10 History Facts That Are Actually FALSE

History is full of fascinating stories, but some widely accepted facts are, in reality, myths. Over time, these misconceptions have been passed down as truth, but modern research and discoveries have debunked many of them. Here are 10 commonly believed historical “facts” that are actually false.

1. Napoleon Was Extremely Short

One of the most enduring myths is that Napoleon Bonaparte was unusually short. In reality, he was about 5’7” (170 cm), which was average for his time. The confusion likely arose due to differences in French and English measurement systems.

• Fact: Napoleon’s height was misinterpreted because of differing historical records.

2. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

The image of Vikings sporting horned helmets is iconic, but it’s not based in history. There is no evidence that Vikings ever wore such helmets in battle. This myth was popularized by 19th-century artists and operas.

• Fact: Vikings wore simple, conical helmets with no horns.

3. The Earth Was Believed to Be Flat in the Middle Ages

Many people think that medieval people believed the Earth was flat, but this is not true. Scholars in the Middle Ages widely accepted the idea that the Earth was spherical, a belief dating back to Ancient Greece.

• Fact: The spherical shape of the Earth was well-known centuries before Columbus.

4. Cleopatra Was Egyptian

Though Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt, she was actually of Greek descent. She belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s conquest.

• Fact: Cleopatra’s ancestry was Macedonian Greek, not Egyptian.

5. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

The myth that George Washington had wooden teeth is not accurate. His dentures were made of a variety of materials, including ivory, gold, and human teeth, but never wood.

• Fact: Washington’s dentures were a mix of materials, not wood.

6. Columbus Discovered America

While Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering America, it was already inhabited by indigenous peoples long before his arrival. Additionally, Norse explorer Leif Erikson reached North America about 500 years earlier.

• Fact: Columbus “discovered” lands that were already populated.

7. Einstein Failed Math

The myth that Albert Einstein flunked math as a student is false. Einstein excelled in mathematics from a young age, even mastering calculus by the age of 15.

• Fact: Einstein was a math prodigy, not a failure.

8. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible to the naked eye from space. It’s too narrow and blends in with its surroundings.

• Fact: The Great Wall is not visible from space without aid.

9. Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”

This famous quote attributed to Marie Antoinette is a myth. There is no historical evidence she ever uttered those words, and the phrase was likely invented to tarnish her reputation.

• Fact: The “Let them eat cake” quote is falsely attributed to her.

10. The Dark Ages Were Completely Barbaric

The term “Dark Ages” is often used to describe a time of cultural stagnation and barbarism, but in reality, this period saw many advances in art, science, and philosophy, particularly in the Islamic world and parts of Europe.

• Fact: The “Dark Ages” was not as dark as history suggests.

History is full of fascinating myths that have been debunked over time. As we continue to learn more about the past, it’s important to question widely accepted “facts” and seek the truth behind them. These 10 historical misconceptions remind us that what we’ve been taught may not always be accurate!