What history's biggest mistakes reveal about human decisions

History is often remembered through wars, empires, political leaders and major discoveries. But behind many of these turning points were also smaller moments of confusion, miscommunication, poor judgement or decisions made with limited information.

From military mistakes and misunderstood messages to seemingly minor errors that had far-reaching consequences, human fallibility has played a role in shaping events across centuries. While hindsight can make major historical developments appear inevitable, the reality is often much less predictable.

This idea forms the central theme of Chronicles of Chaos, Mistakes That Changed History, a book written by Rayhaan Heredia, who completed the work at the age of 17. Rather than focusing primarily on well-known historical figures and celebrated victories, the book looks at moments where mistakes and unexpected decisions influenced what happened next.

The stories span 260 BC to the present day and cover different parts of the world. They are organised thematically, allowing readers to approach them independently. They cover stories from the absurd to the tragic, some unusual or even humorous, while others had serious consequences for individuals and institutions.

The broader lesson is that historical outcomes are rarely the result of a single decision or individual. Political leaders and institutions may have had significant influence, but their choices were often made under pressure, with incomplete information and without knowing how events would eventually unfold.

For Heredia, the subject developed from an interest in the role of human error in historical events. What kept pulling him back was one question: why did anyone think that was a good idea? Alongside writing, he has pursued interests including music, debate, global affairs, languages, football and the history of food and cultures. He is also a trained pianist and a TEDx speaker.

At its core, Chronicles of Chaos explores an idea that extends beyond history books. History isn't a collection of events. It's a collection of human decisions, often made without knowing where they would lead. Understanding those moments can offer a more complicated view of the past — and a reminder that certainty is often clearer in hindsight than it is at the time.