Top 10 Lies You Still Believe About History
You think you know history? Think again. Learn the top 10 biggest historical lies people still believe and the real truth behind each.
Introduction: The Truth Hidden in Plain Sight
History is not just dates and names. It defines our faith, culture, and even who we are. But what if much of the "fact" you learned at school or encountered in films was fabrication? Through the ages, many myths and misconceptions have been accepted as reality. The historical fabrications tend to be repeated so many times, they become challenging to challenge.
In this article, we're revealing the Top 10 Lies You Still Believe About History, supported by true facts and presented in plain, interesting language. Whether you are a student, a trivia buff, or simply interested, you'll find this list surprising and illuminating.
1. Napoleon Was Short
Most people think Napoleon Bonaparte was abnormally short. In reality, he was around 5'6" or 5'7"—average" height for a man during the early 1800s.
Why the myth: Misunderstanding of French and English measurements caused the error. British caricaturists also made him taller to satirize him.
The reality: Napoleon was tall in his time, both literally and metaphorically.
2. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
It's a common picture: fierce Viking warriors with horned helmets. But it's entirely untrue.
Why the myth: 19th-century operas and artwork depicted Vikings that way for effect.
The reality: Actual Viking helmets were unadorned, designed to protect — not look good. There's no archaeological proof for the horned helmet notion.
3. Columbus Discovered America
The term "Columbus discovered America" is a misnomer. He never set foot on the mainland United States, and Native Americans had inhabited the Americas for thousands of years.
Why the myth: It made history easier and was incorporated into patriotic lore.
The reality: Columbus arrived in the Caribbean. The actual discovery had already been achieved by native civilizations centuries earlier.
4. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space
You’ve probably heard that astronauts can see the Great Wall of China from space. It’s a common belief — but not true.
Why the myth exists: It sounds impressive and spread quickly through media.
The truth: While large, the Wall blends into the landscape. Even astronauts have said it’s not visible without zoom or ideal lighting.
5. Einstein Failed Math
There is this legend that Albert Einstein flunked math in childhood. Everyone enjoys this myth because it makes being a genius seem more within reach.
Why the myth persists: Misinterpretation of the grading system contributed to the myth.
Reality: Einstein really thrived at math as a child and was performing sophisticated calculations in his teens.
6. Marie Antoinette Said, "Let Them Eat Cake."
When informed the French were starving, it's reported Marie Antoinette callously said, "Let them eat cake." There's no record she ever uttered these words.
Why the myth: Revolutionaries used the phrase to depict her as being out of touch.
The reality: The quote predated her and was probably misattributed for political purposes.
7. The Salem Witches Were Burned at the Stake
Most think the Salem witch trial victims were burned alive. In fact, none were burned.
Why there is a myth: European witches were tried and burned, creating confusion.
The reality: The majority were hanged, and one man was killed by being crushed with rocks.
8. Medieval People Thought the Earth Was Flat
You may think that during the Middle Ages, everyone thought the world was flat. But educated thinkers during that time already knew the world was round.
Why the myth persists: Renaissance intellectuals invented this falsehood to demonstrate how much more "enlightened" they were.
The truth: Flat Earth theory is a greater modern myth than it was a medieval belief.
9. Witches Were Burned in Europe by the Millions
Though witch hunts did take place and were tragic, the numbers tend to be inflated. Historical evidence doesn't support "millions."
Why the myth exists: It's a metaphor for gross injustice and is dramatized in literature.
The reality: Between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals were put to death for witchcraft over many centuries in Europe.
10. The Pyramids Were Built by Slaves
Egyptian pyramids were long thought to be constructed by slave labor. But modern archaeology offers a different story.
Why the myth: The early interpretation of Biblical scripture led to this misconception.
The reality: Laborers who constructed the pyramids were skilled, not slaves. And it seems they were well fed and highly regarded for what they did.
Why These Lies Persist
Most of these historical falsehoods gained widespread acceptance through repetition in education, entertainment, and the media. Once a tale is integrated into culture, it's difficult to remove.
Another reason? Simplification. History is messy, but myths are simple to recall. Reporting a neat, heroic, or tragic tale is more attractive than venturing into complicated truths.
Why It Matters
Accepting false history isn't merely an innocent error. It can:
Produce cultural misunderstandings
Affect political opinions
Spread harmful stereotypes
Prevent learning from real historical lessons
Understanding accurate history empowers us to make informed decisions in the present. That’s why questioning what we’ve been told matters.
How to Spot False History
Here are a few simple ways to tell if a “fact” might actually be fiction:
Ask where the information came from—is it a credible source?
Verify if it's repeated without proof— Simply because it's popular doesn't mean it's true.
Check if experts concur—historians tend to write books or articles that clarify misconstrued facts.
Skeptical of tidy stories—real life isn't usually tidy.
Conclusion: Truth is More Interesting Than Fiction
History is full of drama, drama, and human strife. But by covering it in lies and half-truths, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to learn from it.
You can now begin questioning the "facts" you hear daily more critically since you know these top 10 historical lies. The true stories are more compelling than the myths.
Challenge what you believe you know. Question the textbooks. And above all, remain curious.
About the Creator
Zeeshan Haidar
Zeeshan Haidar is a programme in which SEO, and conversion optimization global brands, digital marketing. Zee Affiliate is trusted business. Zeeshan Haidar provide different product in affordable ,reasonable & discountable price.
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