We had to start somewhere: The first-known human record of an eclipse dates to Oct. 22, 2137 B.C.E., in China. Credit: NASA/Gopalswamy
Key Takeaways:
- An ancient solar eclipse profoundly influenced a military conflict near Corinth, involving Spartan forces led by Cleombrotus and Persian invaders under Xerxes I.
- Herodotus documented this event, noting the sudden darkening of the Sun while Cleombrotus was performing sacrifices prior to battle.
- Historically, such celestial phenomena were widely interpreted as ill omens, directly impacting military morale and strategic decisions.
- Contemporary astronomical research dates this significant eclipse to October 2, 480 B.C.E., which reportedly caused a complete Spartan retreat.
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.
