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The double heads of Istrus: The oldest eclipse on a coin?

Authors :
Saslaw, William C.
Murdin, Paul
Source :
Journal for the History of Astronomy. Feb, 2005, Vol. 36 Issue 1, 21-27
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

A research is conducted on the minted silver coins belonging to the ancient city of Istrus, which display two identical but inverted young male heads on one side. The study proposes that the double heads relate to the sun god Apollo and that an almost total solar eclipse at Istrus during 424 B.C. inspired their inversion.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00218286
Volume :
36
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Journal for the History of Astronomy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.138927959