The Biggest Lies in history that you were told - and the truth behind them

Learn about the most monumental lies in history and the truths behind them that shaped our world. Learn the truth behind famous myths, misunderstood events, and purposely misleading stories that loiter in history.

The Biggest Lies in history that you were told - and the truth behind them

History encompasses amazing events, mighty leaders, and amazing stories. But not all we have been taught is true. Over the generations we have learned to believe "facts" that are myths, propaganda, or simply misunderstood truths. Ae will expose some of the biggest lies in history and reveal the truth behind them.

Not only will these counter to what you thought were true but you will see how easily history becomes misguided or rewritten.

Why Lies in History Continue

Before jumping into these myths, it is important to understand why these lies continue to last:

Propaganda: Rulers or governments discrediting truthful information to fit into a better narrative.

Misinterpretation: All of those early historians did not have the principles of documented history learned after critical thinking was a frame of research and reliable evidence.

Over-simplification: Just like fables or children's stories - it is easier to tell and remember the explanation to a complex event.

Cultural pride: Some nations tell a story based on some of the events experienced but embellishing or misrepresenting an event to create a hero.

With those considerations in mind - now let's expose the truths behind some of the most famous historical misconceptions.

1. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

The Lie:

We are presented with a picture of Viking men, from Halloween costumes to movies, that show them wearing horned helmets.

The Truth:

Archaeologists have yet to find any Viking artifacts that imply they wore horned helmets in battle. The idea originated in the 19th century when costume designers for Wagner's opera "Der Ring des Nibelungen" added horns to the helmets for theatrical reasons. Vikings typically wore either helmets that were simple and practical or did not wear helmets at all.

Why It Matters: This illustrates how art and entertainment can change our perceptions of history.

2. Napoleon Was Short

The Lie:

In our combined cultural history, Napoleon Bonaparte is considered a diminutive man with a large ego.

The Truth:

Representations of Napoleon in history show him to be about 5'6'' or 5'7'', which was a typical height for a Frenchman of the 19th century. The misperception of Napoleon as a diminutive man stems from distinctions in the French and British measuring system, and British propaganda considered him "Little Boney".

The Misunderstanding:

Historically, Frenchmen were, and are, generally shorter than British men, but not Napoleon per se.

3. Marie Antoinette Said, "Let Them Eat Cake"

The Lie:

Marie Antoinette, from France, reportedly said "let them eat cake" in response to her starving peasants.

The Truth:

There is no evidence to indicate that she ever said these words. The phrase existed many years before her reign. One possibility is that the phrase was suggested by enemies of Marie Antoinette because she was known to be somewhat out of touch with her peasants and not very compassionate. Historians believe she had more compassion than is suggested through the myth of the phrase "let them eat cake."

4. The Great Wall of China Is Seen from Space

The Lie:

Many textbooks say astronauts can see the Great Wall of China from space.

The Truth:

Astronauts and cosmonauts have reported that while they can see some cities and landforms, the Great Wall blends with its surroundings and is too narrow to be distinguished. This fact has been repeated so often it has become accepted as fact.

5. Christopher Columbus “Discovered” America

The Lie:

Columbus is often celebrated for discovering America in 1492.

The Truth:

Indigenous peoples had lived in America for thousands of years prior to Columbus's arrival. Moreover, Norse explorer Leif Erikson arrived in North America well over 400 years prior to Columbus's voyage, around the year 1000 AD. Columbus's voyages did lay the groundwork for continued exploration by European nations; however, it cannot be accurately said that he "discovered" an empty continent.

6. Witches Were Burned at Salem

The Lie:

While the Salem Witch Trials, which took place in 1692, are frequently described as mass burnings.

The Truth:

While nineteen people were hanged, and one man was pressed to death, no one was burned at the stake or other forms of execution took place. The lore of burning witches likely comes from examinations of European witch hunts, in which burnings were a more common method of execution.

7. The Ancient Egyptians Were Obsessed with Death

The Lie:

Movies and books often portray the ancient Egyptians religion as being morbidly obsessed with the afterlife and death.

The Truth:

Again, they were centered on life, fertility, renewal, etc. Even their elaborate burial practices were an attempt to ensure continuity of life, not celebrate death. The artwork and literature that we have from their culture show this vibrant culture didn't center around death, but celebrating life, joy, and wealth.

8. Einstein Fails Math

The Lie:

Albert Einstein was supposedly a poor student who failed math.

The Truth:

Einstein was actually very gifted in math from a young age. The confusion comes from how education grading systems have changed, and he misrepresented a detail in his biography. While he was considered a non-serious student because he was a dreamer, he was no deficient in math.

9. The Trojan Horse is Fully Proven

The Lie:

People now take the story these Greeks hid in a huge wooden horse to conquer the Greeks story as fact.

The Truth:

While it is written in ancient literature to be “fact,” it is not archeologically proven that the horse was true, and it could have been a device for a siege engine, and just a good story told and passed down orally.

10. Medieval People Thought the Earth Was Flat

The Misconception:

Many people assume that before Columbus, people believed the Earth was flat.

The Truth:

Most educated Europeans at least as early as Ancient Greece understood the Earth was round. The myth of the flat earth became popular in the 19th century as a dramatization of Columbus's courage.

Why Fallacies Continue in Histories

Repetition in Curriculums: Once something enters curriculum, it will take decades to remove.

Dramatization: Myths are easier to remember than complexity.

Identity: Certain stories may retain importance because they helped create national or collective identities.

Entertainment: Movies, TV, and other mass media will often repeat the myth without checking facts.

Why Questioning Historical Narratives Matters!

Understanding why any of these narratives are lies isn’t just about correcting historical inaccuracies – it is about critical thinking. History shapes how we view ourselves and the world. If we learn as children – and as adults – to question what we have been told, we live better-informed and more critically-thinking citizens.

For instance, if we believe that Columbus “discovered” America, we forget how rich Indigenous cultures were before his arrival. If we believe that Einstein “failed” math, we run the risk of discouraging young determine students, without the luck of genius, that they will never receive an “A” or “B” in math.

How to Validate Historical Claims

Use Multiple Sources: Only use texts from academics, peer-reviewed journals, or well-known historians.

Note Archaeological Evidence: Artifacts can sometimes tell you more than written historical accounts.

Think of the Context: Historical events are easily misinterpreted for propaganda, culture, or politics.

Use New Technology: Carbon dating, DNA analysis and other modern methods have expanded our understanding of historical events.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Disproving Historical Myths

Advantage

Encourages critical thinking.

Stands for the truth and those who lived it.

Provides a more accurate understanding of the past.

Disadvantages

May challenge their beliefs.

Some people may resist or not like changed narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Lies in History

Q1: Why do so many lies in history still get taught?

Because they don’t update textbooks etc. after they have published and somehow a lie becomes tradition, or is simplified, and passed down.

Q2: What do I do when I need to verify a historical claim?

You should check reputable sources, such as peer-reviewed academic journals, museums, or college websites, in order to verify a claim. Do not rely solely on films or social media.

Q3: Are all history myths bad?

Not necessarily, some historical myths might obscure important truths, erase cultures, or simply reinforce stereotypes.

Q4: Has modern technology helped to disprove historical lies?

You bet! Genetic testing, satellite imaging, and carbon dating have all played a role in spotting a lie.

Q5: Is it time to stop using simplified history?

Certainly, simplification can be an effective way to engage with history for newcomers. However, I would hope that as we gain understanding we will strive to add nuance and gain a fuller and more complete and accurate picture and understanding.

Final Thoughts

The greatest lies of history often remind us that truth is more complex than the accounts we received. From Vikings who did not have horns, to improper Queens, to explorers, they all serve as reminders of how easily we can be wrong about something that might sound straightforward. By questioning what you think you know, introducing other perspectives, and keeping an open mind to the information that emerges, you can also begin to construct a more comprehensive and truthful version of our pasts.

For 2025 and beyond - learn the lesson - question your knowledge; and let your curiosity take the lead in searching for truth. The fact is, history is not just what happened, history is what we are willing to remember.