Theodossiou, E. Th., Niarchos, P.G., Manimanis, V.N., and Orchiston, Wayne (2002) The fall of a meteorite at Aegos Potami in 467/466 BC. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 5 (2). pp. 135-140.

PDF (Published Version) Download (463kB)

Abstract

Cosmic catastrophes have been associated from time to time with the fall of celestial objects to Earth. From the writings of ancient Greek authors we know that during the second year of the 78th Olympiad, that is the year corresponding to 467/6 BC, a very large meteorite fell at Aegos Potami, in the Galipoli Peninsula (in Eastern Thrace). This event was predicted by Anaxagoras, and the meteorite was worshipped by the Cherronesites until at least the first Century AD. The fall of the Aegos Potami Meteorite was not associated with any cosmic catastrophe, but it was believed to have foretold the terminal defeat of the Athenians by the Spartans in 405 BC near Aegos Potami, which brought to an end the Peloponnesian War in favour of Sparta. In addition, according to the Latin author Pliny the Elder, during the first century AD the inhabitants of Avydus in Asia Minor worshipped another meteorite that was displayed in the city's sports centre. The fall of this meteorite is also said to have been predicted by Anaxagoras.

Item ID:	4968
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1440-2807
Additional Information:	Reproduced with permission from Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.
Date Deposited:	07 Sep 2009 05:57
FoR Codes:	22 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields @ 100%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 823 Last 12 Months: 17
	More Statistics