Popular, but untrue

It didn’t happen: 10 history myths that are regarded as true

A big part of history is dependent on who’s telling it, but some facts are indisputable. However, some stories have become so widespread —be it because of popular legend or by honest mistake— that most would assure them to be true. Some have even been transmitted for generations, but they happened in a different way or not at all. Let’s revise 10 historic "facts" that are just myths.

The idea that Viking helmets had horns is consistent with their fame as frightening warriors, but it is simply not true. This misconception is a result of 19th-century artists, such as Richard Wagner, and their interest in the Middle Ages, which, in many cases, involved inventing facts when reliable information was lacking. We now know that Vikings wore cap-like helmets with nose guards, and without any protruding elements.

The French Revolution and its rejection of the monarchy led to Marie Antoinette having a tarnished reputation, with many accusing her of not caring about her subjects and living an extravagant life while the French people suffered. The phrase ‘let them eat cake’, attributed to her, is a big part of this, but no matter how she actually behaved, we know as a fact that she never said it. This phrase was attributed to an unnamed princess by philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, but at that time, Marie Antoinette was 9 years old and still lived in Austria.

While the father of the nation did wear dentures, the widespread belief that these were made out of wood is not true. Historians have confirmed that his dentures were made from a mix of different materials, including ivory, human teeth, animal teeth, and metallic pieces. The idea that these were wooden is most likely a result of the brownish appearance of stained ivory.

Roman emperor Nero has a well-deserved reputation as a tyrant. He habitually murdered opponents, persecuted thousands of Christians, and was known to enjoy animal cruelty. However, there is no solid proof that he intentionally started the fire of Rome, although we know that he did nothing to stop it, and played music as he watched the city burn. The fire was most likely an accident, and Nero took advantage of it to rebuild Rome in grandeur.

Scholars have known the Earth is a sphere since classical antiquity, and medievals inherited that knowledge from the ancient Greeks. Why did they not travel to the West then? Is not that they thought they would reach the end of the world, but that they were unsure of the dangers of such a travel. The idea of medieval people as flat-earthers is a result of 19th-century writers' concept of the Middle Ages as a ‘dark time’ of ignorance.

To the surprise of many, the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2nd. But why is Independence Day not celebrated on that date? Founding Father John Adams asked the same question. While the voting was done on the 2nd, the document was finalized and distributed on the 4th, and most delegates adopted that date. John Adams wrote extensively about the importance of July 2nd, and he reportedly declined invitations to 4th of July celebrations in protest.

The Salem witch trials were undoubtedly outrageous, and modern historians believe that the result was mass hysteria. However, the idea that convicted individuals were burned at the stake is just a popular myth. 19 people were executed by hanging, and one other died during interrogation due to torture. In the years after, it was proven that evidence of witchery was fabricated, and the trials were declared unlawful.

While historians and chroniclers have several theories about Julius Caesar’s dying words, we know for a fact that he never said ‘_Et tu, Brute?’ (You too, Brutus?) to his adoptive son. This phrase was coined by Elizabethan playwright Richard Edes and later popularized by William Shakespeare. What did Caesar say instead? We don’t know, but the prevailing theories are that he remained silent or that he spoke in Greek and said ‘_καὶ σύ, τέκνον?" (‘You too, child?’).

When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, she knew she was making a political statement. However, contrary to what many believe, she was sitting on a part of the bus that African Americans were allowed to use. Why was she asked to give up the seat, then? She was sitting in a section that was for everyone, but where white people had priority. When the white section became full, she was asked to give up her spot. She refused, and the rest is history.

The story of Galileo Galilei’s trial is one of the most widespread historical myths, and most people are certain that he was tortured because of his beliefs and then executed. Galileo was indeed tried by the Church, but it was not the simplistic case of science vs. faith most believe it to be. In reality, it was a scientific debate and, while Galileo was ultimately right in defending Heliocentrism, he failed to prove it. After the trial, he received house arrest in a villa, where he died of natural causes.

The 12 longest-living animals on Earth (and how they cheat time)

Nature doesn’t just create beauty, it crafts survival miracles. While most animals have short lives, a rare few have mastered the art of staying alive for centuries, even millennia. These aren’t just long-lived creatures; they’re nature’s ultimate time travelers. From the frozen depths of the oceans to the darkest corners underground, they’ve developed bizarre, brilliant strategies to cheat death. Get ready to meet 12 animals whose lifespans will absolutely blow your mind.

Record age: up to 15,000 years

This unassuming sea sponge thrives in the freezing waters of Antarctica, where temperatures hover around 28.6 °F—so cold that biological processes hit the brakes. In such icy conditions, metabolism slows to a crawl, allowing these sponges to live for thousands of years.

Some have reached impressive sizes of over 3 feet tall and have been around since mammoths were still thundering across the tundra. They don’t move, they don’t stress, and they barely change, just quietly existing while centuries pass them by. Their secret to extreme longevity? Glacial patience, deep-sea stillness, and a lifestyle that redefines "low-maintenance".

Age: technically… infinite

This tiny jellyfish, no bigger than a fingernail—less than 0.2 inches—is like the ocean’s very own Benjamin Button. What makes it truly extraordinary is its ability to rewind its life story, flipping back to a youthful, juvenile stage whenever it wants. While it’s not completely invincible (predators and other threats are still very real), if left undisturbed, it can keep hitting the reset button on aging indefinitely, making it one of the most fascinating "time-benders" in nature.

Record age: 507 years

In 2006, a special clam was discovered buried deep in the seabeds of the North Atlantic. Scientists were able to determine that it had been there since at least 1499—that’s centuries before the United States was even a thought! This ancient marvel, nicknamed "Ming", was able to perfect a slow-and-steady approach to life. Growing at a snail’s pace and barely budging, Ming’s sedentary lifestyle turned out to be a brilliant strategy for beating the clock. Who knew doing almost nothing could be the ultimate secret to longevity?

Record age: estimated 392 years

These sharks aren’t your average ocean cruisers—they can stretch over 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. But what’s really mindblowing is how slowly they move, like they’re in a permanent state of deep relaxation. Living in the icy Arctic waters, these giants don’t hit adulthood until they’re about 150 years old, and some can glide through the depths for nearly 400 years. Imagine that! These ancient swimmers were already around before America declared independence... and they are still out there, silently roaming the seas!

Record age: over 211 years

This whale is a true ocean giant, stretching up to 60 feet long and weighing a staggering 200,000 pounds. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its size but its age. Some of these majestic creatures carry harpoons from the 1800s still lodged in their skin, like walking history books. Just picture living so long that you’re literally carrying outdated technology embedded in your body—talk about being a time traveler of the seas!

Record age: 200 years

Spanning the chilly Pacific coastline from California all the way up to Alaska, this spiky little ball—about 7 inches across—is full of surprises. It munches on algae and calls the deep, dark ocean its home, thriving at depths of up to 300 feet. Don’t let its size fool you: this prickly creature is a true elder of the cold seas, quietly outliving many ocean neighbors while keeping a low profile. A tough, slow-living veteran wrapped in spikes!

Record age: 226 years

Meet Hanako, a legendary Japanese koi who swam through life for an astonishing 226 years. Scientists discovered how old she was by studying the rings on her scales, much like counting the growth rings of a tree. These colorful, ornamental fish aren’t just symbols of good fortune; they’re also secret long-lifers with the potential to celebrate over two centuries of birthdays, as long as they get the right care and a peaceful pond to call home.

Record age: 190 years

Jonathan is a male tortoise living on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. He was born back in 1832, and he’s still happily chomping lettuce and soaking up the sun today. Weighing in at more than 400 pounds and measuring around 3 feet long, Jonathan holds the title of the oldest known living land animal on the planet. If he could share tales, they’d span nearly two centuries of history. Imagine that!

Record age: 152 years

This ancient-looking fish, with its whisker-like barbels, looking like a tiny underwater submarine, prowls the lakes of North America. It can reach an impressive length of up to 7 feet and weigh around 200 pounds. These slow-living creatures don’t rush into adulthood—they start breeding only around age 20—and then take their time cruising through life at a leisurely pace. Believe it or not, one legendary catch in Wisconsin was estimated to be over 150 years old!

Record age: over 90 years

This chunky, night-loving parrot from New Zealand is a true oddball—it can’t fly, snores like a grumpy grandpa, and smells like fresh flowers. Despite its quirks, this bird boasts an impressively long lifespan. Sadly, it teeters on the edge of extinction. The oldest known kakapo, affectionately named Richard Henry, lived 90 years, earning him the title of the charmingly eccentric elder statesman of the avian world.

Record age: 37 years

This tiny, kooky rodent—barely 3 inches long and just over an ounce in weight—could’ve been cast straight from a sci-fi apocalypse flick. Dwelling in vast underground colonies across Africa, it’s practically invincible to cancer, pain, and the usual effects of aging. Scientists are fascinated by this little marvel, even if it’s not winning beauty contests anytime soon. Its superpowers make it a star in longevity research!

Record age: estimated 100+ years

Lobsters have a totally different rulebook than us when it comes to aging. They don’t really grow old; they just keep getting bigger and bigger. Some giant lobsters weigh over 40 pounds and stretch beyond 3 feet long. Their biggest threats? Not old age, but predators or the risky process of shedding their shells. In theory, they could live forever if left alone—but let’s be honest, not many get to enjoy a peaceful, lobster-sized retirement!