The day the sun disappeared:The great eclipse that changed an ancient war

In ancient history, certain events were believed to be influenced by the heavens. One of the most remarkable examples of this is the so-called "Great Eclipse" of 585 BC, which played a pivotal role in the course of the Battle of Halys between the Lydians and the Medes. The eclipse not only had profound political and military consequences but also shaped the perception of how celestial events were interpreted by ancient peoples.

I. Background: The Lydian and Median Conflict

The conflict that led to the Battle of Halys was rooted in the rivalry between two powerful ancient kingdoms: the Lydians and the Medes. These two empires were at the height of their power in the 6th century BC.

1. The Lydian Kingdom

The Lydians, ruled by King Croesus, were renowned for their wealth and prosperity, largely thanks to the discovery of gold in their kingdom and their innovative use of coinage. Croesus' court was famous for its extravagance, and he sought to extend his influence by waging war on neighboring nations. The Lydians were a formidable force in the western Anatolian region, present-day Turkey.

2. The Median Kingdom

The Medes, under the leadership of King Cyaxares, were an emerging power in the eastern parts of modern-day Iran. They had recently united a number of smaller tribes under their rule, and their military strength was rapidly growing. King Cyaxares’ ambition was to challenge the growing power of the Lydians and expand his kingdom.

The conflict between these two nations was inevitable, as both sought dominance in the region. The clash of these empires came to a head at the Battle of Halys in 585 BC, fought near the Halys River (modern-day Kızılırmak in Turkey).

II. The Great Eclipse: A Celestial Sign

The most remarkable and intriguing aspect of the Battle of Halys is the solar eclipse that occurred on May 28, 585 BC, right in the midst of the battle.

1. The Eclipse's Timing and Significance

The eclipse, which was total in the region, occurred during the ongoing conflict between the Lydians and the Medes. According to ancient sources, it occurred around midday, plunging the battlefield into an eerie darkness. The event was seen as an ominous sign from the gods. In the ancient world, eclipses were often interpreted as portents, foretelling divine displeasure or signaling a turning point in events.

The eclipse was significant not only because of its timing but also due to the widespread knowledge of celestial events in the ancient Near East. Ancient astronomers, particularly the Babylonians, had become adept at predicting eclipses, and it is believed that some of them may have shared this knowledge with both the Lydians and the Medes. However, to the soldiers on the ground, it was a supernatural event.

2. Ancient Accounts of the Eclipse

The most well-known accounts of this eclipse come from ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Pliny the Elder. According to Herodotus, the eclipse caused both the Lydians and the Medes to cease fighting immediately. He recorded that the sudden darkness frightened both armies, leading to confusion and panic. The combatants interpreted the eclipse as a divine intervention, and some even believed it was a sign of the gods' desire for peace.

3. A Moment of Pause

The darkness created by the eclipse caused such a dramatic break in the fighting that both sides, in a rare moment of awe and fear, paused the battle. For the Lydians and the Medes, this celestial event was a powerful reminder that the gods were watching and may have been guiding the course of the war. In this environment of uncertainty, a peace agreement was struck.

III. The Peace Treaty and Its Consequences

After the solar eclipse, both the Lydians and the Medes, led by their respective kings, were persuaded by the omen to halt their hostilities. Herodotus describes the aftermath of the eclipse in terms of its impact on the relationship between the two empires. Following the event, a peace treaty was negotiated between King Croesus of Lydia and King Cyaxares of Media.

1. The Role of the Philosopher Thales

The philosopher Thales of Miletus, who was one of the seven sages of ancient Greece, is often credited with predicting the eclipse. While the extent of his prediction is debated, Thales' involvement in the event symbolizes the fusion of early Greek scientific knowledge with the cultural and political realities of the time. Thales’ reputation as a mathematician and astronomer made him an influential figure, and his predicted eclipse may have helped the warring parties interpret the event as a sign to cease hostilities.

2. A Ceasefire

The Lydians and the Medes, acknowledging the divine significance of the eclipse, agreed to a ceasefire. The peace treaty that followed resulted in a marriage alliance between the Lydian and Median royal families. Croesus' daughter, for example, was married to Cyaxares’ son, establishing a diplomatic connection between the two kingdoms. This alliance brought an end to their prolonged conflict, at least temporarily.

IV. The Legacy of the Eclipse

The Battle of Halys and the Great Eclipse that occurred during it have become iconic in the study of ancient history and celestial phenomena. The event had significant long-term effects on the relationship between the two powers and on the perception of celestial events in ancient cultures.

1. The Impact on Warfare and Diplomacy

The peace treaty that followed the eclipse is a notable example of how ancient peoples used religious and supernatural signs to influence their political and military decisions. The cessation of hostilities after the eclipse suggests that, in the ancient world, warfare was often intertwined with the belief that the gods were directly involved in the outcomes of battles. The treaty between the Lydians and the Medes would set a precedent for using divine signs as a diplomatic tool to end conflicts.

2. A Moment in the History of Astronomy

The eclipse also marked an important moment in the history of astronomy. While the event itself was seen as a divine omen, the prediction and understanding of such celestial phenomena represented a significant advancement in the knowledge of the natural world. Thales of Miletus, traditionally credited with predicting the eclipse, is often considered one of the first to apply scientific methods to astronomy. His contributions laid the groundwork for later Greek thinkers and astronomers.

3. Symbolism in Ancient Thought

The solar eclipse, in its sudden and dramatic nature, highlighted the ancient view that the cosmos had a profound influence on earthly events. It was a reminder of the gods' power over human affairs, and it shaped how people understood both the natural world and the divine. For the Lydians and the Medes, the eclipse was a clear signal that their struggle was not solely determined by human strength but was also influenced by the will of the gods.

V. Conclusion

The Great Eclipse of 585 BC remains one of the most remarkable and significant celestial events in ancient history. It not only changed the course of a war between the Lydians and the Medes but also served as a powerful reminder of the ways in which the ancient world viewed the cosmos and its influence on human affairs. The peace that followed the eclipse shaped the political landscape of the ancient Near East, marking a moment when divine signs and human diplomacy intertwined to shape the destiny of empires.