Popular Historical Myths

[CShark]

After trying to explain to someone that no, King Arthur was not a real person, it came to me just how many fallacies have been perpetuated as truths and taught in our schools. A few others off the top of my head are

- I'm sure the Druids built Stonehenge

- What do you mean Robin Hood wasn't real ?!

- Britain was invaded by hoards of Saxons as soon as the Romans left

- (and my personal fav) the 'Dark' ages

More ?

[Minimalist]

I could get in a lot of trouble but I don't want to start the religious wars again.

[CShark]

Hmm...good point Min. Actually, the 'religious' side of my question did not occur to me at the time...perhaps we can keep this to the less contentious fallacies ?

[War Arrow]

I must admit I thought there was supposed to have been someone whom Arthur was based on, though I'm no Jeffrey Archer where this field of history is concerned so I stand corrected. with you on the rest, particularly the Dark Ages which I'm beginning to appreciate may have been anything but.
My "favourite" bit of crappy romanticised bullshit is 'the Aztecs predicted the arrival of Cortez' - always a good way of telling that you're dealing with a complete dope.

[Digit]

Britain was invaded by hoards of Saxons as soon as the Romans left

Ouch! They didn't leave, the Legions left!
Britain was invaded by the Romans, no, there is evidence that they were invited.
Julius Ceasar invaded Britain, that's not too accurate either.
King Alfred burnt the cakes.
Marie Antoinette said 'let them eat cake'.
The Duke of Wellington won the battle of Waterloo.
Nelson lost an eye.
Nelson said 'Kiss me Hardy'.
Churchill knew about Pearl Harbour and the raid on Coventry and kept his mouth shut.
JFK was shot with the 'magic bullet'.
Khufru built the great pyramid.
Cortes defeated the Aztecs.
The Nelsonian navy was manned with impressed men and the food was awful.
Ed Balls didn't say 'so what', (for English readers only!)

[Minimalist]

Julius Ceasar invaded Britain, that's not too accurate either.

Well, he did but it was more of a reconnaissance in force than an actual invasion. Similar to his parade militaire into Germany.

[Digit]

Yep! He came, he saw, he left!

[CShark]

Here's one: the red 'Lady' of Paviland

Oh, and another: the english burned Joan (of Arc) for being a witch.

[Digit]

the english burned Joan (of Arc) for being a witch.

Spin doctors are an old established profession.

[Minimalist]

George Washington never told a lie.

[Digit]

George Washington never told a lie.

I'm deeply shocked to hear that.

[Minimalist]

He was a general. He lied to everybody.

[CShark]

He was a general. He lied to everybody.

He was a politician......

[CShark]

This little tid-bit which really examplifies just how moronic some people can be (from one of my Stonehenge books..can't remember which one):

A lecture was being given concerning SH, after which the public was asked if there were any questions. One person (I'd love to hazard a guess here as to his/her nationality ) asked why the people who built the henge were so stupid as to put in right next to a major road

[dannan14]

That reminds me of a story a friend told me of when she was traveling in Mexico and Central America. They were in a cafe talking with other travelers and when one woman who said she was a teacher was asked what she taught her reply was 'U.S. History since the Civil War, so basically world history'

i'm glad i wasn't there. i might be either completely insane or completely in a Mexican prison if i had to hear stupidity of that magnitude.