10 Great Historians Who Got It Right and 10 Who Were Completely Wrong

Often referred to as the “father of history,” Herodotus gathered information from multiple sources rather than relying solely on myths. While some of his accounts were exaggerated or based on secondhand accounts, many of his descriptions of the Persian Wars have been corroborated by later evidence. His efforts to investigate causes and compare accounts helped establish history as a scientific discipline in its own right.

Thucydides set a new standard for historical accuracy in his account of the Peloponnesian War. He focused on eyewitness accounts, political motivations, and military realities rather than divine intervention. Modern historians still admire his commitment to evidence and critical analysis.

In the 14th century, Ibn Khaldoun studied the mechanisms governing the rise and fall of societies under the influence of economic, political, and social forces. He questioned unreliable sources and emphasized the need to evaluate claims with a critical eye. Many scholars consider him a pioneer of historical and social analysis.

Ranke revolutionized historical research by emphasizing the use of primary sources whenever possible. His now-famous goal was to show the past “as it actually happened” through a meticulous examination of documents. Although historians today recognize that total objectivity is impossible, his methods have greatly improved the discipline.

Barbara Tuchman became known for her ability to combine rigorous research with captivating writing. Her studies on World War I and medieval Europe have, on the whole, stood the test of time. She demonstrated that history faithful to the facts could also appeal to a wide audience.

Runciman’s work on the Crusades has helped to change perceptions of the subject, moving beyond simplistic narratives that pit heroes against villains. He examined the perspectives of various parties and drew extensively on available sources. Although some of his interpretations have been the subject of debate, his research remains highly respected.

Richard Evans is widely recognized for his in-depth studies of modern Germany and the Nazi regime. His rigorous use of sources has helped correct numerous distortions and misconceptions in history. He has also written extensively on how historians evaluate sources and arrive at reliable conclusions.

McCullough has been praised for making American history accessible without sacrificing factual accuracy. His biographies and studies of major historical events were based on extensive archival research. Thanks to his work, many readers have gained a better understanding of history.

Goodwin’s studies of U.S. presidents are renowned for the rigor of her research and her balanced approach to complex figures. She places these figures in the broader context of their times rather than judging them solely by today’s standards. Her work has helped popularize serious historical research.

Mary Beard is one of the most respected historians of ancient Rome today. She combines scholarly expertise with a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom when the facts suggest otherwise. Her work has helped today’s readers better understand the realities of the Roman world.

Geoffrey’s 12th-century history of Britain gave rise to many famous tales, including popular versions of the story of King Arthur. Unfortunately, much of his work was based on legends rather than verifiable evidence. Although influential, this work is no longer considered a reliable historical source.

Annius claimed to have discovered ancient documents that allegedly revealed long-forgotten details about early civilizations. Researchers eventually determined that these documents were forgeries. His work serves as a warning against the danger of accepting sensational evidence without verifying it.

Macpherson published what he claimed were translations of ancient Scottish epics written by a bard named Ossian. Subsequent investigations revealed that he was, for the most part, the author himself. This controversy became one of the most famous literary and historical hoaxes of the 18th century.

Donnelly claimed that the lost continent of Atlantis was the origin of many ancient civilizations. His theories sparked great interest among the general public, but they were not supported by any credible archaeological evidence. Modern scientific research rejects his conclusions.

Le Plongeon believed that the Maya civilization was directly linked to Atlantis and ancient Egypt. He based many of his claims on fanciful interpretations rather than on tangible evidence. Archaeological discoveries have completely disproved his theories.

Although famous as an explorer, Fawcett espoused unfounded beliefs about lost advanced civilizations hidden in the Amazon. His theories captured the public’s imagination, but were not supported by the evidence available at the time. Subsequent research has failed to validate his conclusions.

Photographer: Donna Foster Roizen

Velikovsky claimed that dramatic planetary movements explained major events in human history. His ideas contradicted well-established evidence from astronomy, geology, and history. 

Hapgood put forward the hypothesis that the Earth’s crust had undergone a dramatic shift in relatively recent times, thereby reshaping civilization. Although innovative, this theory lacked a geological basis and was not accepted by the mainstream scientific community. 

Von Däniken argued that many of the achievements of antiquity were the result of extraterrestrial intervention. Historians and archaeologists have repeatedly demonstrated that the civilizations he referred to were fully capable of accomplishing these feats on their own. 

Rohl became known for proposing a radically revised chronology of ancient Egypt and the Near East. Most scholars reject his reconstruction because it contradicts a great deal of archaeological and documentary evidence.