Debunking 15 Historical ‘Facts’

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History isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Myths and misconceptions can distort our understanding of the past, obscuring the truth behind significant events and figures. So, let’s discuss 15 historical “facts” that are actually false.

Napoleon Bonaparte Was Short

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Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t particularly short for his time. Standing at around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), he was of average height for a Frenchman of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The myth of his diminutive stature likely originated from British propaganda.

The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

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In spite of its impressive length, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space. It’s a common misconception perpetuated by folklore. While parts of the wall are discernible in satellite images, it’s difficult to spot without magnification.

Lady Godiva Rode Naked Through Coventry

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The story of Lady Godiva’s naked ride through Coventry to protest her husband’s oppressive taxation is likely a legend. It first appeared in writings centuries after her death and is considered more of a symbolic tale rather than a historical fact.

Mussolini Made the Trains Run on Time

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While Mussolini’s regime did focus on improving punctuality, the trains were already undergoing improvements before his rise to power. Much of the punctuality myth is fascist propaganda.

Isaac Newton and the Apple

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Isaac Newton observed an apple falling, which led him to ponder gravitational forces, but there was no evidence that it hit him on the head. The story likely evolved over time to make the moment of discovery more dramatic.

Van Gogh Cut Off His Own Ear

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Vincent van Gogh did not cut off his entire ear but rather a portion of his left earlobe. The incident occurred during a psychotic episode, but the extent of the self-mutilation is often exaggerated.

The Emancipation Proclamation Freed All Slaves

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The Emancipation Proclamation, announced by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared free only the slaves in Confederate-held territory. Neither slave-holding border states nor rebel areas controlled by the Union were subject to the law.

The Middle Ages Thought The Earth as Flat

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It is a common misconception that medieval Europeans believed the Earth was flat. Many educated individuals in the Middle Ages knew the Earth was spherical. This misconception was popularized by 19th-century writers, while ancient Greeks had proven the Earth’s roundness centuries before.

George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

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George Washington’s dental prosthetics were not made of wood but a combination of materials, including ivory, gold, lead, and human and animal teeth. The wooden teeth myth likely arose from the dark appearance of the stained ivory.

Einstein Failed Math

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Albert Einstein did not fail math in school. By the time he was a teenager, he had already mastered differential and integral calculus. This myth likely stems from misunderstandings about the grading systems used in his schooling.

The Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

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Although the Declaration of Independence was announced on July 4, 1776, it wasn’t signed until August 2. The July 4 date marks the approval of the final draft by the Continental Congress.

Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

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The popular image of Vikings wearing helmets adorned with horns comes from 19th-century romanticism and popular culture, particularly from Wagnerian opera costumes. However, archaeological evidence indicates that Viking helmets were typically simple, conical, and made of leather or metal, with no horns.

Thomas Edison Invented the Light Bulb

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Thomas is credited with inventing the light bulb, but he actually improved upon ideas that had been around for some time. Several inventors before Edison created early versions of the light bulb, including Humphry Davy, Warren de la Rue, and Joseph Swan. Edison’s contribution was developing a practical and long-lasting filament, which made the light bulb commercially viable.

Marie Antoinette Said, “Let Them Eat Cake”

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Marie Antoinette is famously misattributed with saying, “Let them eat cake,” when told that the French peasants had no bread. There is no evidence she ever said this. The phrase likely originates from a misattribution in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s autobiography, written when Marie Antoinette was just a child.

Witches Were Burned During the Salem Trials

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Many people have the misconception that witches were burned during the Salem witch trials, but this is not true. The witches of Salem were hanged for their crimes. In spite of his refusal to enter a plea, Giles Corey was crushed to death under the weight of heavy stones.

Written by Johann H