On This Day In History: A Solar Eclipse Occurs, As Predicted By Thales Of Miletus – On May 28, 585 BC

AncientPages.com - On 28 May 585 BC, a solar eclipse occurred, as predicted by the Greek philosopher and scientist Thales of Miletus (625 BC - 545 BC).

Thales foretold a solar eclipse, which occurred within the specified period.

Thales is acclaimed for having predicted an eclipse of the sun on 28 May 585 B.C. The earliest extant account of the Eclipse comes from Herodotus, who writes about this astronomical event as follows:

'….This change from daylight to darkness had been foretold to the Ionians by Thales of Miletus, who fixed the date for it within the year's limits in which it did, take place' (Hdt. I.74).

How Thales foretold the Eclipse is not known. Still, there is a strong opinion that he could perform this remarkable feat through knowledge of a cycle known as the Saros, with some attributing his success to using the Exeligmos cycle.

The great authority on ancient astronomy, Otto Neugebauer, wrote:

“Concerning the prediction of a solar eclipse in 584 (May 28) by Thales a few remarks may be made
here though I have no doubt that they will remain without effect. In the early days of classical studies
one did not assume that in the sixth century B.C. a Greek philosopher had at his disposal the astronomical and mathematical tools necessary to predict a solar
eclipse. But then one could invoke the Astronomy of the ‘Chaldeans’ from whom Thales could have received whatever information was required..."

It is not known how Thales predicted the Eclipse, but it is known that Thales of Miletus was one of the famous "seven sages of Greece."

He was interested in almost all knowledge, philosophy, history, science, mathematics, engineering, geography, and politics. He proposed theories to explain many of the events of nature, the primary substance, the support of the earth, and the cause of change.

In addition to Herodotus, the successful prediction was accepted by Eudemus in his 'History of Astronomy' and acknowledged by many other writers of ancient times (Cicero, Pliny, Dercyllides, Clement, Eusebius).

Modern astronomy also confirms that the Eclipse did occur and was total.

According to Herodotus, the umbra of the Eclipse of Thales must have passed over the battlefield between the Medes and the Lydians.

They were participants in a long-standing war.

Still, they understood the appearance of the Eclipse as an omen and interrupted a battle.

The "unnaturalness" of a solar eclipse is eerie and chilling. The warriors saw the Eclipse as disapproval of their warfare and as a warning.

They ceased fighting, and a peace agreement was reached between the two kings.

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