History is full of amazing people who have achieved feats that still astonish us today. From ancient times to modern civilization, some have been able to stand the test of time and are still recorded in today’s history books. The interesting thing about the historical figures that we have grown to know and admire from these amazing stories is that in some circles, they are not believed to actually be real people. While there may be historical evidence that corroborate the existence of many of our long gone and more current heroes, many of these stories have only been passed down through oral tradition. As folklore has carried these historical figures through the folds of time, society has naturally accepted their veracity. But many scholars and experts of history contest the truth of some of the most well known and beloved heroes of the ages. It is hard to believe that these people may not actually be real, with the meaningful nature of their journeys, quests, fame, success, and tales of victory and glory. But if you are interested to know which of the most celebrated people may just be myth and legend, check out these 9 historical figures who might never have existed.
Moses
Moses is one of the most important figures in the Bible, and holds much meaning in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. But historical records of Egypt do not recount that a slave revolt by the Israelists within Egypt ever happened, or the associated plagues.
Confucius
Confucius is one of the most influential figures in Chinese society. While there is some evidence that a Confucius existed, it is not known whether the beliefs that comprise Confucianism can be attributed to just one person.
Buddha
Buddha is one of the most well known and revered historical and religious figures known to man. But there was no historical record of him existing until centuries after his supposed death, which makes it difficult to ascertain his actual existence in the context of history.
Robin Hood
Was there really a man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor? We don’t really know, but we can get behind his principles of righteousness and equality. There is little evidence to support that Robin Hood really ever lived.
William Tell
This man was supposedly made to shoot an apple off of his son’s head in the 14th century. There is not much evidence to prove that this story is actually factual.
Jack the Ripper
Jack the Ripper has given credit for many deaths during the 19th century. But some speculation exists leaning more towards the deaths being committed by multiple people, rather than this one mysteriously terrifying serial killer.
Socrates
Socrates is known as one of the most influential philosophers to have ever lived, but did he ever actually live? There are many theories and teachings attributed to him, but there is no actual evidence or way of proving that Socrates is a real person.
Betty Crocker
This may shock many of us, but Betty Crocker is a figment of all of our imaginations, another ploy we all fell for at the hands of some really good marketing. Betty Crocker is a moniker made up by General Mills to appeal to consumers in a friendly, approachable nature.
John Henry
While there is little evidence that John Henry was ever real, his story has inspired many songs, plays, and overall feelings of defying the odds. John Henry is said to be a former slave who beat a steam powered drill in pulverizing a hole through the side of a mountain.
