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Document Details : Title: The Egyptian and Athenian Dates of Meton's Observation of the Summer Solstice (- 431) Author(s): DEPUYDT, L. Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 27 Date: 1996 Pages: 27-45 DOI: 10.2143/AS.27.0.632396 Abstract : In their study on Meton of Athens and the rise of Greek astronomy, A.C. Bowen and B.R. Goldstein rightly note that there are «only two reports of dated astronomical observations by any Greek before Alexander the Great». The first is Thales’ ‘prediction’ of a solar eclipse; this is perhaps the eclipse of –584 (that is, 585 B.C.). The second is Meton’s observation of the summer solstice in Athens in –431 (that is, 432 B.C.)1. Of the two astronomical phemonena involved, only Meton’s solstice can be identified with certainty. Its precise date is this paper’s concern. |
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