Myth-Busting History Trivia

Think you've got history all figured out? Think again! History: Fact or Fiction? by Martha Russel is your ultimate guide to unraveling the truth behind the wildest stories from the past. This trivia-packed adventure tackles historical myths, from ancient legends to modern misconceptions, with a conversational flair that makes history as fun as a barrel of pirates. Ever heard that Nero fiddled while Rome burned or that medieval folks were hobbit-sized? Spoiler: those tales don't hold up! With vivid storytelling, surprising anecdotes, and a dash of humor, each chapter explores a myth—like whether Columbus "discovered" America or if the Liberty Bell cracked on July 4th—while dropping jaw-dropping facts to impress your friends. Journey from Viking longships to Wild West showdowns, uncovering secrets like the real height of Napoleon (not so short!) or the true fate of Salem's "witches" (no bonfires here). Each section ends with a trivia question to test your smarts, making this book perfect for casual readers, history buffs, and quiz-night warriors. Did female pirates rule the seas? Was the Trojan Horse just a tall tale? Martha Russel sorts fact from fiction with evidence from archaeology, ancient texts, and modern scholarship, all wrapped in a playful tone that keeps you hooked. Whether you're flipping through for a quick fact or diving deep into the past, this book is your ticket to a rollercoaster of historical revelations. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about history!