10 Historical “Facts” Everyone Believes That Are Totally False

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Napoleon Was Extremely Short

It’s almost comical how many people picture Napoleon Bonaparte as a tiny, angry general compensating for his stature. But the truth is far less dramatic. Napoleon stood about 5 feet 6 or 5 feet 7 inches tall, which was perfectly average for a Frenchman in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The confusion comes from a mix-up between the French and British measurement systems; the French inch was longer than the British one, which led British newspapers to portray him as shorter than he actually was. British cartoonists seized on this, exaggerating his size to mock him and undermine his reputation. Even records from his exile on Elba describe him as of medium height, not the “little corporal” legend that stuck. This myth has hung around for centuries, showing just how easily propaganda can shape our view of history. It’s a reminder that sometimes, facts get lost in translation—literally.

Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

The image of a fierce Viking, storming into battle with a horned helmet, is everywhere in pop culture. But there is absolutely no real evidence that Vikings ever wore horned helmets in battle. Archaeologists have uncovered plenty of Viking helmets, and not one has had horns attached. The myth took off in the 19th century, largely thanks to the costume designers for Wagnerian operas who wanted something dramatic on stage. This theatrical invention quickly became the default look for Vikings in books, movies, and mascot costumes. Actual Viking helmets were practical—typically made of iron or leather, designed for protection, not show. The only horns Vikings might have used were on drinking vessels, not on their heads. This vivid but false image shows how art can sometimes overwrite archaeological fact.

Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”

“Let them eat cake”—the phrase is infamous, supposedly proving Marie Antoinette’s disregard for the poor. But there’s no evidence she ever said it. The phrase actually appeared in literature decades before her reign, first found in the writings of French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Historians believe the saying was pinned on her to stoke the fires of revolution and turn public opinion against the monarchy. The story made her the embodiment of royal arrogance, but in truth, she was likely unaware of the phrase altogether. The myth persists because it fits the narrative of an out-of-touch elite, but real records from the time never mention her uttering these words. It’s a classic example of how powerful—and persistent—a well-timed rumor can be in shaping history.

Columbus Proved the Earth Was Round

One of the most repeated stories in school is that Christopher Columbus set out to prove the Earth was round. However, by 1492, most educated people already knew this. Ancient Greeks had not only described a spherical Earth, but also calculated its circumference with remarkable accuracy. Columbus’s real gamble was about the size of the ocean between Europe and Asia, not the shape of the world. He actually underestimated the distance, luckily bumping into the Americas instead. If anything, Columbus’s story is more about stubborn optimism than scientific revolution. The myth that he “proved” the Earth’s roundness has overshadowed the genuine debates and discoveries of his era, revealing how simple stories can sometimes eclipse complex history.

The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

The idea that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space sounds impressive, but it’s simply not true. Astronauts who’ve been to space say the wall is difficult—if not impossible—to spot with the naked eye, even from low Earth orbit. The wall is made from materials that blend in with the natural landscape, making it almost invisible without telescopic aid. Other human-made structures, like city lights at night, are actually much easier to see from space. The myth probably started because the wall is so long and famous, not because it’s actually visible from the stars. This misconception shows how easily awe-inspiring ideas can take root, even when they don’t match reality.

Einstein Failed Math as a Student

It’s almost comforting to think that even Albert Einstein struggled in school, but it’s simply not true. Einstein was a math prodigy from a young age, excelling in arithmetic and algebra. The myth may have started because of a misunderstanding about the Swiss grading system or a translation error—his “fail” was actually a top mark. Throughout his education, Einstein surpassed his peers in mathematics, even teaching himself advanced topics before they were covered in class. His later breakthroughs, like the theory of relativity, depended on his deep mathematical insight. The story that he failed math persists because it’s inspiring, but it underestimates his true genius and determination.

Witches Were Burned at the Stake in Salem

When people think of the Salem Witch Trials, they often imagine women being burned at the stake. In reality, this never happened in Salem. Nineteen accused “witches” were hanged, one man was pressed to death with heavy stones, but none were burned. Burning was a common punishment for witchcraft in parts of Europe, especially during earlier centuries, but not in colonial Massachusetts. The confusion likely comes from blending different historical events and regions into one. The real tragedy of Salem was the hysteria and suspicion that led to wrongful executions, not the method itself. This myth has become a symbol of the dangers of fanaticism and misinformation.

Medieval People Believed the Earth Was Flat

The story that everyone in the Middle Ages thought the Earth was flat is almost entirely made up. Educated people in medieval Europe were well aware that the Earth was a sphere, thanks in large part to ancient Greek scholars like Eratosthenes. Medieval universities taught about the Earth’s roundness, and navigators used this knowledge to plan their journeys. The flat Earth myth seems to have been popularized in the 19th century to paint the “Dark Ages” as a period of ignorance. In truth, the idea of a spherical Earth was common knowledge among scholars, and only a small fringe believed otherwise. This misconception reveals how easy it is to rewrite the past to fit modern prejudices.

George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

The image of George Washington grimacing through a set of wooden dentures is both vivid and misleading. Dental records and surviving sets of his dentures show that they were made from ivory, human teeth, and metal, but never wood. Washington suffered from terrible dental problems, losing most of his teeth by the time he became president. The myth may have started because his ivory dentures became stained and cracked, giving them a wood-like appearance. Dentists of the time used whatever materials were available, including teeth purchased from other people. This story has stuck around because it adds a touch of humble suffering to an already towering historical figure.

The Trojan Horse Definitely Existed

The legendary story of the Trojan Horse is one of the most famous tales from ancient history—but there’s no solid evidence it actually happened. Archaeologists have not found any remains or specific references to a giant wooden horse at Troy. Many historians believe the story may be a metaphor for a clever military strategy, a siege engine, or even an earthquake that breached the city’s walls. The earliest written accounts, like Homer’s “Iliad,” are filled with myth and poetry, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. The lack of concrete evidence suggests that the Trojan Horse is more likely a symbol of cunning than a real artifact. The story endures because it’s dramatic and memorable, not because it’s proven history.

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