10 Historical Myths You Still Believe — But That Aren’t True

Even though history is grounded in facts and evidence, plenty of persistent myths continue to circulate. Some come from misinterpretations, others from pop culture or national romanticism. Here are 10 of the most widespread historical misconceptions — ranging from mildly confusing to truly surprising.

Napoleon Was Very Short

Napoleon Bonaparte is often portrayed as extremely short — but in reality, he stood around 5’6″ (1.69 meters), which was average height for French men at the time. The myth likely arose from confusion between French and British units of measurement, and from British propaganda aiming to paint him as a “small man with a big ego.”

Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

The image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is iconic — and completely false. No archaeological discoveries show evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets in battle. The myth emerged in the 19th century, especially through opera and dramatic artwork, where horns were added for theatrical flair.

People in the Middle Ages Thought the Earth Was Flat

It’s a common belief that people in the Middle Ages thought the Earth was flat — but that’s not true. Scholars as far back as Aristotle and Eratosthenes in ancient times knew the Earth was round, and this knowledge was preserved in medieval scientific and religious texts.

Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”

There’s no solid evidence that Marie Antoinette ever said the infamous phrase “Let them eat cake” in response to starving peasants. The quote was attributed to her long after her death and most likely came from an earlier anecdote meant to ridicule the ignorance of the aristocracy.

Columbus Was the First European in America

Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first European to reach the Americas. Around 500 years earlier, Norse explorer Leif Erikson sailed to what is now Newfoundland, Canada, and established a short-lived settlement.

Slavery Was Invented in the United States

While the United States has a horrifying and well-documented history with slavery, the institution existed thousands of years before America was founded. Ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, and African societies all practiced slavery. What set American slavery apart was its uniquely racialized and brutal nature.

Einstein Was Bad at Math

A persistent myth claims that Albert Einstein struggled with math as a child. In fact, by the age of 15, he was already mastering calculus. The myth may have been invented to make him seem more relatable, but it simply isn’t true.

Nero Played the Violin While Rome Burned

The story of Emperor Nero playing the violin while Rome burned is dramatic — but false. For one thing, the violin hadn’t even been invented yet. Plus, Nero likely wasn’t in the city when the fire broke out. Some historical accounts suggest he actually helped with the relief efforts afterward, though his intentions remain a topic of debate.

Gladiator Fights Were Rome’s Main Form of Entertainment

Gladiator fights were popular in ancient Rome, but they weren’t the main source of entertainment. Romans also enjoyed theater, chariot races, and athletic competitions. Gladiator games were expensive to host and typically held on special occasions.

People in Ancient Times Only Lived to Age 30

One of the most widespread myths is that people in ancient times only lived to be about 30. In reality, that figure reflects a low average due to high infant mortality rates. Those who survived childhood often lived into their 60s or even longer. Plenty of elderly individuals are documented in both ancient and medieval records.

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