Is it really a myth that most people thought the world was flat in 1492? If so, why? Was the average person capable of easily understanding proofs for something so counterintuitive? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Is it really a myth that most people thought the world was flat in 1492? If so, why? Was the average person capable of easily understanding proofs for something so counterintuitive?

by Elphinstone1842

Searocksandtrees

Yes, it's a myth. Here's some info on the origin

When and why did the myth develop that the purpose of Christopher Columbus' voyage was to prove that the Earth was round? featuring /u/Georgy_K_Zhukov