Eclipses and Babylonian kings
Eclipses and Babylonian kings
A sacrifice?
Quote: Lunar eclipses were considered to be particularly evil omens that involved their kings. Since these eclipses could now be predicted in advance, substitute kings could be appointed who would bear the brunt of the gods' wrath. The real king would remain unharmed and the continuity of the state's policy was guaranteed. (The poor man who was appointed as substitute king was killed. In this way, the omen was always right.)
http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2006/locations/babylon.php
A sacrifice?
Quote: Lunar eclipses were considered to be particularly evil omens that involved their kings. Since these eclipses could now be predicted in advance, substitute kings could be appointed who would bear the brunt of the gods' wrath. The real king would remain unharmed and the continuity of the state's policy was guaranteed. (The poor man who was appointed as substitute king was killed. In this way, the omen was always right.)
http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2006/locations/babylon.php
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