Historical Myths

Both prized and feared throughout the ages, the magnificent opal has as many myths surrounding its "power" as it does firey colors. Get the inside scoop on the good, the bad, and the sometimes outrageous beliefs about opals.

Dec 10, 2001 - Anita Stratos

The Hope Diamond certainly has its place as one of history's most beautiful but cursed gems. Walk the diamond's three century trail - witness the tragedies that gave it its reputation - and see the truth behind the myths.

Nov 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

The named 13 Long Island Indian tribes recorded in history and taught today to schoolchildren never even existed as such. Find out how the myth of these tribes became historical reality.

Oct 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Tall tales loom large over the sinking of the Titanic. Dive into them, and see how one Egyptian princess has been blamed for this 20th century disaster.

Sep 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

The notorious pirate Blackbeard wasn't actually the killer we think he was, though he was considered to be the personification of evil - and something of a politician.

Aug 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

July 4, 1776 was the date that Americans declared their desire for independence, but America's freedom wasn't actually granted for another seven years. Battles raged long after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Find what our misconceptions are about America's true independence day.

Jul 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Whether you think of Genghis Khan as a curse or a god, he was undeniably one of the most important men in history. Find out how he overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to become ruler of a united Mongolia.

Jun 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Murders, imprisonments, beheadings - there was no shortage of horrors committed in England's Tower of London, and there is no shortage of myths, either. See for yourself what lengths some people would go to for power and wealth.

May 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile, developed quite a reputation in her rather brief lifetime. Find out what stories about her are true, and which were merely bits of political propaganda that became woven into history.

Apr 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Ride along with Paul Revere and witness what he did - and didn't - say and do in April of 1775. You may be surprised, but you won't be disappointed.

Mar 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Long before Led Zeppelin, the "real" stairway to heaven, known as the Tower of Babel, was said to have been the site of the creation of world languages. Did this tower actually exist, or is it merely an explanatory myth? See what proof experts have discovered that may change your perspective on this Biblical story.

Feb 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Heroes of legendary proportion gave their lives fighting for the freedom of Texas, but there's a tremendous debate raging over just how their parts in the battle went. See why there's so much controversy, and take a stand on the issue yourself. .

Jan 6, 2001 - Anita Stratos

Take a break from holiday shopping and get to know the real Saint Nicholas as well as why he was banned for a while. Meet the gift-givers of other countries and find out why reindeer pull his sleigh rather than any other animal.

Dec 4, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Did you know that the Thanksgiving stories we base our American celebrations on are largely made up of myths, not historical facts? Here are some interesting and fun corrections to your high school history textbooks.

Nov 1, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Dracula, a favorite among trick-or-treaters, was actually a powerful leader in Wallachia, though he wasn't a vampire. Despite his extreme cruelties, he was honored and revered by many of his countrymen as a voivode who had no tolerance for crime or dishonesty. Find out who Vlad Dracula really was, and judge for yourself if he was friend or fiend.

Oct 2, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Do ancient Egyptian curses upon those who disturb or enter the pharaohs' tombs really exist? Have they actually killed archaeological team members and tourists? Take a look at what experts have to say, and come to your own conclusion. If you or someone you know has experienced anything relating to these curses, tell us about it on the message board!

Aug 27, 2000 - Anita Stratos

A look at actual historical evidence of the existence of a real Robin Hood, his possible family lineage, what Robin Hood means to the centuries of people who know his legend, and reasons for all the debates that continue about him to this day.

Jul 23, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Pocahontas was a real Native American girl who helped the English survive in the new Virginia colony of Jamestown. But most of the stories told about her are far from truth. What really happened back in the early 17th century between the English and the Powhatan tribe, and what became of Pocahontas after she left her native lands? See how history has been distorted through the centuries - you may be surprised by the facts.

Jun 23, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Did the Trojan War begin over the beauty of a woman? Was there a "Trojan War" at all? Find out what's been discovered about the real Troy, and why battles raged over 3,000 years ago.

May 23, 2000 - Anita Stratos

The Great Wall of China is not only filled with myths and legends, it's also filled with human bodies! For a structure that has been alive with myths for centuries, it is surrounded by stories - and evidence - of death. Read some of these startling myths, find out where they came from, and see how closely they relate to actual events.

Apr 26, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Have you ever wondered who the real St. Patrick was? March 17 is about more than just "the wearing of the green". It marks the death of one of Ireland's greatest heroes, whose life story became so enmeshed with magical legends it has become hard to tell the difference between fact and myth.

Mar 23, 2000 - Anita Stratos

Did you know that the legend of the flying carpet is actually rooted in historical fact? Find out why, and learn the meanings to the symbols found in authentic Oriental carpets.

Feb 23, 2000 - Anita Stratos

A brief look into the unusual medical myths that early Americans applied to prevent or cure disease.

Feb 14, 2000 - Anita Stratos