YOU THINK YOU know, but you have no idea.
It turns out a lot of the things we accept as fact could be deceiving us. It’s time to take a closer look at the historical facts that we’re all guilty of repeating as Gospel…
1. Napoleon wasn’t particularly small
Napoleon Bonaparte is widely regarded as the basis for what some refer to as “small man syndrome”. However, this all stems from an error in recording his height after he died – there was a mix-up between French feet (a measurement used at that time) and standard feet. He was 5ft2in in French feet, which is actually 5ft7in in our modern day measurement… making him actually slightly taller than the average Frenchman of the time. Oops.
2. Romans never used a “vomitorium”
Vomiting was not a regularly part of Roman dining customs. The feature called a “vomitorium” was actually where crowds entered and exited a stadium. No puking involved. (Thankfully.)
3. There’s no evidence Viking helmets had horns
The image of Vikings with horned helmets actually only dates from 1876, from the designs for a Wagner opera. Someone tell Asterix and Obelix, stat.
4. Marie Antoinette never said “let them eat cake”
The poor Queenie has been getting a bad rap, all this time. It was coined as a phrase by Rousseau when Marie was only 9 years old and later attributed to her when she became unpopular, as it fit her reputation.
5. Independence Day technically isn’t July the 4th
The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence actually happened on August the 2nd, 1776. The wording was confirmed and it was distributed on the 4th and 5th, sure, but technically, August 2nd is when we should be enjoying hot dogs and mini American flags.
6. No one was burned at the stake in the Salem witch trials
Of course, the accused were executed – but not at the stake. About 15 died in prison, 19 were hanged and one person was “pressed to death”. No less gruesome, but not how we all imagine it either.
7. Columbus didn’t discover America
Columbus never reached any land that is now part of the USA. He actually landed on the Caribbean. Nevertheless, even if he had reached modern day America, he still wouldn’t have been the first European. That honour is reserved for Leif Ericson, who reached Newfoundland in Canada. And can anyone remember the Irish connection with America’s discovery? Answers in the comments…
There are lots of popular misconceptions about the Nissan Leaf – and you may be surprised to find out the truth about the speed, power and savings of an electric car. At 21 decibels, it’s even quieter than a ceiling fan. And did you know that a Leaf can actually go as fast in reverse as it does forward? Guess you learn something new every day…
