11 Myths People Still Believe About the Past

11 Historical Myths Everyone Thinks Are True

History is messy, fascinating, and full of stories—but not all of them are true. Over time, myths emerge, getting repeated until they’re accepted as fact. From the battlefield to the royal court, these misconceptions can shape our understanding of the past in ways both funny and profound.

Here are 11 myths about history that millions still believe—along with the surprising truth behind them.

1. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

Impact: Misconception shapes pop culture’s image of Vikings.
Story: There is no archaeological evidence of horned helmets. The image came from 19th-century opera costumes. Despite this, movies, cartoons, and sports logos continue to perpetuate the myth.

2. Napoleon Was Short

Impact: Influenced stereotypes about leaders and authority.
Story: Napoleon was actually around 5’6”–5’7”, average for his time. Misinterpretations of French inches and political cartoons exaggerated the myth of his height.

3. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

Impact: Popularized in textbooks and tourism marketing.
Story: Astronauts confirm the Wall is not visible with the naked eye from orbit. This myth has endured thanks to its dramatic appeal.

4. Medieval People Thought the Earth Was Flat

Impact: Misunderstanding of medieval knowledge and science.
Story: Scholars in the Middle Ages already knew the Earth was round. The flat-Earth idea was popularized in the 19th century to highlight the “darkness” of the period.

5. The Pyramids Were Built by Slaves

Impact: Oversimplifies Egyptian society and labor.
Story: Archaeology shows they were built by paid laborers, skilled craftsmen, and conscripted peasants. The myth of slaves persists due to cinematic portrayals.

6. Einstein Failed Math

Impact: Often used to inspire children, but factually wrong.
Story: Einstein excelled in math from a young age. The myth likely arose from misinterpretations of grading systems or exaggerations for storytelling.

7. Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”

Impact: Symbolizes royal indifference.
Story: No evidence supports that she ever said this. It was likely propaganda circulated to discredit the monarchy during the French Revolution.

8. Columbus Discovered America

Impact: Shapes national narratives and school history.
Story: Indigenous peoples had inhabited the Americas for thousands of years. Columbus’ voyages opened the continent to European colonization, but he did not “discover” it.

9. The Boston Tea Party Was a Peaceful Protest

Impact: Romanticizes revolutionary acts.
Story: While celebrated as a patriotic gesture, participants actually destroyed private property—an act of rebellion, not polite protest.

10. Einstein’s Brain Was Lost Forever

Impact: Myth exaggerates mystery around genius.
Story: Einstein’s brain was preserved and studied, though only partially. The legend of its “disappearance” made the story more sensational.

11. The Middle Ages Were Completely Dark and Backward

Impact: Shapes popular perception of pre-modern Europe.
Story: The period saw significant advancements in science, art, and literature. The idea of a “dark age” is largely a myth popularized during the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

Obsession Relevance

Humans are obsessed with “what really happened.” Debunking historical myths satisfies curiosity and challenges assumptions. These 11 examples highlight how misconceptions can persist, shaping beliefs, culture, and even education for generations.

Real-Life Story / Example

Teachers, historians, and museum curators often confront these myths daily. For example, a school project on Vikings revealed students confidently drawing horned helmets—proving how myths can survive centuries and continue to influence imagination and learning.

Final Thoughts / Conclusion

History isn’t just a list of dates—it’s a story shaped by interpretation, misunderstanding, and myth-making. These 11 myths remind us to question popular narratives, dig deeper, and uncover the truths that history has to offer.

Which historical myth did you believe for years? Share your “aha” moment in the comments and surprise others with the truth!

Which of these surprised you the most? Share your thoughts below and don’t forget to pass this along to someone who’d find it useful!

→ Explore: All Obsession Categories
→ Submit your obsession story , take the Obsession Quiz

Related Stories