Spice Trade History
1 / 15Journey through the history of the spice trade that shaped the world!
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
Which spice was once worth more than gold by weight?
About Spice Trade History
Spice Trade History is a free general knowledge quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 8 medium, 5 easy, 2 hard questions. Journey through the history of the spice trade that shaped the world! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.
A few sample questions
1. Which spice was once worth more than gold by weight?
Answer: Saffron
Saffron has historically been the world's most expensive spice by weight, sometimes exceeding the price of gold. It requires about 75,000 crocus flowers to produce one pound.
2. Which group of islands was historically known as the 'Spice Islands'?
Answer: The Maluku Islands
The Maluku Islands (Moluccas) in present-day Indonesia were known as the Spice Islands because they were the original source of nutmeg, mace, and cloves.
3. Which European nation first dominated the spice trade route around Africa to Asia?
Answer: Portugal
Portugal dominated the spice trade after Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, establishing a maritime route around the Cape of Good Hope.
4. What was Columbus actually searching for when he discovered the Americas in 1492?
Answer: A western route to the Spice Islands
Columbus was seeking a western sea route to Asia and the Spice Islands. Instead, he reached the Americas, which he initially believed were part of Asia.
5. Which spice was called 'black gold' in medieval Europe?
Answer: Pepper
Black pepper was so valuable in medieval Europe that it was used as currency, and peppercorns could be used to pay rent and taxes.
Things you'll learn along the way
- The Silk Road was a network of trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean and Europe, facilitating the exchange of spices, silk, and other goods for centuries.
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC), founded in 1602, became the most powerful trading company in history, monopolizing the spice trade from the Spice Islands.
- True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The island was a major source of cinnamon for thousands of years.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in Spice Trade History?
Spice Trade History has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Spice Trade History free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Spice Trade History — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Spice Trade History take?
Most players finish Spice Trade History in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Spice Trade History?
If you enjoyed this general knowledge quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
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