- 25 Rising Zodiac Wellness Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit - October 13, 2025
- 25 Trending Fusion Dishes That Blend Global Flavors - October 12, 2025
- 20 Street Style Trends Dominating the Festival Scene - October 12, 2025
Napoleon Was Extremely Short
The image of Napoleon Bonaparte as a tiny, overcompensating general has stuck in the public mind for generations. Yet, if you stood next to him on a Parisian street in 1800, you’d probably see eye to eye. Historical records estimate Napoleon’s height at about 5’6” to 5’7”—right in line with the average Frenchman of his era. The confusion stems from the difference between French and British inches, with the British intentionally painting him as shorter to mock and belittle their adversary. Portraits and political cartoons of the time gleefully exaggerated his stature, helping the myth gain ground. Medical accounts after his death even confirm his average height. To think, one of the most powerful leaders in history was brought down a peg not by cannonballs, but by a simple measuring stick.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
Picture a Viking: roaring, axe-wielding, and—of course—sporting intimidating horns on his helmet. Shockingly, not a single piece of archaeological evidence supports this. Actual Viking helmets were practical, usually conical and made of iron or leather, offering protection rather than drama. The horned look only became popular in the 19th century, thanks to fanciful opera costumes and paintings. Historians have repeatedly pointed out that horns would have been a dangerous liability in battle, getting caught or knocked off easily. The myth endures, perhaps because it adds flair to Viking lore. If only reality were as theatrical as our imaginations.
Medieval People Believed the Earth Was Flat
It’s almost comforting to think we’re so much smarter than people in the Middle Ages, but the “flat Earth” myth is a modern invention. Since at least the time of the ancient Greeks, educated people have known the Earth was round—Eratosthenes measured its circumference over 2,000 years ago. Medieval scholars like Thomas Aquinas and Roger Bacon continued this knowledge, and globe-like maps existed long before Columbus set sail. The flat Earth story gained steam in the 19th century as a way to paint earlier ages as ignorant. Ironically, believing everyone in the Middle Ages was clueless about the planet’s shape is its own form of historical flatness.
Einstein Failed Math
If you ever struggled in math class, you might’ve heard that even Albert Einstein failed math. But that’s simply not true. By age 12, Einstein had already mastered calculus, teaching it to himself out of sheer curiosity. School records from Switzerland show he received top marks in mathematics throughout his studies. The myth likely comes from confusion about the grading system or perhaps stories of Einstein’s difficulties in other subjects. In reality, he was a math prodigy whose revolutionary work on relativity depended on a deep, intuitive understanding of numbers. The world’s most famous genius never flunked math—and neither should this myth survive.
Salem Witches Were Burned at the Stake
The tale of witches burning at the stake in Salem, Massachusetts, is burned into American memory. The truth is grimmer but less fiery: of the 20 people executed during the 1692 trials, 19 were hanged and one, Giles Corey, was pressed to death with heavy stones. Burning was more common in European witch hunts, but not in colonial New England. The confusion likely comes from mixing up the horrific details of European and American witch trials. The Salem panic was brutal and unjust, but the flames are a myth—one that overshadows the real suffering and fear of that time.
Romans Regularly Vomited to Keep Eating
Imagine a lavish Roman feast, guests ducking off to the “vomitorium” to make room for more delicacies. While it’s a vivid image, it’s completely made up. The word “vomitorium” actually refers to the passageways in amphitheaters where large crowds could “spew forth” quickly—not a designated place for vomiting. There’s no evidence that Romans practiced ritual purging during meals. Instead, their banquets focused on socializing, music, and elaborate food, not gluttonous excess. The myth speaks more to our fascination with ancient decadence than to historical reality.
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
Many people grow up hearing that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space. In truth, astronauts have repeatedly said it’s nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye, even from low Earth orbit. The wall, though over 13,000 miles long, is often only a few meters wide and blends in with the surrounding landscape. Modern imaging technology can pick it up, but human eyes cannot, especially as cities, roads, and airports are far more visible. The Great Wall is a marvel on Earth, but from space, it all but disappears.
Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”
“Let them eat cake.” The phrase is so cold and callous, it’s become an emblem of aristocratic indifference. And yet, there’s no evidence Marie Antoinette ever uttered these words. The phrase was first recorded decades before her reign, appearing in writings criticizing the French elite. Historians suggest that revolutionaries spread the rumor to further vilify her as out-of-touch. Real accounts show Marie Antoinette was neither especially heartless nor oblivious to her people’s suffering. Her story reminds us how propaganda, not facts, can shape a person’s legacy for centuries.
Bulls Hate the Color Red
If you’ve ever watched a bullfight, you know the matador’s red cape is supposed to enrage the bull. But here’s the twist: bulls are colorblind to red. What sets them off is the movement of the cape, not its color. The tradition of using a red cloth (called a muleta) dates back centuries, possibly chosen to mask bloodstains rather than provoke the animal. Scientific studies confirm that bulls react equally to waving objects of any color. The drama of the red cape is for the audience, not the bull, proving that even animals get caught up in our myths.
The Trojan Horse Actually Existed
The story of Greek soldiers hiding inside a giant wooden horse to invade Troy is one of history’s greatest tales of trickery. But archaeological evidence for a literal wooden horse is nonexistent. Most modern historians believe the story is symbolic—perhaps referring to siege engines or a clever ruse involving bribes or subterfuge. The first written accounts were poetic, not historical, and ancient Greeks themselves debated the horse’s reality. The horse may never have stood at Troy’s gates, but its legend has marched through time as a powerful metaphor for cunning and betrayal.
Walt Disney Was Cryogenically Frozen
Rumors swirl that Walt Disney’s body lies frozen in a secret chamber beneath Disneyland, waiting to be revived. The truth is far less sci-fi: Disney was cremated two days after his death in 1966, and his ashes interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The myth emerged from tabloid speculation and a fascination with cryonics in the 1960s. No credible evidence has ever surfaced to support the story, and Disney’s family and biographers have consistently denied it. Yet, the idea persists, showing how even beloved cultural icons can become subjects of wild speculation.
Chameleons Change Color to Camouflage
Chameleons are famous for “disappearing” into their environment, changing color to blend in. While camouflage is possible, the real reasons for their shifting hues are more complex. Chameleons change color primarily in response to temperature, mood, and social signals—such as attracting a mate or warning rivals. Scientists have found that each species has its own palette and patterns, used in intricate communication. Camouflage is sometimes a side effect, but not the main purpose. These animals are less invisible artists and more mood rings on legs.
Toilets Flush the Opposite Way in the Southern Hemisphere
The idea that water in toilets spins one way in the Northern Hemisphere and the opposite in the Southern is a classic example of a misunderstood science fact. The Coriolis effect does influence large-scale phenomena like hurricanes, but it doesn’t affect something as small as a toilet. The direction of flushing is determined by the design of the toilet and the angle of water jets. Experiments have shown that you can make toilets swirl either way anywhere on Earth, just by tweaking the plumbing. Sometimes, the real world is less “science magic” and more “plumber’s choice.”
Thomas Edison Invented the Lightbulb
Thomas Edison’s name is practically synonymous with the lightbulb, but he didn’t invent it from scratch. Earlier inventors like Humphry Davy and Joseph Swan had already created electric lights before Edison’s breakthroughs. Edison’s genius lay in improving the design—especially the filament and the vacuum inside the bulb—making it practical and affordable for everyday use. He also pioneered the electrical grid, allowing widespread adoption of electric lighting. The lightbulb’s history is a story of teamwork and building on prior discoveries, not a single “Eureka!” moment.
Vikings Discovered America in the 15th Century
The credit for discovering America often goes to Christopher Columbus in 1492—but he was beaten to the punch by nearly 500 years. Archaeological finds at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, confirm that Norse explorer Leif Erikson reached North America around the year 1000 AD. Sagas from Icelandic literature describe voyages west to “Vinland.” While Erikson’s settlements didn’t last, evidence of Viking presence is undeniable. Columbus opened the door for European colonization, but the Vikings were the real trailblazers.
The Middle Ages Were a Technological Dark Age
The phrase “Dark Ages” conjures images of ignorance and stagnation, but it’s a misleading label. The Middle Ages saw the development of crucial technologies like the heavy plow, stirrup, windmill, and mechanical clock. Gothic cathedrals soared higher than any building before, supported by innovative engineering. Advances in agriculture led to population growth and economic expansion. Medieval universities laid the groundwork for modern science. Instead of darkness, the era was lit by sparks of creativity and discovery.
People in the Past Married Very Young
It’s common to believe that, in the past, people routinely married as teenagers. While legal ages were lower—and some aristocratic marriages were arranged at young ages—most ordinary people, especially in Europe, married in their early to mid-20s. Economic stability, property acquisition, and social expectations influenced when couples tied the knot. Parish records and census data confirm this trend across centuries. The notion of universal child brides is more myth than history, shaped by selective stories rather than general reality.
George Washington Had Wooden Teeth
Ask almost anyone about George Washington’s teeth, and you’ll hear tales of wooden dentures. In reality, his false teeth were crafted from materials like ivory, gold, and even other human teeth, but never wood. The myth may have started because his dentures stained and cracked over time, taking on a wood-like appearance. Dental records and preserved sets of his dentures are on display today, debunking the wooden tooth legend. Washington’s dental struggles were real, but the wooden smile is pure fiction.
Ancient Egyptians Were Obsessed with Death
The elaborate tombs and mummies of ancient Egypt have convinced many that the culture was fixated on death. In fact, their rituals were a way of celebrating life and ensuring it continued after death. Egyptians believed the afterlife was a perfect continuation of earthly joys, so they preserved the body and filled tombs with goods to make sure the deceased could live well forever. Festivals, music, and feasting were as important as funerals. Their “obsession” was with living fully, both in this world and the next.
You Only Use 10% of Your Brain
One of the most persistent modern myths claims we use just 10% of our brains, with the rest lying dormant. Neuroimaging scans have shown, time and again, that virtually all parts of the brain are active at different times, even during sleep. Every region has a function, from memory to movement to processing emotions. The myth likely began as a misunderstood motivational statement in the early 20th century. The truth is far more inspiring—we use all of our brains, every single day.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
