May 28 in History: The Solar Eclipse That Halted a War – As Predicted by Thales

How did astronomy become stronger than science in the days of civilization, when scientific explanations were rare, heaven was considered a messenger of the gods. But one more day, in 585 B.C.E., a solar eclipse made history. It was the first astronomical event that was properly presented and ever at a time when [...]

May 28 in History: The Solar Eclipse That Halted a War – As Predicted by Thales

One of antiquity’s most dramatic incidents unfolded when two armies—those of the Lydians and the Medes—stood ready for battle near the Halys River in Asia Minor. Suddenly, in broad daylight, the sky darkened completely. A total solar eclipse stunned both sides mid-battle, causing warriors to drop their weapons in awe. What seemed like a supernatural event was interpreted as a message from the gods, bringing the war to an abrupt end.The conflict …

Highlights in History: May 28

In 585 BC, a solar eclipse, as predicted by Greek philosopher Thales, while Lydians were at war with the Medes, leads to a truce. (the event became one of the cardinal dates from which other dates are calculated.)