10 History Myths Even Expert Enthusiasts Get Wrong
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History is full of fascinating tales, but not all are accurate. Even the most seasoned history enthusiasts can fall prey to widespread myths and misconceptions.
These historical myths often arise from repeated misinformation, oversimplified narratives, or even deliberate fabrications that have been accepted as truth over time.
Napoleon Was Incredibly Short
Napoleon Bonaparte is often thought to have had a diminutive stature, giving rise to the term “Napoleon complex.”
In reality, he was around 5’6″ or 5’7″, an average height for a Frenchman in the early 19th century. The myth stems from confusion between French and English measurement units.
Cleopatra Was Egyptian
Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was of Macedonian Greek descent. She belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s death. Cleopatra was more culturally Egyptian but not ethnically.
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible to the naked eye from space.
Astronauts have confirmed that although the Wall is long, it is relatively narrow—only about 30 feet wide—and constructed of materials that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This makes it extremely difficult to discern from orbit.
Columbus Discovered America
Many believe Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492. However, Indigenous peoples had lived there for tens of thousands of years. In addition, Norse explorer Leif Erikson likely landed in North America around 1000 A.D., nearly 500 years before Columbus set sail.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
The image of Vikings with horned helmets is iconic but inaccurate. Viking society emerged in the 9th century C.E., dispelling the misconception of Vikings sporting horned helmets.
According to History.com, this myth likely stemmed from 19th-century Scandinavian artists who glamorized depictions of these seafaring warriors donning such headgear in their artworks.
Marie Antoinette Said, “Let Them Eat Cake”
Marie Antoinette is famously (and incorrectly) attributed with the phrase, “Let them eat cake.” There’s no evidence she ever said this. The quote comes from philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Confessions,” written when Marie was just a child.
It was later misattributed to her as a symbol of her supposed indifference to her subjects’ plight.
Einstein Failed Math
Astonishingly, many people believe that Albert Einstein failed math as a student. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Einstein excelled in mathematics from a young age, mastering complex concepts well before his peers.
The myth possibly arose from misunderstanding the grading systems used during his educational years.
Medieval People Believed the Earth Was Flat
It’s a common misconception that medieval Europeans thought the Earth was flat. Scholars knew it was spherical as far back as Ancient Greece.
By the Middle Ages, educated people widely accepted the Earth’s roundness, thanks to works by philosophers like Aristotle and Ptolemy.
The Salem Witch Trials Burned Witches at the Stake
No accused witch was burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials. Instead, most were hanged, and one was pressed to death with heavy stones.
This myth may stem from European witch trials, where burning at the stake was more common.
The Magna Carta Granted Universal Rights
The Magna Carta is often heralded as a milestone in democratic development, but its original intent was far more limited. The document primarily served to protect the rights and privileges of the aristocracy, not the general populace. Its broader significance grew over centuries of legal reinterpretation.
These myths persist despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. They remind us that history is complex, often misunderstood, and constantly evolving as new facts come to light.
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