by Pamela Kay

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: January 04, 2012

Ancient myths that have become a reality are not as rare as they once were. As we gain more knowledge about the past, and more advanced instruments for recording and exploring, and combine them with the latest techniques in archaeology, we are learning new truths and rewriting some of the history books.

1-Giant Squid

Myth:
Jules Vernes first introduced us to the giant squid, or more properly Architeuthis, in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea." It was long believed to be a mythological creature, even though its remains had been found washed up on shores and caught in many fishing nets. Though many tales were told my seamen who claimed to have seen one, few people believed that such a massive creature lived because one had never been photographed or captured alive.

Reality:
On September 30, 2004, researchers from the National Science Museum of Japan actually photographed a live giant squid. On December 4, 2006, the creature was filmed for the first time in its natural habitat, capturing prey. Scientist say the female, which is larger than the male, can grow to forty-three feet in length.

2-King David

Myth:
For many years, King David was thought to be a myth, no more real than King Arthur was. No mention of him was found outside of the Bible, so many believed he could not have been a real person.

Reality:
In 1993, a fragment of a monument was found at the city of Dan, which referred to both House of David and to the King of Israel. This is the first proof that King David did live. Another mention of King David was found in a monument called the Moabite Stone or Mesha Stela, which was discovered in 1868. It was in so many pieces it took until 1955 for famed scholar Andre Lemaire to put it together and realize what it said.

King David's name is added to the growing list of kings of Israel and Judah that are historically confirmed and no longer thought of as only myths or stories. The others are Omri, Ahab, Jeroboam II, Jehu, Pekah, Hoshea, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh.

3-Sodom and Gomorrah

Myth:
Sodom and Gomorrah were thought to be only mythological cites. The site for a story to warn children about what happens when you fall into sin.

Reality:
The search that began in 1973, finally found the two cities located southeast of The Dead Sea. Evidence was abundant that both cities were destroyed by fires, which started on the rooftops.

Archaeologists think the fire was a result of an earthquake, which released combustible material into the air, which ignited and rained

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