Though there is some debate over the date, historians think an eclipse on Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E., was seen as a bad omen by Spartan regent Cleombrotus. Credit: NASA/Gopalswamy
Key Takeaways:
An ancient solar eclipse changed the course of a military conflict when it cast a shadow on a battle over Corinth between the Spartans, commanded by Cleombrotus, and the invading Persians, led by Xerxes I. Herodotus wrote that, “while [Cleombrotus] was offering sacrifice to know if he should march out against the Persians, the Sun was suddenly darkened in mid-sky.” As you might imagine, some 2,500 years ago, eclipses were not seen as good omens. This one, which astronomers now think occurred Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E., rattled Cleombrotus and caused a full retreat of the Spartan forces.
