Busting Common Historical Myths

From Marie Antoinette to the Salem Witch Trials, these historical facts are often misrepresented.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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This article explores several common historical myths that are frequently repeated, including the false claim that Marie Antoinette said "Let them eat cake" and the inaccurate depiction of the Salem Witch Trials. The author acknowledges being guilty of believing some of these myths in the past, and encourages readers to share other historical inaccuracies that bother them.

Why it matters

Perpetuating historical myths can lead to the spread of misinformation and a distorted understanding of the past. It's important to correct these common misunderstandings and ensure historical facts are accurately represented.

The details

The article debunks a few popular historical myths, including the claim that Marie Antoinette said "Let them eat cake" (which was actually written by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau) and the notion that women were "burned" at the Salem Witch Trials (they were actually hanged). The author also notes that the pyramids of Egypt were not built by slaves, contrary to a common misconception.

  • The article was published on March 2, 2026.

The players

Marie Antoinette

The former Queen of France who is often falsely credited with saying "Let them eat cake".

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The French philosopher who is the more likely original author of the "Let them eat cake" phrase.

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What they’re saying

“I want to know: What's a historical myth that bugs you to no end? Or an inaccurate historical story you see told over and over again, and that you'd like set straight once and for all?”

— Michelle No, Author (Buzzfeed.com)

The takeaway

Correcting common historical myths is important to ensure accurate understanding of the past. By being vigilant about fact-checking and calling out inaccuracies, we can help prevent the spread of misinformation and promote a more truthful representation of history.