The Largest Lies in History You've Been Told—and what they get wrong

The Largest Lies in History You've Been Told—and what they get wrong

The largest lies in history that have shaped the world. Myths you've learned in school and political agendas that have skewed the truth about the past. Discover shocking historical lies (that have all been presented as fact) in this outrageous article.

Introduction: Why History isn't always what's it's cracked up to be

History is thought of the truest of truths, it is a record of what happened in the past.

But what if, some of the events you've learned, were not entirely historical?

What if whole events were twisted, embellished, or outright fabricated, to help the greater political, social, or even personal agenda of the day?

History is a malleable thing, and throughout time, it has be subjected to abuse at the hands of those in power and institutions that hold power to influence narratives, thought, and ultimate power and control. These historical lies, are not innocent, they are not 'mistakes', and they have influenced generations (and in some cases, had a massive effect on how societies evolved).

In this article we have detailed some of the largest lies in history, the kind of stories that you learned in school, probably heard as 'fact', and are most likely not true.

1. Columbus discovered America.

Most people know the story of Christopher Columbus discovering America in 1492.

The truth is, millions of Indigenous peoples occupied North and South America before Columbus ever set sail. The Native civilizations, such as the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas, had a sophisticated society, culture, and governance long before European Colonialism, which recognizes Columbus as the first European to “discover” the Americas.

Even more astonishing, historical record demonstrates that the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, arrived in North America around 1000 AD, nearly 500 years before Columbus!

While Columbus's voyages did lead to the beginning of European colonialism, calling it a “discovery” negates the reality that Indigenous peoples had inhabited the land for thousands of years.

2. Napoleon Was Ridiculously Short

History books describe Napoleon Bonaparte as a little man with a giant ego, leading to the term “Napoleon complex” to describe people who feel less-than and overly compensate by bringing it up constantly.

However, this myth is mostly nonsense. Napoleon was about 5’6 or 5’7 which was the average height for men in France at the time.

Given that the measurements were based on the French system (of which there are many), it’s likely that there was confusion between French and British measuring systems. British propaganda exaggerated the supposed shortness of Napoleon to ridicule him, and that stereotype persisted.

The fact of the matter is that Napoleon’s genius and influence as a military and political leader were anything but short.

3. The Great Wall of China Can Be Seen From Space

Many believe the Great Wall of China is the only man-made construction visible from space. This statement was presented in textbooks, documentaries, and both public and private space events. There are even information plaques, at various locations, and statements to this effect from government officials and members of the general public.

However, astronauts have directly stated this is not true! It is true that the wall is long; however it is narrow and blends into other natural and man-made features. Where cities, roads and airports are visible in low Earth orbit the wall will be lost in the wonderful natural scene below.

The myth was likely created in the 1930s where it had first appeared in the popular media, long before any human made it to space.

4. Marie Antoinette Said "Let Them Eat Cake"

The unfortunate French Queen Marie Antoinette is known for being supposed quoted as responding to starving peasants with "Let them eat cake."

Historians agree that Antoinette never said that. "Let them eat cake" first appeared in writing from the Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau a number of years before Antoinette even became Queen.

Later, Marie's false quote became the focus of propaganda attributing to being out of touch, and egocentric from an endorsement for harm to the lower class and facts of any financial donations of money and food to the poor on several occasions.

Her buxom, wealthy lifestyle proved to be a very obvious target, but the infamous line is one of history's greatest mistruths.

5. The Trojan War was Totally Mythical.

For a long time, historians and other interested people once thought the Trojan War, outlined in Homer's Iliad, was a complete myth. The whole tale of Helen of Troy, the Trojan Horse, and epic battles really sounded more mythological than anything real.

According to him, however, in the 19th century, archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the ruins in modern-day Turkey that matched the descriptions of ancient Troy. Evidence shows that there was a war - maybe not as Homer described - but a war happened.

In other words, while the story has mythical elements, the Trojan War wasn’t totally make believe. It is an interesting example of how history can be lost in legend.

6. Salem Witch Trials Burned Witches at Stake.

When we think of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, we picture women throng the town being burned at stake.

But, here is the truth: no one in Salem was burned; all accused of witchcraft were hanged; one man had heavy stones on him, which pressed him to death.

Sometimes, burning witches was more common in Europe, while harm had chosen hanging in colonial America. This is more of a misconception based on intertwining European witch searches and the Salem trials.

7. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

Popular culture has almost universally depicted Vikings as wearing horned helmets, whether it be in movies, comic books, or Halloween costumes. The problem is there is no archaeological evidence that supports this. The mythology started to surface in the 19th century when costumers for an opera placed horned helmets onto the actors to make them appear more dramatic.

Actual Viking helmets were very simple and practical; they were made of metal or leather, and had no horns at all. The dramatic Viking image we have in 2023 is more fiction than fact.

8. Einstein Was Bad at Math

One of the biggest lies we've probably all heard over and over is that Albert Einstein was bad at maths as a child. Often teachers and parents will share this story, using it to motivate and encourage children who may be behind in maths or any subject.

This could not be further from the truth. Einstein was great at maths from a young age, and was doing complex maths long before so many other kids had even thought about it. This myth may stem from the mistranslation of his

school documents. Greatly contrary to failing at maths, Einstein was a mathematical genius who changed physical science forever.

9. The Medieval Times were a time of Scientific Darkness

The term "Dark Ages" implies that the Medieval Ages [circa 500-1500 A.D.] were a time of ignorance, and that no progress was made.

However, historians today have largely rejected this notion as misleading. While Europe may have declined after the fall of Rome, there were developments in architecture and philosophy, and science, if not fully developed, was better than non-existent.

Moreover, many classic Greek and Roman texts were preserved by Medieval scholars, universities were formed, and eyeglasses, mechanical clocks, and printing presses were invented or significantly improved.

In fact, the "dark age" concept became popular in the Renaissance, it was then used to compare the old period of study to an enlightened period.

10. History Is Always Objective

If there is any "lie" that is the biggest of all it is the idea that history is always objective and fact.

History is created by people, and especially people with the monopoly on power, therefore there will always be bias, selective telling, and cultural agendas at play.

Many times, wars, both revolution, and state, and even political changes will completely rewrite history leaving us with nothing more than a fairytale version of the past.

By asking questions of historical “facts” we allow ourselves to be on the road to knowing what really happened.

Why These Lies About History Matter Today

Finding the actual truths behind lies of history is more than just finding facts; it is about learning how to question all that is put in front of us. These myths show us how easy it is to enact and construct up narratives, and to hopefully illustrate how inquisitive and skeptical we should approach history.

When we know the truth, we are more aware of the past and how we can identify misleading information in the present.

Conclusion: Finding Truth within History

History is littered with myths, stories, and legends—from Columbus's "discovery" to Napoleon's height—that have shaped our perceptions of the world. While some myths may seem benign, others have left a legacy of significant change in societies and cultures.

The good news? As a result of research, archaeology, discovery, and advancement, access to the truth is growing. Questioning, investigating and seeking evidence, will help compartmentalize fact and fiction.

History is not simply about the past; it is about how we, as members of society, understand ourselves today.