is one of the four famous main pillar sculptural reliefs found on the Arc de Triomphe?
The Thinker
The Thinker
The Gates of Hell
The Gates of Hell
Le Départ de 1792 (The Departure)
Le Départ de 1792 (The Departure)
The Burghers of Calais
The Burghers of Calais
Today, what is the primary function of the Arc de Triomphe?
It functions as a religious chapel
It functions as a religious chapel
It serves as the French National Bank vault
It serves as the French National Bank vault
It is a war memorial and tourist site
It is a war memorial and tourist site
It houses a museum about Napoleon
It houses a museum about Napoleon
Whose massive urban renewal project in the mid-19th century helped solidify the 12-avenue layout around the Arc?
Louis XVIII
Louis XVIII
Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle
Francois Mitterrand
Francois Mitterrand
Baron Haussmann
Baron Haussmann
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
Next, try our trivia on famous architects. We also offer quizzes on classical sculpture and other historic places.
