20 Completely False Historical 'Facts' Everyone Believes

Rewriting History: Exposing 20 Utterly False 'Facts' That Have Deceived the Masses

In the vast tapestry of human history, the threads of truth and myth often intertwine, creating a mosaic that shapes our collective understanding. Yet, lurking beneath the surface of accepted narratives are insidious falsehoods that persist as pseudo-facts. Brace yourselves as we embark on a daring expedition into the annals of deception, unmasking 20 completely false historical 'facts' that have clandestinely woven their way into our minds.

1. The Flat Earth Fallacy:

Contrary to popular belief, educated minds of antiquity knew that the Earth was round. Christopher Columbus wasn't battling against a "flat Earth" dogma; he was navigating unknown waters.

2. Marco Polo and Pasta:

Despite the charming tale, Marco Polo didn't introduce pasta to Italy after his journey. Pasta had already been part of Italian cuisine for centuries.

3. The Torture Device Misconception:

The Iron Maiden, often depicted as a medieval torture device, is a fabrication. Historical evidence suggests it's a modern invention rather than a grim historical reality.

4. Napoleon's Short Stature:

Napoleon Bonaparte's height wasn't remarkably short; he stood around 5 feet 6 inches, which was average for his time.

5. The "Let Them Eat Cake" Myth:

Marie Antoinette's famous quote, "Let them eat cake," wasn't uttered by her. The phrase existed long before her time and was attributed to an anonymous princess.

6. The Salem Witch Trials' Death Toll:

While tragic, the Salem Witch Trials claimed the lives of around 20 people, not the hundreds often believed.

7. The Van Gogh Starry Night Origin:

Contrary to popular belief, Van Gogh's "Starry Night" wasn't painted while he was in an insane asylum. It was inspired by his view from the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum.

8. The Viking Horned Helmet:

Viking helmets never featured horns. This misconception likely arose from artistic interpretations.

9. The "Let There Be Light" Quote:

The famous "Let there be light" quote from the Bible isn't an accurate translation. The original Hebrew text is more nuanced.

10. The Sugar High Myth:

Contrary to popular belief, sugar doesn't cause hyperactivity in children. Scientific research has debunked this claim.

11. The Columbus and America Myth:

Christopher Columbus didn't discover America. He reached islands in the Caribbean, while indigenous peoples had been living in the Americas for millennia.

12. The Multi-Colored Shakespeare:

William Shakespeare's works were not originally printed in color. Early editions were typically black and white.

13. The Medieval Dentistry Misconception:

Medieval dentistry wasn't as crude and painful as often depicted. People had various methods for dental care, including toothpaste and tooth extraction.

14. The Great Wall of China's Visibility:

The myth that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye is false. It's a relatively thin structure that's challenging to see from such distances.

15. The Einstein's Failed Mathematics Myth:

Albert Einstein was not a poor student in mathematics. He excelled in the subject from an early age.

16. The Monstrous Medieval Feasts:

Medieval feasts weren't the gluttonous spectacles often portrayed. They were occasions of social bonding and community.

17. The George Washington Cherry Tree Story:

The tale of young George Washington confessing to chopping down a cherry tree is a fabrication. It was invented by a biographer to illustrate his honesty.

18. The Ancient Greek Statue Coloring:

Contrary to the pristine white marble statues we often associate with Ancient Greece, these sculptures were originally painted in vibrant colors.

19. The Vanishing Vikings Myth:

The Viking people didn't disappear suddenly. They evolved into medieval Scandinavian societies and played significant roles in European history.

20. The Egyptian Pyramids and Slave Labor:

While the exact methods are debated, evidence suggests that the construction of the Egyptian pyramids likely involved skilled laborers and not just slaves.

In Conclusion:

As we unravel the web of historical deception, we are reminded that human history is an intricate dance of truth and fiction. By scrutinizing accepted narratives, we empower ourselves to unearth the genuine tapestry of our past. With each falsehood exposed, we inch closer to a more accurate understanding of the remarkable journey that has shaped our world. So, let's cast aside the cloak of misconception and embark on a voyage toward enlightenment, where history's true essence shines through the layers of myth.