Janice R. Andrews
History is often filled with fascinating stories and facts, but many of the “facts” we believe may not be as accurate as we think. Over time, myths and misunderstandings have become intertwined with historical events, leading to widespread misconceptions. In this article, we set the record straight by debunking 19 common historical myths.
1. Napoleon Was Shorter Than Average
Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t as short as commonly believed. At 5’6″ to 5’7″, he was of average height for a Frenchman of his time. The myth likely stems from British propaganda and confusion over measurement units.
2. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
The iconic image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is purely fictional, popularized by 19th-century operas. Archaeological findings show that Vikings wore simple headgear, without horns.
3. Einstein Was Bad at Math
Contrary to popular belief, Albert Einstein didn’t struggle with math. By the time he was 15, he was excelling in advanced math and calculus. The myth probably originates from his early academic struggles with rigid schooling, not math itself.
4. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
While the Great Wall is an impressive feat, it’s not visible to the naked eye from space. Astronauts have confirmed that the Wall is too narrow and blends in with the landscape.
5. Marie Antoinette Said ‘Let Them Eat Cake’
There’s no evidence that Marie Antoinette ever uttered the famous phrase “Let them eat cake.” The quote was likely a piece of revolutionary propaganda aimed at portraying her as disconnected from the suffering of the people.
6. Columbus Discovered America
Christopher Columbus didn’t discover America. Indigenous peoples had been living there for thousands of years, and Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer, may have reached North America long before Columbus.
7. Witches Were Burned During the Salem Witch Trials
During the infamous Salem witch trials, none of the accused witches were burned at the stake. Most were hanged, and one man was pressed to death under stones.
8. People in the Middle Ages Believed the Earth Was Flat
The idea that people in the Middle Ages thought the Earth was flat is a myth. Educated individuals knew the Earth was spherical, based on the ancient Greek understanding of the world.
9. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth
George Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. They were crafted from materials like ivory, gold, and even human teeth. The wooden-teeth myth likely comes from the discoloration of his dentures.
10. Nero Played the Fiddle While Rome Burned
The story of Emperor Nero playing the fiddle as Rome burned is historically inaccurate. The violin didn’t exist in Nero’s time, and he wasn’t even in Rome when the fire started.
11. Van Gogh Cut Off His Whole Ear
Vincent van Gogh didn’t cut off his entire ear. He only severed a portion of his left earlobe during a mental breakdown.
12. Slaves Built the Pyramids
The Great Pyramids of Egypt were not built by slaves, but rather by skilled workers who were well-fed and paid for their labor. Evidence from workers’ tombs suggests that they were respected and organized.
13. Medieval Knights Were Always Chivalrous
While chivalry was an idealized code of conduct, medieval knights didn’t always live by it. Many were brutal, committing acts of violence and dishonor, particularly during wartime.
14. Thomas Edison Invented the Light Bulb
Thomas Edison didn’t invent the light bulb but improved upon earlier designs, making it commercially viable. He is credited with creating the first practical, long-lasting bulb.
15. Cleopatra Was Egyptian
Cleopatra was born in Alexandria, but her ancestry was Greek. She descended from the Ptolemaic dynasty, founded by one of Alexander the Great’s generals.
16. People in the Middle Ages Lived Only to 30
The low average life expectancy in the Middle Ages was largely due to high infant mortality. Those who survived childhood often lived into their 50s or 60s.
17. Isaac Newton Discovered Gravity from an Apple
Although the story of an apple falling on Isaac Newton’s head is famous, it’s likely exaggerated. Newton’s ideas on gravity were developed through years of observation and thought, not a single incident.
18. The Declaration of Independence Was Signed on July 4th
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, but it wasn’t signed by most of the delegates until August 2.
19. Marie Curie Died from Her Radioactive Research
While Marie Curie’s work with radioactive materials contributed to her health issues, other factors, such as her exposure to radiation, also played a role in her eventual death.
Conclusion
History is full of myths and misconceptions that can cloud our understanding of the past. By revisiting these “facts,” we can uncover the truth and gain a more accurate picture of historical events. It’s essential to question what we think we know and seek out the real stories behind the myths.
