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Eclipses
With the apparent desertion by the sun, eclipses were portents of disaster, so devastating that Battle decisions were made on the basis of their prediction.
Ancient Eclipses
Solar eclipses have been seen as evil omens whose presence changed the course of battle.
Ancient Eclipses
From your Guide. Account of some of the ancient beliefs and decisions based on eclipses.
A Brief History of Time
The Pythagoreans were the first to understand that the sun was the center of our solar system -- a discovery that allowed them to understand the nature of a solar eclipse.
Eclipses Throughout the Ages
Sections (adapted from Bryan Brewer's Book on eclipses) on Eclipse Myths and Symbolism, Stonehenge: Eclipse Computer?, The Winged Sun over Egypt, and Eclipses in History and Literature.
Herodotus's Report On Thales' Eclipse
From Electronic Antiquity. Thomas Worthen suggests that Herodotus' account of the fabled prediction by Thales is, at best, confused.
History of Philosophy in the Classical Period
Thales predicted a total solar eclipse which was visible in Asia Minor in the midst of the battle between Media and Lydia.
How High the Moon
Aristarchus of Samos (310-230 BC) determined the distance to the moon using the shadow of a lunar eclipse.
Myths, Stories, and Historical References
Stories of the dragons that caused eclipses in China and India, Thales' predicted eclipse that stopped a battle between Lydians and Medes, and an eclipse of Biblical proportions. From Bryan Brewer.
The Rigid Sky in Greek Philosophy
Anaximander thought the sun was a circle 28 times larger than the earth, like a chariot wheel with a hollow, opened rim full of fire. When the opening is closed, there's an eclipse.
The Sun Eating Dragon
Dragons, omens and the scientific understanding of eclipses.
The Total Solar Eclipse Described by Plutarch
Evidence for different solar, including annular, eclipses that Plutarch may have witnessed.