But, as is the case in many aspects of history, myths and misconceptions have prevailed over rational examination. Movies, textbooks and just general chat reinforces this misconception. Although some of these misconceptions are seemingly innocuous, they can help alter our view of the past in a way that is damaging to how we understand certain legacies and events. So, here are some of the historical myths i find most annoying.
One of the most well-known historical myth is that Napoleon Bonaparte was a small man. Simplified for a couple hundred years now by British war propaganda against Napoleon. Napoleon was actually 5'6″-5'7″ which is average height for a Frenchman of that period. The mistake probably resulted from the conflict between French and British measurement systems as well as a difference in his height using French feet versus British measurements. Despite this, the image of Napoleon as a diminutive ruler has stuck with us, overshadowing his strategic genius and impact on European history.
### 2. **Columbus Proved the Earth Was Round**
Many people believe Christopher Columbus was the first to prove the Earth was round, but this is far from the truth. By the time Columbus set sail in 1492, educated Europeans already knew the Earth was spherical. The myth likely arose from the oversimplified narrative of Columbus's journey, which casts him as an explorer who boldly challenged the belief that the Earth was flat. In reality, ancient Greek scholars like Pythagoras and Aristotle had already proven the Earth’s roundness, and it was commonly accepted by the time of Columbus’s voyages.
### 3. **Vikings Wore Horned Helmets**
The popular image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a dramatic and widely spread myth. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that Vikings wore horned helmets in battle. This misconception likely began in the 19th century, when Viking-inspired operas and romanticized artwork portrayed them with exaggerated features. Real Viking helmets were simple, conical shapes made from iron or leather, designed for protection, not spectacle. The horned helmet image was more a product of artistic interpretation than historical reality.
### 4. **The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space**
Another enduring myth is that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye. While the Great Wall is certainly an impressive feat of human engineering, it is not visible from space without aid. Astronauts who have been in orbit confirm that the Wall blends into the natural landscape and is not distinguishable from the surrounding environment. This misconception likely arose from the Wall’s size and significance, and its symbolic role in Chinese history, leading people to assume it was as prominent from space as it is on the ground.
### 5. **Marie Antoinette Said, “Let Them Eat Cake”**
Perhaps one of the most well-known but inaccurate quotes in history is “Let them eat cake,” attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette during France’s pre-Revolutionary famine. There is no historical evidence that Marie Antoinette ever said this. The phrase first appeared in a fictionalized account of her life written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, long before she became queen. It was later used as propaganda to paint her as out of touch with the plight of the French people. The myth has persisted for centuries, contributing to the queen’s negative reputation.
### 6. **The Middle Ages Were a Dark Age of Ignorance**
Another myth that bothers me is the belief that the Middle Ages were a period of stagnation and ignorance, often referred to as the “Dark Ages.” While it’s true that Europe experienced political instability and economic challenges during this period, it was also a time of significant cultural, scientific, and intellectual development. The medieval period saw advancements in architecture (such as the construction of cathedrals), philosophy, and even early scientific discoveries. The idea of a “dark age” is a simplification that overlooks the complexities and achievements of medieval society.
### 7. **Cleopatra Was Egyptian**
Many people mistakenly believe that Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, was Egyptian. In reality, Cleopatra was of Greek descent, born into the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s conquests. The Ptolemies were originally from Macedonia and spoke Greek. Cleopatra was the first member of her family to embrace Egyptian culture and learn the language, which helped her connect with her subjects, but she was not ethnically Egyptian. This myth likely persists because Cleopatra is so closely associated with Egypt in the popular imagination.
### Conclusion
Misconceptions about history are pervasive, and they can shape our understanding of key events, figures, and periods. While some of these myths are harmless, the