CHAPTER VI - HISTORICAL NOTICES

Summary

The earliest eclipse on record is one given in the Chinese history the Chou-king, and which is supposed to refer to the solar eclipse of Oct. 13, 2127 B.C.

One of the most celebrated eclipses of the Sun recorded in history is that which occurred in the year 584 B.C. It is so, not only on account of its having been predicted by Thales, who was the first ancient astronomer who gave the true explanation of the phenomena of eclipses, but because it seems to fix the precise date of an important event in ancient history. It appears that a war had been carried on for some years between the Lydians and Medes; and we are indebted to Herodotus for an account of the circumstances that led to its premature termination.

“In the sixth year, when they were carrying on the war with nearly equal success, on the occasion of an engagement, it happened that, in the heat of the battle, day wag suddenly turned into night (συνήν∊ικ∊ στ∊ τήs μάχηs συν∊στώσηs τήν ήμέΡην έαΠίνηs νύκτα Υ∊νέσθαι). This change of the day, Thales, the Milesian, had foretold to the Ionians, fixing beforehand, this year as the very period in which the change actually took place. The Lydians and Medes, seeing night succeeding in the place of day, desisted from fighting, and both showed a great anxiety to make peace.” A peace was accordingly made and cemented by a marriage. “For, without strong necessity, agreements are not wont to remain firm.”