circus
P. T. Barnum's circus later merged with the Ringling Brothers' operation. This topic is part of Entertainment within History. This page currently draws on 8 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
circus trivia questions
Which American showman helped create the famous circus eventually known as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey?
Answer: P. T. Barnum
Bonus fact: P. T. Barnum's circus later merged with the Ringling Brothers' operation.
The modern circus is often traced to exhibitions organized in 18th-century London by which equestrian performer?
Answer: Philip Astley
Bonus fact: Philip Astley staged equestrian displays in a circular arena and is often called the father of the modern circus.
Which circus apparatus is a horizontal bar suspended by ropes and used for swinging aerial acts?
Answer: Trapeze
Bonus fact: Trapeze acts may be performed by solo artists or by teams of aerial acrobats.
Which apparatus is commonly used in circus acrobatics for aerial swinging?
Answer: Trapeze
Bonus fact: Trapeze acts combine swinging, hanging, and aerial maneuvers.
Which European circus family is credited with popularizing the flying trapeze in the 19th century?
Answer: The Léotard tradition
Bonus fact: Jules Léotard developed the flying trapeze act in France.
In what year did Monty Python's Flying Circus first air on BBC television?
Answer: 1969
Bonus fact: The BBC Programme Index dates the first episode, 'Whither Canada,' to October 5, 1969.
A trapeze performer swings from what?
Answer: Bar suspended by ropes
Bonus fact: The trapeze is an aerial circus apparatus.
Who built the first prototype modern trampoline in 1934?
Answer: George Nissen
Bonus fact: Nissen built it from canvas and rubber inner tubes after watching circus acrobats use safety nets.