Debunking Four Historical Myths That Persist Today
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Chapter 1: The Role of Myths in History
Winston Churchill once remarked, “Myths hold historical significance during times of crisis.” His assertion highlights how such tales can embolden warriors facing daunting challenges. Yet, some myths have been so widely circulated that they are often mistaken for facts.
For instance, consider the tale of King Arthur, a legendary figure revered for his bravery. Medieval stories painted him as a hero who vanquished giants, witches, and other malevolent beings to safeguard his realm. However, historians have yet to verify his actual existence.
Here are four additional historical myths that have endured:
Section 1.1: The Myth of Napoleon's Height
Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon Bonaparte was not notably short. This misconception originated from British propaganda aimed at undermining their French foe.
Many artists, including cartoonist James Gillray, depicted Napoleon as diminutive, creating characters like “Little Boney” that exaggerated his size. These portrayals often showed him in fits of rage, throwing tantrums and lamenting his thirst for vengeance.
Research from Britannica reveals that Napoleon’s height was actually within the average range, with estimates suggesting he stood between 5'2” and 5'7” (1.58 to 1.7 meters).
Section 1.2: Captain Cook and the Discovery of Australia
As a Brit, I was taught that Captain James Cook was the first European to discover Australia, but this is incorrect.
Long before Cook’s arrival, Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon landed on Australian shores approximately 160 years earlier. On February 26, 1606, Janszoon reached the Pennefather River in Queensland and traveled along the coastline, initially misidentifying it as part of New Guinea.
Section 1.3: The Horned Helmets of the Vikings
The widely held belief that Vikings donned horned helmets is unfounded. Archaeological excavations have uncovered no evidence to support this claim.
Helle Vandkilde, an archaeologist at Aarhus University, points out that the association of horned helmets with Vikings is a misconception. The origin of this imagery can be traced back to the Bronze Age and earlier civilizations.
The popularization of horned helmets stems from the 1876 opera "Der Ring des Nibelungen," where costume designer Carl Emil Doepler included them in his costumes. The opera's influence helped establish the horned Viking image in modern culture, despite its mythical roots.
Section 1.4: The Paul Revere Myth
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode from Boston to Lexington, Massachusetts, to warn locals about British troops advancing into the countryside.
Leaving at 11 PM, Revere altered his route to alert Isaac Hall, a local militia captain, after narrowly escaping capture in Charlestown. He continued through Medford, raising the alarm in nearly every household before reaching Lexington just after midnight.
Upon arriving at the residence of Samuel Adams and John Hancock, he was advised to keep quiet. In response, he exclaimed, “You’ll have noise enough before long; the regulars are coming out!”
It’s important to note that Revere likely did not shout, “The British are coming!” as this would have been confusing to colonists who considered themselves British. Yet, this phrase continues to persist in popular culture.
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