With this in mind, read on to learn how our ancestors both ancient and recent handled these things. The earliest written record of a total solar eclipse comes from China. The emperor ordered them beheaded for their 'sins'. Other reports state that these men also failed to predict the eclipse and left the people unprepared to ward off the dragon. In southern England stands Stonehenge, an awesome arrangement of stones that has been the subject of countless studies, poems, and legends.
Evidence indicates that Stonehenge was a brilli- antly conceived astronomical observatory.
Certain holes in the stones and their arrangement were apparently used as an eclipse predictor. The most famous solar eclipse of classical times occurred in the midst of a battle between the Medes and the Lydians. Both sides regarded it as an omen and immediately ceased their hostilities, thereby ending a six-year war. His three sons immediately fought over succession, resulting in the division of the empire into what is today France, Germany, and Italy. A special immunity agreement was negotiated with the British to allow the scientists to work unharmed.