20 Historical Lies You Probably Still Believe
Much of what we think we know about history is rooted in myths, exaggerations, or flat-out falsehoods.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Some of the most accepted “facts” from the past aren’t true at all. Over time, legends, propaganda, and misunderstandings have rewritten what really happened. This list uncovers 20 widely believed historical lies that have fooled generations and still circulate today.
1. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
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Despite popular imagery, there’s no evidence that Norse warriors wore horns into battle. The myth comes from 19th-century opera costumes.
2. Napoleon Was Incredibly Short
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Napoleon’s height was average for his era — about 5’6” to 5’7”. The misconception came from confusion over French vs. British measurements. British propaganda also helped paint him as a tiny tyrant.
3. Columbus Proved the Earth Was Round
Wellcome Collection on Wikimedia Commons
By 1492, educated Europeans already knew the Earth was spherical. What Columbus underestimated was the size of the planet. His voyage didn’t prove Earth’s shape — it just revealed the Americas to Europeans.
4. The Great Wall of China Is Visible From Space
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No astronaut has ever reported seeing the Wall unaided from orbit. It’s too narrow and blends with natural terrain.
5. Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”
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There’s no historical proof she ever uttered those words. The phrase predates her and was used to mock the wealthy.
6. People in the Middle Ages Believed the Earth Was Flat
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This idea is a modern myth. Medieval scholars knew the Earth was round, and Ancient Greeks had already calculated its circumference. The people back then weren’t quite as ignorant as they’re made out to be.
7. Paul Revere Rode Alone
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Revere was one of several riders that night, including William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. He didn’t even finish the ride — he was detained by British troops.
8. Einstein Failed Math
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Albert Einstein was a math prodigy. The myth likely stems from misreading his grades under a different academic system.
9. Salem Witches Were Burned at the Stake
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All the convicted witches in Salem were hanged, not burned. Burning was common in Europe, not colonial America.
10. The Emancipation Proclamation Freed All Slaves
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Lincoln’s 1863 order applied only to states in rebellion. It didn’t affect slave-holding border states. Slavery continued there until the 13th Amendment.
11. Gladiators Always Fought to the Death
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Many bouts ended with both fighters surviving. Gladiators were expensive investments, not disposable warriors.
12. Thomas Edison Invented the Light Bulb
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Edison improved the light bulb’s design but didn’t invent it. Other inventors like Joseph Swan had working models earlier.
13. The Alamo Was a Victory
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The Battle of the Alamo was actually a crushing defeat for the Texan forces. Nearly all defenders were killed by the Mexican army.
14. Chameleons Change Color to Blend In
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They shift colors mainly to regulate body temperature or signal emotion. Camouflage is a secondary effect, not the main purpose.
15. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth
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His dentures were made from a mix of human teeth, animal bone, and ivory. The wooden myth came from stained materials that looked like wood.
16. Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned
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The violin didn’t exist during Nero’s reign. While he was rumored to play music, there’s no solid proof. He may not have even been in Rome during the fire.
17. Lincoln Freed the Slaves Solely Out of Morality
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While he personally opposed slavery, Lincoln’s actions were also strategic. The Emancipation Proclamation was a wartime measure to weaken the Confederacy. It changed the war’s moral tone.
18. The Tongue Has Taste Zones
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Taste buds are not limited to specific areas for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. The “taste map” you learned in school is outdated science.
19. Medieval People Rarely Bathed
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Bathing was common in many parts of medieval Europe. Public bathhouses were popular until the plague made people wary.
20. Napoleon Wasn’t French
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He was born on the island of Corsica, which had just been transferred from Genoa to France. His first language was Italian, and he had a heavy accent. Later in life, he embraced French identity.