15 Famous Historical Myths That People Still Believe Today
Some widely accepted historical "facts" turn out to be myths, yet many still believe them.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
History is full of myths that sound true but are completely wrong. Some spread because they make great stories, while others stick around because no one questions them. These myths have lasted for years, but it is time to set the record straight.
1. The Titanic Sank Due to an Iceberg Alone
R. Welch on Wikimedia Commons
The Titanic’s collision with an iceberg was a major factor in its sinking, but it was not the only cause. Weak rivets, poor-quality steel, and design flaws also contributed to the disaster. If the ship had been built with better materials, it might have stayed afloat longer.
2. The Moon Landing Was Faked
Neil Armstrong on Wikimedia Commons
Some still believe the 1969 moon landing was staged, but overwhelming evidence proves otherwise. Moon rocks, independent tracking, and modern high-resolution images confirm it happened. The hoax theory ignores the sheer number of people involved who would have had to keep involved to keep it a secret for decades.
3. Julius Caesar Was Born by C-Section
Nicolas Coustou on Wikimedia Commons
The term “Caesarean section” is often linked to Julius Caesar, but he was not born this way. In his time, C-sections were performed only when the mother did not survive childbirth. His mother, Aurelia, lived long after his birth, proving this myth false.
4. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons
Many believe the Great Wall is the only man-made structure visible from space, but that is not true. Astronauts have confirmed it is difficult to see with the naked eye. Other structures, like cities and airports, are much more visible from the orbit.
5. The Statue of Liberty Was a Gift from Liberty
Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons
While France played a huge role in designing and funding the Statue of Liberty, it was not a gift, contrary to what people know. The U.S. had to raise money for the pedestal, and French citizens, not the government, funded the statue. It was a joint effort rather than a simple gift.
6. The Pyramids Were Built by Slaves
Ricardo Liberato on Wikimedia Commons
Many believe the Egyptian pyramids were built by slaves, but evidence suggests otherwise. Archaeologists have found the tombs of workers who were well-fed and respected, not treated as slaves. The builders were likely skilled laborers who took pride in their work.
7. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
Telewizja Boleslawiec, 2018 on Wikimedia Commons
The classic image of a Viking wearing a horned helmet comes from operas, not history. Actual Viking helmets were simple and lacked horns. The idea of horned helmets likely started as a dramatic costume choice, not a historical fact.
8. Newton Discovered Gravity When an Apple Hit His Head
Godfrey Kneller on Wikimedia Commons
Isaac Newton never claimed an apple hit him on the head. He saw an apple fall and started thinking about gravity, but the story became exaggerated over time. A simple observation became a dramatic myth.
9. Thanksgiving Turkey Makes You Sleepy
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Turkey contains tryptophan, but not enough to make you instantly sleepy. Overeating and drinking at Thanksgiving are more likely to make people tired. Blaming the turkey is just an easy excuse for a post-meal nap.
10. Mount Everest Is the Tallest Mountain in the World
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons
Mount Everest has the highest peak above sea level, but it is not the tallest mountain overall. Mauna Kea in Hawaii is taller when measured from its base underwater. Everest gets all the attention but does not hold the record in every way.
11. People Only Use 10% of Their Brains
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Wikimedia Commons
The idea that humans only use 10% of their brains is a complete myth. Brain scans show that most of the brain is active, even when doing simple tasks. The brain is always working, not just a tiny portion of it.
12. Columbus Proved the Earth Is Round
Sebastiano del Piombo on Wikimedia Commons
People already knew the Earth was round long before Columbus set sail. Ancient Greeks had figured it out using simple observations. The myth that people thought the Earth was flat comes from later storytellers, not history.
13. Tomatoes Were Once Thought to Be Poisonous
Softeis on Wikimedia Commons
Some Europeans hesitated to eat tomatoes, but not because they thought they were poisonous. The real issue was that acidic tomatoes reacted with pewter plates, making people sick. The fruit itself was never the problem.
14. Wolves Howl at the Moon
Thomas Bonometti on Unsplash
Wolves howl for communication, not because of the moon. Their howls help them find pack members, warn rivals, and coordinate hunts. The idea that they howl at the moon is just a dramatic addition to the story.
15. Cavemen Lived in Caves Full-Time
Rjcastillo on Wikimedia Commons
Early humans did not spend all their time in caves. They built shelters and moved around based on the seasons. Caves were more like temporary homes, not permanent residences.