ANTALYA - Solar eclipse is an interesting phenomenon which has influenced the myths of different cultures.
According to sources, solar eclipse was first predicted by mathematician Thales. On the day of the eclipse (585 B.C.) the Medes and the Lydians, about to commence battle, make peace after witnessing the total solar eclipse and taking it as an omen.
The ancient Chinese believed that solar eclipses occur when a legendary celestial dragon devours the Sun, while Egyptians assumed that a solar eclipse occurred when a gigantic wicked-minded snake battled with Sun God Ra.
Solar eclipse is believed to be caused by a frog in Vietnam, while it is thought to be caused by a black jaguar in South America, and a wolf in Scandinavian countries.
The Indians defined the solar eclipse as a battle between the moon and the sun. On the other hand, the Mesopotamian tried to enlighten the sun with their torches when a solar eclipse occurred.