General

15 Historical Myths That Were Deliberately Fabricated

Shannon Quinn - July 5, 2025

History is often seen as a collection of objective facts, but not everything we “know” is true. Across centuries, deliberate falsehoods have been woven into the fabric of our shared past—crafted to advance political agendas, shape cultural identities, or elevate personal legacies. These myths, repeated until they became accepted truths, continue to influence our understanding of the world. In this article, we unveil 15 of the most notorious historical myths that were intentionally fabricated, revealing the motivations behind each and the consequences they left behind.

NEXT >>

1. The Myth of Nero Fiddling While Rome Burned

The image of Emperor Nero playing the fiddle as Rome burned is iconic—but entirely fabricated. Contemporary sources reveal that the fiddle did not exist in first-century Rome, and Nero was actually coordinating relief efforts as the city was engulfed in flames. This myth was deliberately spread by Nero’s political enemies to discredit him and paint him as heartless and decadent. Read more about this enduring falsehood.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. The Flat Earth Myth

Contrary to popular belief, medieval Europeans did not think the Earth was flat. The myth was intentionally popularized in the 19th century by authors seeking to portray earlier societies as ignorant and backward. In reality, Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle had already provided evidence for a spherical Earth centuries before. This fabricated narrative was used to bolster the image of modern intellect at the expense of the past. For deeper insight, visit Smithsonian Magazine.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Marie Antoinette’s ‘Let Them Eat Cake’

The famous phrase “Let them eat cake” is widely attributed to Marie Antoinette, but there is no evidence she ever uttered these words. In fact, the quote appeared in French literature decades before her reign and was later assigned to her as a tool of revolutionary propaganda. This deliberate fabrication helped fuel public anger against the monarchy, painting her as callous and out of touch. Learn more about the origins of this myth at Britannica.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

The popular image of Vikings donning horned helmets is pure invention. This enduring myth was crafted by 19th-century artists and theatrical costumers seeking dramatic visuals, not by historical record. Archaeological evidence confirms that real Viking helmets were practical and hornless. The horned helmet became a visual shorthand for “barbarian,” but it never graced a Viking head. For more on this myth, visit National Geographic.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Napoleon Was Extremely Short

The image of Napoleon Bonaparte as a tiny, temperamental general was heavily influenced by British propaganda during the Napoleonic Wars. Nicknamed the “Little Corporal,” he was routinely depicted as much shorter than he truly was. In reality, Napoleon stood around 5’6″—average for Frenchmen of his time. Confusion between French and English measurement systems also contributed to the myth’s persistence. For more on the origins and endurance of this myth, see BBC.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. The Trojan Horse Was a Literal Wooden Horse

The legendary story of the Trojan Horse entering Troy has been taken as literal truth for centuries. However, many historians now believe the tale was a metaphor or symbolic narrative, not an actual wooden structure. Ancient sources offer alternative interpretations, suggesting it may have represented siege technology or a cunning strategy rather than a tangible horse. To explore these theories further, visit History.com.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Columbus Proved the Earth Was Round

It’s a common tale that Christopher Columbus set sail to prove the Earth was round, but this is a later invention. By 1492, educated Europeans already accepted Earth’s roundness, thanks to ancient Greek scholarship. The idea that Columbus bravely challenged a flat-earth worldview was fabricated to add drama and heroism to his story. His real gamble was the unknown size of the oceans, not their shape. Discover more on this topic at Library of Congress.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. The Emancipation Proclamation Freed All Slaves

Many believe the Emancipation Proclamation instantly freed all enslaved people in the United States, but this is a deliberate oversimplification. The 1863 proclamation applied only to the Confederate states in rebellion, not to slave-holding Union territories. This myth was amplified to magnify Lincoln’s legacy as a liberator, while the real end of slavery came with the 13th Amendment. For more details, see the National Archives.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. The Middle Ages Were a ‘Dark Age’

The notion of the Middle Ages as a “Dark Age” was a product of Renaissance thinkers who wanted to highlight their own era’s progress. They deliberately painted the medieval period as one of ignorance and stagnation to contrast it with their intellectual revival. In reality, the Middle Ages were rich with scientific discoveries, artistic innovation, and cultural growth. This fabricated label has persisted, overshadowing a vibrant and dynamic era. Explore the truth behind this myth at HistoryExtra.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth

The tale of George Washington’s wooden teeth is a persistent myth, fueled by misunderstandings and later embellishments. In truth, Washington’s dentures were crafted from ivory, metals, and even animal teeth—but never wood. The image of wooden teeth likely arose from the appearance of his stained dental appliances, which may have looked wooden to observers. Discover more about the real story at Mount Vernon.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Salem Witches Were Burned at the Stake

Many believe the victims of the Salem witch trials were burned at the stake, but this is a myth born of confusion with European witch hunts. In Salem, those convicted of witchcraft were hanged, not burned. The dramatic imagery of burning likely crossed the Atlantic and became attached to Salem’s story, amplifying its horror. For an accurate account of these infamous trials, visit Smithsonian Magazine.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. The Spanish Inquisition Was Unusually Brutal

The Spanish Inquisition is often remembered as the epitome of cruelty, but this reputation was largely shaped by Enlightenment writers and Protestant propagandists. These accounts deliberately exaggerated its brutality to serve political and religious agendas. While the Inquisition was severe, its punishments were frequently no harsher than those of other European courts of the same era—and sometimes even less so. For a balanced perspective on this much-maligned institution, see the BBC.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Cleopatra Was Egyptian

The popular image of Cleopatra as an Egyptian queen is misleading. In reality, she was of Macedonian Greek descent, belonging to the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s conquest. Cleopatra famously embraced Egyptian customs and presented herself as a native ruler to legitimize her reign, but her ancestry was not Egyptian. To learn more about Cleopatra’s heritage, visit National Geographic.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is a modern myth, popularized in the 20th century to highlight Chinese heritage. Despite its length, the wall blends with the landscape and is not visible to the naked eye from space, according to astronauts. This myth persists in textbooks and popular culture, but scientific observation has repeatedly debunked it. For more on this misconception, see NASA.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Medieval People Rarely Bathed

The belief that medieval people rarely bathed is a persistent myth, spread by later writers seeking to cast the Middle Ages as dirty and uncivilized. In fact, public bathhouses and frequent washing were common in medieval Europe, and cleanliness was often linked to health and religious practice. This myth likely arose after bathhouses declined due to changing attitudes and public health fears in later centuries. For more on medieval hygiene, visit HistoryExtra.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

As these 15 fabricated myths reveal, history is far more complex—and often more fascinating—than the stories we’re told. Recognizing deliberate falsehoods helps us understand the motivations behind how history is recorded and remembered. Questioning widely accepted “truths” is not just academic; it’s essential for a richer, more accurate view of our past. Stay curious, challenge assumptions, and dig deeper—because the real stories often wait just beneath the surface.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous