Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Mass grave Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Mass Graves: Historical Contexts and Forensic Investigations

Cheat Sheet:
Mass Graves: Historical Contexts and Forensic Investigations Study Guide

Foundations and Definitions of Mass Graves

A mass grave is strictly defined by the United Nations as a burial site containing exactly three victims of execution.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the United Nations defines a *criminal* mass grave as containing three or more victims of execution, the statement's assertion of 'exactly three' is inaccurate, and a universally agreed-upon definition remains elusive.

Return to Game

Mass graves are primarily created as a measure to preserve archaeological records of past conflicts for future study.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary reasons for creating mass graves are typically the need for rapid burial due to a large number of deaths, often driven by sanitation concerns, or to control infection following events like famines, epidemics, or natural disasters, not for preserving archaeological records.

Return to Game

What is the fundamental definition of a mass grave provided in the source material?

Answer: A burial site containing multiple human corpses, often buried rapidly due to a large number of deaths.

Explanation: The fundamental definition provided is that a mass grave is a burial site containing multiple human corpses, often buried rapidly due to a large number of deaths, frequently for public health reasons.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT cited as a primary reason for the creation of mass graves?

Answer: Preserving detailed records for genealogical research.

Explanation: Preserving detailed records for genealogical research is not cited as a primary reason for the creation of mass graves; the primary reasons involve rapid burial due to large death tolls, sanitation concerns, and controlling infection.

Return to Game

Mass Graves in 20th/21st Century Conflicts and Political Violence

Mass graves during the Napoleonic Wars were exclusively used for the burial of deceased soldiers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mass graves during the Napoleonic Wars were utilized for the expeditious disposal of deceased soldiers and horses, not exclusively soldiers.

Return to Game

In the Finnish Civil War, the majority of individuals found in mass graves belonged to the White Guard faction.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of individuals found in mass graves from the Finnish Civil War belonged to the Reds, the communist Soviet-backed faction, not the White Guard.

Return to Game

Over 2,000 mass graves are known to exist in Spain dating back to the Spanish Civil War.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is documented that over 2,000 mass graves are known in Spain, dating from the period of the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath.

Return to Game

The Mittelbau camps held approximately 20,000 prisoners, with conservative estimates suggesting at least 60,000 perished.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mittelbau camps held approximately 60,000 prisoners, with conservative estimates suggesting at least 20,000 perished, not the reverse figures presented.

Return to Game

Following the liberation of the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp, German civilians were ordered by U.S. soldiers to dig mass graves for the dead prisoners.

Answer: True

Explanation: After the liberation of Mittelbau-Dora, U.S. soldiers did order German civilians to participate in digging mass graves for the deceased prisoners.

Return to Game

The Hadassah convoy massacre on April 13, 1948, resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, including medics and fighters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hadassah convoy massacre on April 13, 1948, resulted in the deaths of 79 people, not over 100.

Return to Game

Historians universally agree that the Tantura massacre involved the mass execution of surrendered Palestinian fighters.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historians do not universally agree; the Tantura massacre is a subject of ongoing historical investigation and debate regarding the alleged mass execution of surrendered Palestinian fighters.

Return to Game

During the Korean War, approximately 100,000 to 200,000 civilians were executed without trial by North Korean forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Korean War, approximately 100,000 to 200,000 civilians were executed without trial, but these actions were carried out by the South Korean government, not North Korean forces.

Return to Game

The Battle of Huế during the Vietnam War saw between 2,800 and 6,000 deaths, including civilians and POWs, who were subsequently buried in mass graves.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Battle of Huế resulted in an estimated death toll between 2,800 and 6,000, encompassing civilians and POWs, many of whom were subsequently buried in mass graves.

Return to Game

Israeli military historian Aryeh Yitzhaki reported testimony suggesting Egyptian prisoners of war were killed during the Six Day War and potentially buried in mass graves in the Sinai Peninsula.

Answer: True

Explanation: Israeli military historian Aryeh Yitzhaki reported testimony from officers admitting to killing Egyptian prisoners of war during the Six Day War, suggesting the existence of mass graves.

Return to Game

During the Six-Day War, at least 52 Egyptian prisoners of war were allegedly executed by an Israeli paratrooper unit after conquering Ras Sedr on June 8, 1967.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports indicate that on June 8, 1967, an Israeli paratrooper unit allegedly executed at least 52 Egyptian prisoners of war after conquering Ras Sedr.

Return to Game

Approximately 80 Egyptian soldiers were buried in a mass grave near the site that is now the popular theme park 'Mini Israel'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Approximately 80 Egyptian soldiers were buried in a mass grave near the kibbutz Nahshon, a site later developed into the theme park 'Mini Israel'.

Return to Game

In Chile, between 1973 and 1990, higher estimates suggest up to 4,500 people were executed or disappeared.

Answer: True

Explanation: Higher estimates suggest that between 1973 and 1990 in Chile, up to 4,500 individuals were executed or disappeared.

Return to Game

In Chile, unidentified bodies were buried in mass graves and subsequently exhumed and scattered across populated urban areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Chile, unidentified bodies were buried in mass graves and subsequently exhumed and airdropped over remote locations or open water, not scattered across populated urban areas.

Return to Game

Mass grave mapping teams have located 125 Khmer Rouge prison facilities and their corresponding gravesites in Cambodia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mass grave mapping teams have indeed located 125 Khmer Rouge prison facilities and associated gravesites in Cambodia.

Return to Game

The Rwandan genocide lasted approximately one year and resulted in an estimated 80,000 killings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Rwandan genocide lasted approximately 100 days and resulted in an estimated 800,000 killings, not one year and 80,000 killings.

Return to Game

Following the Russian withdrawal from Bucha, Ukrainian investigators recovered bodies from a mass grave near the church of Andrew the Apostle, finding 116 bodies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the Russian withdrawal from Bucha, Ukrainian investigators recovered 116 bodies from a mass grave located near the church of Andrew the Apostle.

Return to Game

Satellite footage revealed new mass graves near Mariupol, where at least 1,170 civilians had been killed by April 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: Satellite footage did reveal new mass graves near Mariupol, where at least 1,170 civilians had been killed by April 2022.

Return to Game

Near Izium, Ukrainian investigators found 447 bodies, many showing signs of torture and summary execution, such as ropes around their necks and broken limbs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ukrainian investigators found 447 bodies near Izium, many exhibiting signs of torture and summary execution, including ropes around necks and broken limbs.

Return to Game

In April 2024, over 300 bodies were unearthed at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, Gaza, with some showing signs of being bound and potentially executed.

Answer: True

Explanation: In April 2024, over 300 bodies were unearthed at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, Gaza, with some displaying signs of being bound and potentially executed.

Return to Game

At Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, health workers recovered at least 381 bodies from mass graves, with officials claiming many showed severe trauma, possibly from Israeli tanks.

Answer: True

Explanation: Health workers recovered at least 381 bodies from mass graves at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, with officials reporting severe trauma on many, possibly from Israeli tanks.

Return to Game

The mass grave discovered near the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg initially contained 80 military officers executed during the Red Terror of 1918-1921.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mass grave near the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg did contain 80 military officers executed during the Red Terror of 1918-1921.

Return to Game

Islamic State militants created mass graves primarily targeting Iraqi security forces and suspected dissidents.

Answer: True

Explanation: Islamic State militants created mass graves targeting various groups, including Iraqi security forces, minority communities, suspected dissidents, and civilians opposing their rule.

Return to Game

The mass grave discovered in Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 is associated with the Tulsa race massacre, a pogrom.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mass grave in Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 is associated with the Tulsa race massacre, a pogrom.

Return to Game

What did analyses of soldiers' remains from a 17th-century mass grave during the Thirty Years' War reveal about their cause of death?

Answer: They primarily succumbed to battlefield wounds and gunshot.

Explanation: Analyses of soldiers' remains from a 17th-century mass grave during the Thirty Years' War revealed that most died from gunshot wounds, with additional evidence of blunt force trauma and stabbing injuries, indicating a violent end.

Return to Game

During the Napoleonic Wars, mass graves were utilized for the efficient disposal of which groups?

Answer: Deceased soldiers and horses.

Explanation: During the Napoleonic Wars, mass graves were utilized for the efficient disposal of deceased soldiers and horses.

Return to Game

Who primarily occupied the mass graves created during the Finnish Civil War?

Answer: The Reds, identified as the communist Soviet-backed side.

Explanation: The mass graves created during the Finnish Civil War primarily contained the remains of the Reds, who constituted the communist Soviet-backed faction.

Return to Game

Regarding the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp complex, what is the estimated number of prisoners held and the minimum number believed to have perished?

Answer: Approximately 60,000 prisoners; at least 20,000 perished.

Explanation: The Mittelbau camps held approximately 60,000 prisoners, with conservative estimates indicating that at least 20,000 perished.

Return to Game

What action did U.S. soldiers order German civilians to take after the liberation of the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp?

Answer: To dig mass graves for the dead prisoners.

Explanation: Following the liberation of the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp, U.S. soldiers ordered German civilians to dig mass graves for the deceased prisoners.

Return to Game

The Hadassah convoy massacre on April 13, 1948, resulted in the deaths of how many people?

Answer: Exactly 79

Explanation: The Hadassah convoy massacre on April 13, 1948, resulted in the deaths of 79 people.

Return to Game

What is claimed about the victims of the Tantura massacre on May 23, 1948, according to the source?

Answer: Men from Tantura were allegedly victims of mass execution after surrendering.

Explanation: It is claimed that men from Tantura were victims of mass execution after surrendering, with their bodies subsequently buried in a mass grave.

Return to Game

During the Korean War, who was responsible for the execution of approximately 100,000 to 200,000 civilians without trial?

Answer: The South Korean government.

Explanation: The South Korean government was responsible for the execution of approximately 100,000 to 200,000 civilians without trial during the early stages of the Korean War.

Return to Game

The Battle of Huế during the Vietnam War resulted in a death toll estimated between 2,800 and 6,000, including civilians and POWs, who were reportedly buried in:

Answer: Mass graves.

Explanation: The Battle of Huế resulted in a death toll estimated between 2,800 and 6,000, including civilians and POWs, who were reportedly buried in mass graves.

Return to Game

What did Israeli military historian Aryeh Yitzhaki report regarding Egyptian prisoners of war during the Six Day War?

Answer: That officers admitted to killing them, suggesting the existence of mass graves.

Explanation: Israeli military historian Aryeh Yitzhaki reported testimony from officers admitting to killing Egyptian prisoners of war during the Six Day War, suggesting the existence of mass graves.

Return to Game

Where were approximately 80 Egyptian soldiers buried in a mass grave after the Six-Day War, and what is the site now:

Answer: The Mini Israel theme park

Explanation: Approximately 80 Egyptian soldiers were buried in a mass grave near the kibbutz Nahshon, a site later developed into the theme park 'Mini Israel'.

Return to Game

In Chile, between 1973 and 1990, what was the fate of unidentified bodies found after the coup d'état?

Answer: They were buried in marked mass graves, then exhumed and airdropped over water or remote mountains.

Explanation: Unidentified bodies were buried in marked mass graves, then exhumed and airdropped over remote locations or open water, obscuring the fate of many victims of the 1973-1990 regime.

Return to Game

During the Maratha, Santalaris, and Aloda massacre in 1974, how were the 126 murdered Turkish Cypriots buried?

Answer: Together in a single mass grave.

Explanation: The 126 murdered Turkish Cypriots from Maratha and Santalaris were buried together in a single mass grave.

Return to Game

How many Khmer Rouge prison facilities and corresponding gravesites have been located in Cambodia to date?

Answer: Exactly 125

Explanation: Mass grave mapping teams have located 125 Khmer Rouge prison facilities and their corresponding gravesites in Cambodia.

Return to Game

The Rwandan genocide, lasting 100 days, resulted in an estimated:

Answer: 800,000 killings

Explanation: The Rwandan genocide, lasting 100 days, resulted in an estimated 800,000 killings.

Return to Game

What did Ukrainian forensic investigators find in a mass grave near the church of Andrew the Apostle in Bucha after the Russian withdrawal?

Answer: 116 bodies.

Explanation: Ukrainian forensic investigators found 116 bodies in a mass grave near the church of Andrew the Apostle in Bucha after the Russian withdrawal.

Return to Game

By April 2022, satellite footage revealed new mass graves near which Ukrainian city, where at least 1,170 civilians had been killed?

Answer: Mariupol

Explanation: By April 2022, satellite footage revealed new mass graves near Mariupol, where at least 1,170 civilians had been killed.

Return to Game

What specific signs of violent death, torture, or execution were found on many bodies recovered from mass graves near Izium?

Answer: Ropes around necks, bound hands, broken limbs, and genital amputation.

Explanation: Many bodies recovered from mass graves near Izium showed signs of violent death, torture, and summary execution, including ropes around their necks, bound hands, broken limbs, and genital amputation.

Return to Game

What was unearthed at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis in April 2024?

Answer: Over 300 bodies, some showing signs of being bound.

Explanation: In April 2024, over 300 bodies were unearthed at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, Gaza, with some showing signs of being bound and potentially executed.

Return to Game

What did health workers find in mass graves at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City in April 2024?

Answer: At least 381 bodies, some showing severe trauma.

Explanation: Health workers found at least 381 bodies in mass graves at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, with officials reporting severe trauma on many, possibly from Israeli tanks.

Return to Game

The mass grave discovered near the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg contained executed officers from which historical period?

Answer: The Red Terror of 1918-1921.

Explanation: The executed officers found in the mass grave near the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg were from the Red Terror period of 1918-1921.

Return to Game

The mass grave in Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 is associated with which event?

Answer: The Tulsa race massacre, a pogrom.

Explanation: The mass grave in Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921 is associated with the Tulsa race massacre, a pogrom.

Return to Game

Mass Graves in Disasters, Pandemics, and Societal Issues

Research suggests that dead bodies pose significant health risks after natural disasters, making mass graves the only viable option.

Answer: False

Explanation: Research indicates that the health risks posed by dead bodies after natural disasters are generally limited, challenging the notion that mass graves are the only viable option for public health.

Return to Game

In ancient Rome, the burial sites known as *puticuli* were reserved for the remains of wealthy citizens.

Answer: False

Explanation: In ancient Rome, the *puticuli* were mass burial sites used for the disposal of waste and the bodies of the poor, not for wealthy citizens.

Return to Game

The Paris Catacombs were established primarily as a response to overcrowding and poor conditions in existing Parisian cemeteries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The establishment of the Paris Catacombs was indeed a response to severe overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in Parisian cemeteries, necessitating the relocation of millions of remains.

Return to Game

In 2010, the bodies of 222 infants from Bethany Home were discovered in a mass unmarked grave in Dublin.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2010, the remains of 222 infants from Bethany Home were discovered in a mass unmarked grave in Dublin.

Return to Game

The primary goal of the Canadian Indian residential school system was to preserve Indigenous languages and cultural traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary goal of the Canadian Indian residential school system was the assimilation of Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture and society, not the preservation of Indigenous languages and traditions.

Return to Game

A radar survey near the Kamloops Indian Residential School confirmed the remains of 215 children in May 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: A radar survey near the Kamloops Indian Residential School confirmed the presence of 215 children's remains in May 2021.

Return to Game

Archaeological excavations of Irish famine burial sites reveal skeletons layered on top of each other in pits spaced less than a meter apart.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archaeological excavations of Irish famine burial sites have revealed graves containing numerous individuals, with skeletons layered and pits closely spaced, indicating the scale of mortality.

Return to Game

The Brunner Mine disaster in New Zealand, the country's deadliest mining accident, resulted in 33 miners being buried in a single mass grave.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Brunner Mine disaster, New Zealand's deadliest mining accident, resulted in 65 deaths, with 33 victims buried together in a single mass grave.

Return to Game

In Haiti, the practice of mass burial of unidentified corpses is believed to strengthen the spiritual connection between the living and their ancestors in Vodou beliefs.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Haitian Vodou beliefs, burial rituals are crucial for connecting with ancestors; the mass burial of unidentified corpses severs this spiritual link, rather than strengthening it.

Return to Game

Satellite images suggested mass graves were being prepared in Iran for COVID-19 victims near the city of Tehran.

Answer: False

Explanation: Satellite images suggesting mass graves for COVID-19 victims in Iran were near the city of Qom, not Tehran.

Return to Game

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City implemented temporary mass graves on Hart Island for unclaimed bodies due to overwhelmed morgues.

Answer: True

Explanation: New York City implemented the temporary use of mass graves on Hart Island for unclaimed bodies due to overwhelmed morgues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return to Game

The Paris Catacombs serve as a vast ossuary holding millions of skeletons moved from former Parisian cemeteries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Paris Catacombs function as a large ossuary, containing millions of skeletons relocated from Parisian cemeteries due to overcrowding and sanitary concerns.

Return to Game

The Canadian Indian residential school system operated until the late 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Canadian Indian residential school system operated until 1997, not the late 1980s.

Return to Game

Mass graves were created in Australia, Canada, and the United States as a response to the high mortality rate of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

Answer: True

Explanation: The high mortality rate of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic necessitated the creation of mass graves in countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States due to overwhelmed funeral infrastructure.

Return to Game

Traditional burial practices during the West African Ebola epidemic were considered safe and did not contribute to the disease's spread.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional burial practices during the West African Ebola epidemic were controversial precisely because they exacerbated the spread of the disease, as Ebola victims are highly contagious after death.

Return to Game

The bodies collected using dump trucks and heavy machinery after the 2010 Haitian earthquake were identified before being buried in mass graves.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the 2010 Haitian earthquake, bodies collected via dump trucks and heavy machinery were buried in mass graves without prior identification, reflecting the catastrophic breakdown of services.

Return to Game

How were waste and the bodies of the poor handled in ancient Rome, according to the source?

Answer: They were disposed of in mass graves known as *puticuli*.

Explanation: In ancient Rome, waste and the bodies of the poor were frequently disposed of in mass graves designated as *puticuli*.

Return to Game

What was the primary objective of the Canadian Indian residential school system?

Answer: To assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture and society.

Explanation: The primary objective of the Canadian Indian residential school system was the assimilation of Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture and society.

Return to Game

During Ireland's Great Famine (1845-1849), approximately how many people died, leading to the necessity of mass graves?

Answer: 1 million

Explanation: During Ireland's Great Famine (1845-1849), approximately one million people died, necessitating the use of mass graves due to the overwhelming number of deaths.

Return to Game

What controversial aspect of burial practices during the West African Ebola epidemic is highlighted in the source?

Answer: Traditional practices were controversial because they exacerbated the spread of the disease.

Explanation: A controversial aspect was that traditional burial practices exacerbated the spread of the Ebola epidemic due to the high contagiousness of victims after death.

Return to Game

What evidence suggested mass graves were being prepared in Iran for COVID-19 victims?

Answer: Satellite images showing vast burial pits near Qom.

Explanation: Satellite images showing vast burial pits being excavated near Qom, Iran, suggested preparation for a large number of COVID-19 victims.

Return to Game

What temporary measure was implemented in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding unclaimed bodies?

Answer: Temporary use of mass graves on Hart Island.

Explanation: New York City implemented the temporary use of mass graves on Hart Island for unclaimed bodies due to overwhelmed morgues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return to Game

Investigative Methods and Protocols for Mass Graves

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the technologies utilized to help locate unmarked mass graves from the Spanish Civil War.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is indeed among the technologies employed, alongside eyewitness accounts, to locate unmarked mass graves from the Spanish Civil War.

Return to Game

The Bournemouth Protocol focuses on guiding investigations into mass graves resulting from natural disasters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bournemouth Protocol focuses on guiding investigations into mass graves where deaths suggest unlawful acts or human rights abuses, not primarily natural disasters.

Return to Game

Witness testimonies and relatives' accounts played a crucial role in locating mass graves from the Spanish Civil War for identification and reburial.

Answer: True

Explanation: Witness testimonies and accounts from relatives have been instrumental in aiding the location of Spanish Civil War mass graves for subsequent identification and reburial efforts.

Return to Game

What is the primary focus of the Bournemouth Protocol regarding mass graves?

Answer: Guiding investigations into potential human rights abuses and unlawful deaths.

Explanation: The Bournemouth Protocol primarily focuses on guiding investigations into mass graves where circumstances suggest unlawful deaths or potential human rights abuses.

Return to Game

Which technology has been employed, alongside witness testimonies, to locate mass graves from the Spanish Civil War?

Answer: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Explanation: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), in conjunction with witness testimonies, has been employed to locate mass graves from the Spanish Civil War.

Return to Game