This is one of the classical two-layered 'did you know' /'podcast' memes. The first layer is about a well known, but not necessarily universally known historical event/idea that's been a interesting tidbit of knowledge for decades, usually well suited for metaphors of all kinds ("Bitcoins are like Tulip Mania 2.0). The second layer always asserts the opposite of that meme, or rather the did you know this isn't actually true position. The likely Truth is ultimately a somewhat boring synthesis of both positions, that may make for a good, but not a great smarty pants podcast topic. I love those.