15 Historical Myths That People Still Believe Today

Debunking Common Historical Myths

Many of us were taught certain historical facts in school that have been passed down through generations. However, some of these "facts" are actually myths that have been perpetuated over time. In this article, we will debunk 15 historical myths that people still believe today.

The Misconceptions of History

Before we delve into the myths, it's important to understand why historical misconceptions exist. Sometimes, facts get distorted over time or sensationalized to make a better story. Other times, biased perspectives or inaccurate records contribute to the spread of false information. Now, let's dive into the myths.

1. Christopher Columbus Discovered America

One of the most common myths is that Christopher Columbus discovered America. The truth is that Native Americans were already living in the continent for thousands of years before Columbus arrived. Even among Europeans, Columbus wasn't the first to reach America; Norse explorer Leif Erikson is believed to have landed in what is now Newfoundland, Canada around AD 1000, nearly 500 years before Columbus.

2. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

Contrary to popular belief, astronauts confirmed that the Great Wall of China is not visible from space without the aid of telescopic lenses. This myth probably originated from the wall's massive size and length.

3. Napoleon Bonaparte was Short

Napoleon Bonaparte is often depicted as being very short. However, he was actually average height for his time, standing at about 5 feet 7 inches tall. This misconception likely comes from a difference in French and English units of measurement.

4. Einstein Failed Math

The story that Albert Einstein failed math is a myth. In reality, Einstein was proficient in math from a young age and even published a paper on the theory of relativity. This myth may have originated to make the genius seem more relatable.

5. Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

The story of Paul Revere shouting "The British are coming!" during his midnight ride is a myth. Revere's task was to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the approaching British forces. However, he would have been more discreet to avoid alerting the British patrols.

6. Witches Were Burned at the Stake in Salem

Contrary to popular belief, none of the accused witches during the Salem witch trials were burned at the stake. Most of those convicted were hanged, while others died in prison.

7. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

Despite popular depictions, there is no historical evidence to suggest that Vikings wore horned helmets. This myth most likely originated from 19th-century romanticized artistic representations of Vikings.

8. The Pyramids Were Built by Slaves

Historians now believe that the pyramids were built by paid laborers, not slaves. This misconception may have originated from Greek historian Herodotus's writings.

9. Marie Antoinette Said 'Let Them Eat Cake'

There's no record of Marie Antoinette saying "Let them eat cake" in response to learning that the peasants had no bread. This myth probably comes from Jean-Jacques Rousseau's autobiography, in which he attributes the quote to "a great princess".

10. The Dark Ages Were a Time of Ignorance and Barbarism

The term "Dark Ages" is misleading, as it suggests a time of cultural stagnation in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, this period saw many scientific and cultural advancements, particularly in the Islamic world.

11. Benjamin Franklin Discovered Electricity

While Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment is famous, he did not discover electricity. People were aware of electricity long before Franklin, but his experiments contributed to the understanding of it.

12. The Cowardly Nero Played the Fiddle as Rome Burned

The story of Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned is a myth. Not only was the fiddle not invented until centuries after Nero's time, but many historical accounts suggest that Nero was actually quite helpful during the fire.

13. Pilgrims Hosted the First Thanksgiving

While the Pilgrims did have a feast in 1621, it was not called Thanksgiving and was not repeated in subsequent years. The national holiday of Thanksgiving wasn't established until the 19th century.

14. Betsy Ross Made the First American Flag

There's no historical evidence to support the claim that Betsy Ross made the first American flag. This story didn't surface until nearly a century after the flag's creation.

15. Pocahontas and John Smith Had a Romantic Relationship

Despite what some movies suggest, there's no evidence that Pocahontas and John Smith were romantically involved. In fact, Pocahontas was married to John Rolfe.

Conclusion

Understanding the true facts behind these historical myths can give us a more accurate view of the past. By continuing to question and learn, we can ensure that truth, rather than misconceptions, are passed down to future generations.