History Myths Exploded: How Some of History’s Biggest Ideas are Wrong

Join the acclaimed authors of the encyclopedia of conspiracy theories in exploring some of history''s great myths. In this provocative audio course, you’ll travel through time with history and medieval literature experts to learn why the truth about past events is so elusive. Your journey will be helmed by two award-winning scholars: acclaimed literature and mythology professor Christopher Fee and historian Jeffrey Webb. Profs. Fee and Webb explain that although most of us recognize the value of good history, we often find truthful accounts of the past, frankly, less than inspiring. What really excites us is a tale well told. Following a timeline that begins in Ancient Greece and ends in 1960s America, Profs. Fee and Webb reveal the surprising truth behind dominant narratives about the 300 Spartans, Columbus’s discovery of America, Lincoln’s role in Emancipation, Edison’s inventions, and much more. Over the course of 14 lectures, Profs. Fee and Webb explore the relationship between myth and history, surveying the boundary line between legend and fact. They affirm myth’s enduring appeal and cultural importance while also highlighting its implicit hazards. Ultimately, they show that disentangling myth from history teaches us valuable lessons about our common humanity. As you explode some of history’s biggest myths, you’ll discover how both fact and fiction convey eternal truths. This course is part of the Learn25 collection.