Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

A capital that survived sieges and Olympics

Sarajevo, the answer to the first question, has long been one of the most culturally layered cities in Europe, known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic influences. It hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, an event remembered for its organisation and atmosphere. Less happily, the city endured a long siege in the 1990s during the Bosnian War, and traces of that period are still visible in its streets today.

The island at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka sits just off the southern tip of India, a position that made it a hub for trade routes long before modern times. Its location helped it become a centre for Buddhism, and the ancient city of Anuradhapura remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. The island is also famous for Ceylon tea, which is still one of its biggest exports.

Hemingway and the pull of Kilimanjaro

Ernest Hemingway wrote "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" in the 1930s, drawing on his own experiences in Africa. The story follows a writer on safari who lies wounded and reflects on the life he never managed to put into words. Kilimanjaro itself is Africa's highest mountain, and its snow-capped peak has fascinated travellers and climbers for well over a century.

Blood types and the rules of transfusion

Blood type O is often called the universal donor, but that generosity does not work in reverse: a person with type O blood can only receive type O. The reason lies in the antibodies the immune system produces against other blood groups. Getting this wrong in a transfusion can trigger a serious reaction, which is why blood is carefully matched before it is given.

The Titanic and the limits of engineering confidence

When the Titanic sank in 1912, it was on its maiden voyage and widely regarded as one of the safest ships afloat. The disaster claimed more than 1,500 lives and shocked a public that had come to trust modern technology almost completely. In the years that followed, maritime safety rules were overhauled, including requirements for enough lifeboats for everyone on board.