9 Historical Myths You Still Believe (10 Photos)

Human history has always been, and likely always will be, a subject of intense debate. Historians endlessly argue over every detail, from the interpretation of pivotal events to the legacy of historical figures. Yet despite their differences, experts agree on one thing: these nine widely believed "facts" about famous figures are completely false.







Myth: Napoleon Bonaparte was exceptionally short.

Fact: The French emperor was actually 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall—average height for his era.





Myth: Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear.

Fact: The artist only severed a small portion of his earlobe.



Myth: Albert Einstein was a terrible student.

Fact: The future physicist actually excelled in school, particularly in mathematics and science.



Myth: Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

Fact: Edison simply developed a practical design that allowed lightbulbs to burn for long periods.



Myth: Salieri was consumed by envy of Mozart.

Fact: As court composer and conductor, Salieri was actually far more successful during his lifetime than Mozart.



Myth: Isaac Newton discovered gravity when an apple hit him on the head.

Fact: The apple fell to the ground nearby. Watching it drop was what sparked his stroke of genius.



Myth: Ferdinand Magellan was the first person to circumnavigate the globe.

Fact: Magellan died halfway through the voyage; his crew completed the journey without him.



Myth: Cleopatra was Egyptian.

Fact: She was actually of Greek descent, hailing from the Macedonian Ptolemaic dynasty.



Myth: Mickey Mouse was created and drawn by Walt Disney.

Fact: The iconic mouse was actually designed and drawn by studio animator Ub Iwerks.