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HistorySurprise 4/5Difficulty 2/5Reviewed on September 17, 2026

Napoleon Bonaparte was of average or slightly above-average height for his time, due to the difference between French and British inches.

Why it is true

Napoleon's height was recorded as five feet two inches in French measurements, which equals about 169 centimeters. At the time, the French inch was longer than the British inch, creating the perpetual myth that he was exceptionally short.

Source: British Museum

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