10 Myths About The Ancient World That Many People Still Believe

The ancient world is a treasure trove of history, filled with captivating stories and legends. However, over time, myths and misconceptions have woven themselves into the tapestry of ancient history.

These myths, though captivating, often obscure the true narratives of ancient civilizations. Let’s check out these tales and reveal the fascinating truths beneath the surface.

10 Myths About The Ancient World That Many People Still Believe

1. The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. It’s an extraordinary architectural feat, but it’s not as conspicuous from space as some myths suggest.

2. Cleopatra Died by Snakebite:

The legendary Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, did not meet her end via snakebite. Historical records point to suicide by poison as the likely cause of her demise.

3. Pyramids Were Built by Slave

The construction of the Egyptian pyramids was a monumental effort, but they weren’t built solely by slaves. Skilled laborers and workers were involved, and they were well-fed and housed.

4. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

Viking helmets did not have horns. This popular image originates from misinterpretations of ancient artwork.

5. The Earth is Flat in Ancient Beliefs

Is this Video of a UAV showing the earth is perfectly flat? pic.twitter.com/puGESYKWmH

— HPN Network🗽 (@HPNnetwork) September 9, 2023

While some ancient civilizations believed in a flat Earth, many others, including the ancient Greeks, recognized the Earth’s spherical nature.

 

6. Archimedes’ “Eureka!” Moment in the Bath

Archimedes’ principle of buoyancy didn’t necessarily come to him while in the bath. It’s more likely that he made this discovery through careful experimentation.

7. The Curse of the Pharaohs

The so-called “Curse of the Pharaohs” surrounding the opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb is largely a myth. Most deaths were due to natural causes.

8. Gladiators Fought to the Death

While gladiators did engage in combat, it was not always to the death. Many were skilled professionals who fought for fame and fortune.

9. Marco Polo Brought Pasta to Italy

Marco Polo did not introduce pasta to Italy; it was already a part of Italian cuisine by his time.

10. The Library of Alexandria’s Fiery End

 

The Library of Alexandria’s destruction did not happen in a single catastrophic fire, but rather through a series of events over centuries.

Conclusion

The ancient world is a realm of rich history and captivating stories, but it’s also a place where myths and misconceptions have taken root. By dispelling these myths and uncovering the truth, we gain a deeper appreciation for the real stories of ancient civilizations.

As we continue to explore the past, let’s do so with a commitment to seeking the facts that lie beneath the myths, allowing us to connect more authentically with the fascinating history of our world.