[History] What mistakes did William Shakespeare make in his literary works?

William Shakespeare is often hailed as the greatest playwright in English literature. His works are celebrated for their poetic brilliance, rich characters, and timeless themes. 

However, even the Bard wasn’t immune to making a few historical slip-ups.

Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating anachronisms found in his plays — mistakes that may not diminish their genius, but certainly make us smile.

1. Clocks in Julius Caesar

In Julius Caesar, one of the characters says, “The clock hath stricken three.” The problem? Mechanical clocks didn’t exist in ancient Rome. They weren’t invented until around the 12th century — over a thousand years later!

2. Billiards and Cannons in Antony and Cleopatra

At one point in Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra mentions playing billiards, and cannons are referenced as well. Neither of these existed during the time of the historical Cleopatra, who died in 30 BCE. Billiards emerged in the late Middle Ages, and cannons came centuries after.

3. Turkeys in Henry IV

Shakespeare mentions a turkey in Henry IV. But turkeys are native to North America and were completely unknown in Europe until the late 15th century — long after the events of the play.

4. Delphi as an Island in Coriolanus

In Coriolanus, Delphi is described as an island. Historically, however, Delphi was a famous city and religious center in mainland Greece, never an island.

5. A Seacoast in Bohemia in The Winter’s Tale

Perhaps the most famous anachronism of all: The Winter’s Tale features a shipwreck on the coast of Bohemia. But Bohemia — now part of the Czech Republic — is landlocked and has never had a coastline!

Final Thoughts

Shakespeare's historical accuracy may be questionable at times, but these delightful errors remind us that creative liberty often triumphs over technical precision.

After all, it’s the emotional truth and dramatic depth that have kept his works alive for over four centuries.