20 Hilarious Historical Misconceptions to Share at Work

This myth stems from a confusion between French inches and British inches. The French inch was actually larger, meaning Napoleon was actually of average height for his time, standing around 5'7" rather than the diminutive figure often portrayed in cartoons.

No archaeological evidence supports this, and it was largely popularized by 19th-century opera costume designers. Real Viking helmets were conical or rounded iron caps without horns, which would have been impractical in actual combat scenarios.

The Great Pyramids were built around 2560 BC, while Cleopatra died in 30 BC. The moon landing occurred in 1969, placing her significantly closer in time to modern history than to the construction of Egypt's most famous monuments.

Neuroimaging studies show we use virtually every part of the brain, and most of the brain is active almost all of the time. This myth likely originated from a misinterpretation of William James' philosophical writings about human potential.

It is generally not visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit without aid. While some astronauts have captured it with long-lens cameras, its narrow width and camouflaged colors make it blend into the surrounding landscape.

Galileo did not invent the telescope but was the first to use it systematically for astronomical observations. The device was patented by Hans Lippershey, a Dutch eyeglass maker, in 1608, before Galileo built his own improved version.

Edison improved upon existing designs and made the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb. Many other inventors, including Joseph Swan, had created working prototypes before him, though Edison secured the necessary patents and infrastructure for mass production.

While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was influenced by Dr. Joseph Bell, Sherlock Holmes is largely a fictional construct. Bell's methods of deduction inspired the character, but the detective's personality and many adventures were invented by Doyle.

Morse developed the specific electrical code and promoted the telegraph, but the technology was a collaborative effort. Scientists like William Fothergill Cooke and Charles Wheatstone in England were working on similar devices simultaneously.

While she suffered from radiation exposure, her death was likely due to aplastic anemia, possibly exacerbated by her exposure. Her notebooks remain so radioactive today that they are stored in lead-lined boxes, highlighting the danger she faced.

Educated Europeans since ancient Greek times knew the Earth was spherical. The myth arose in the 19th century as a polemical tool to contrast the 'superstitious' Middle Ages with the 'enlightened' Renaissance.

Steve Jobs did not invent the iPhone; he led the team that integrated existing technologies into a new form factor. The multitouch screen, battery tech, and internet capabilities were all pre-existing innovations combined in a revolutionary way.

Historical ninjas typically wore dark blue or brown clothing to blend in at night, not pure black which stands out. They were also trained in disguise, using various costumes to infiltrate their targets rather than just stealth.

Elisha Gray filed a caveat for a similar device on the same day as Bell, leading to a long legal battle. Additionally, Antonio Meucci is often credited by the U.S. House of Representatives for developing a voice-communication device earlier.

The Titanic was advertised as safe due to its watertight compartments, but engineers knew it could sink if multiple compartments breached. The disaster occurred precisely because the design could not withstand the extent of the damage from the iceberg.

This is a complete fabrication. Einstein was a top student in mathematics and physics from a young age. The myth likely stems from a misunderstanding of the grading systems in Germany or a desire to make the genius seem more relatable.

There is no evidence she ever said this phrase; it first appeared in Jean-Jacques Rousseau's writings when she was still a teenager. The quote reflects the growing resentment toward the monarchy's perceived indifference to the poor.

By the time of Columbus's voyage, the spherical shape of the Earth was common knowledge among scholars. The controversy was about the size of the Earth and the distance to Asia, not its shape, which he miscalculated significantly.

Alan Shepard was actually the first American in space, flying on Freedom 7 in 1961. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, a more complex feat achieved later on Friendship 7 in 1962.