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About This Quiz
In a past life, were you an ordinary citizen or were you a powerful emperor? Did you have everyday troubles, such as a lack of money or a bad back, or was every week of your life filled with palace intrigues, conflicts with foreign diplomats and terrifying peasant revolts? At night, did you sleep on a bed of straw, or did you recline on a feather-stuffed mattress, tossing and turning on silk sheets while your servants fanned you with palm leaves?
If you're anything like us, you probably prefer to imagine that the latter story is true. After all, it would be no fun to hear from a psychic that you were an accountant in a past life. Like us, you'd rather fantasize about being a famous philosopher, a talented poet or a much-feared king. Well, here's the good news: we can help you with that last scenario! Because this quiz is all about which ancient kingdom you might have ruled in another incarnation.
We're going to ask you about your leadership philosophy, favorite food and political stances. By the end of the quiz, we'll be able to match your personality to a long-gone empire. Are you ready to find out which country of antiquity you would have thrived in? Let's get quizzing!
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Which style of architecture appeals to you most?
I love massive buildings, such as the pyramids.
I adore any buildings that have intricate stonework.
I don't really care about architecture.
I'm into castles.
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What kind of natural settings do you find the most beautiful?
Rainforests
Snowy mountains
Deserts
Sandy beaches
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Are you comfortable in the sun?
Yes. I adore hot weather.
I like cold weather as well as hot weather.
I thrive in the sun like a plant.
I prefer mild weather — not too sunny or chilly.
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Of the following values, which one is the most important to you?
Communication
Beauty
Fairness
Power
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If you were a political leader, what would be your greatest goal?
Creating a money-free society
Taking care of infrastructure
Ensuring the people were happy
Maintaining peace between my society's factions
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Which of these leadership quotes resonates most with you?
"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet."
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”
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Do you think that societies should provide resources to their most destitute members?
Yes. Everyone deserves to be fed and housed.
To a certain extent, although at some point people need to help themselves.
Families should take care of each other, not societies.
No. If you can't survive in society, you need to change.
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Do you believe the ends justify the means?
It depends on the situation.
Sometimes you have no choice but to do something unethical for the greater good.
No. A bad action rarely leads to a good result.
Always!
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If you had your own kingdom, what would be your country's symbol?
A condor
A peacock
A white horse
The sun
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What would your greatest scholars study?
Social justice
Math
Philosophy
Music
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What kind of textiles do you like to wear?
Brightly-colored cotton
Paisley linen
Colorful batiks
Fine silks
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Do you think that every country should have a strong diplomatic strategy?
No. Countries do best when they keep to themselves.
You should have a strong diplomatic strategy as well as military strength.
Yes. That's the simplest way to ensure peace and prosperity.
No. If your country is powerful enough, you don't need a diplomatic strategy.
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Of the following political figures, which one do you admire the most?
Cesar Chavez
Mahatma Gandhi
Nelson Mandela
Lorenzo de' Medici
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What's your favorite style of art?
Abstract art
Expressionism
Realistic paintings and sculptures
Neoclassical art
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How do you typically deal with conflicts?
By seeking common ground with my opponent
By negotiating so we both win
By hitting pause, then returning to the conversation once I feel calmer
By leaping in and fighting
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Of the following movies, which one do you find the most fascinating?
"Fitzcarraldo"
"Jodhaa Akbar"
"Queen of Katwe"
"Farinelli"
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What's your moral alignment?
Chaotic good
Lawful evil
Lawful good
Chaotic evil
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If you ran an ancient kingdom, how often would you have festivals?
Whenever the harvest came in
Whenever I wanted to celebrate one of our nation's achievements
As often as possible
On every religious occasion
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Would you rather have a strong navy or a strong military?
Strong military
To win wars, you need both.
I'd rather be at peace with neighboring nations.
Strong navy
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As a ruler, what would be your greatest challenge?
Quelling rebellions
Getting everyone in the kingdom on the same page
Dealing with the stresses of leadership
Keeping my temper
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Would you rather rule over an urban country or a rural country?
A mixture of both
I don't want to rule over just one country; I want many countries in my empire.
Urban
Rural
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How would you want your palace to look?
I'd like it to be as majestic as palaces of old but outfitted with modern conveniences.
With a gorgeous stone edifice, high towers and verdant gardens, it would be a real-life version of paradise.
I'd hope there'd be many comfortable spaces for parties and gatherings. That's all I actually care about.
It needs to have lots of gold, marble and satin!
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What kind of music do you like?
Fast pop you can dance to
Classical music and/or opera
Anything with a strong beat
Jazz
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Are you an environmentalist?
Not really. I guess I don't know much about this topic.
Yes. I'm very concerned about global warming.
Yes. I think it's important to conserve our natural resources.
Nope, not at all!
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Would you be a despot, or would you have a council of advisors?
Advisors are great because then you can share the blame for mistakes.
The best-run countries have elections for their officials.
I'd rather have a system of government that included checks and balances.
Being a despot would rule.
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Do you believe in capitalism?
Nope!
Yes. It has its flaws, but it works.
I believe in capitalist socialism.
I believe in capitalism without limits.
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Would you rather rule a kingdom that focused on artistic innovation or scientific innovation?
Artistic innovation
Scientific innovation
They're equally important.
I'm more interested in culinary innovation.
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Do you think that empires should be constantly striving to expand?
I think it's a better idea for empires to work on becoming their internal cohesion.
Of course. What else are empires for?
No, that's foolish.
The key to a good defense is a good offense.
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What's your greatest weakness?
My stubbornness
My vanity
My inability to get along well with others
My obsession with control
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What's your favorite food?
Tacos al pastor
Samosas
Peanut soup
Pasta with clam sauce
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You Got: