LANDMARKS OF WORLD HISTORY
A Chronology of Remarkable Natural Phenomena
The Ancient World, B.C.
Note: Most Before Christ (B.C.) dates are approximate (sometimes very approximate or just plain guesswork) and most of the ones that are not should be regarded as so. They have all been calculated from earlier dating systems, with the opportunities for mistakes and miscalculation that that involves.
Numbers show sources
Date
Phenomenon
Location
Description
2983 March 28
Solar eclipse
Scotland
Mr. L. MacLellan Mann claimed to have identified this eclipse from markings on a stone at Langside and Cleuch, near Glasgow. (1)
2668
Flood?
Ireland
The Age of the World, 2532. The eruption of Loch Con and Loch Techeat in this year. “No reliance…can be placed on the dates assigned to (these) events." (2, 3)
2667
Flood?
Ireland
Eruption of Lake Maseg. (2)
2665
Flood?
Ireland
Eruption of Lake Laghlin and Lake Eachtra. (2)
2654
Flood?
Ireland
A poisonous inundation of the sea and seven lakes overflowed. (2, 3)
2600
Aurora?
China
‘Big lightning’ circulating in Ursa Major. (4)
2356
Flood
China
Great flood of Hwang Ho, river channels drained. (5)
2349 November 28
Flood
World
Date of the Noachian Deluge, 'according to Hebrew texts’. Year also given as 2348 BC (6, 60)
2341
Flood?
Ireland
Lake Arbreach and Lake Annim in Midia overflowed. (2)
2158
Solar eclipse
China
The astronomers Ho and He were executed for failing to predict an eclipse. (7)
1900
Flood
Greece
The Ogygian Deluge (8)
1831
Earthquake
China
‘Perhaps the oldest recorded earthquake’.
1770?
Comet?
Unknown
Venus changed colour, size, figure and track. Pingré, Cometographie (1783) dated this 1770 (9)
1694
Flood?
Ireland
Nine lakes erupted. (2)
1690
Flood?
Ireland
Ethneus in the kingdom of the Nialls erupted. (2)
1629
Flood?
Ireland
Nine lakes erupted. (2)
1628 (c.)
Obscuration, etc.
China
Heavy rain toppled buildings; the earth emitted yellow fog; sun dimmed; 3 suns; frost in July; famine. (end of Xia dynasty)
1606
Earthquake
Israel
An earthquake on Mount Sinai. "Accompanied by thunder and lightning; on the occasion of the delivery of the law." (10)
Between 1604 and 1586
Earthquake
Arabia
An earthquake in Arabia. Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Israelites rebelling against Moses) swallowed up. (10)
1600 (c.)
Solar phenomenon?
Israel
"…the standing still of the sun and moon ”. (11)
1566
Earthquake
Jericho
The walls of the city of Jericho were thrown down. (10)
1544
Flood?
Ireland
Three dark rivers erupted, Subna, Torannia and Cullan. (2)
1533
Comet??
Israel
“Smoking furnace and a burning lamp’ after sunset. Very doubtfully a comet. (12)
1529
Flood
Greece
Date of Deucalion’s Flood according to the Parian Marble. (13)
1495
Comet?
Ethiopia
"A terrible (comet)…was seen… in Ethiopia and Egypt, which the King who reigned in that Age named Typhon…not…a Star, but truly a Ball of Fire." (14)
1478 (c.)
Meteorite?
Crete
‘Thunder stone’ fell. (15)
1451
Meteorites
Israel
A shower of stones fell at Gibeon. (16)
1450 (c.)
Earthquake
Italy
Lacus Cimini. A city swallowed up, a lake produced in its place. (10)
1449
Flood
Ireland
Three rivers, Flaesc, Mand and Labrand erupted. (2)
1375 May 3
Solar eclipse
China
Uharit. 'Sun put to shame; went down in daytime'. (17)
1312 June 24
Solar eclipse
Asia Minor
An ‘omen of the Sun’ during the reign of the Hittite king Mursili II. Eclipse of this date total in the Mediterranean.
1305 June 5
Solar eclipse?
China
‘Three flames ate the Sun’. (18)
1200 (c.)
Meteorites?
Greece
A number of stones fell in Beotia. (15)
1168
Meteorite
Crete
A mass of iron was seen to fall on Mount Ida. (15)
1140
Comet
Babylon
'…a comet arose whose body was bright like the day, while from its luminous body a tail extended, like the sting of a scorpion'. (19)
1059 (c.?)
Comet
China
A broom star comet appeared with the handle… pointing east. (20)
1031
Flood?
Ireland
Eruption of five rivers. (2)
1023
Snow
Ireland
Huge snow with a vinous taste. (2)
1002
Comet?
Unknown
A comet was seen in Leo (uncertain event). (20)
963 spring
Comet
China
A bushy star comet appeared in the north polar region. (20)
900 c.
Earthquake
Israel
An earthquake after Elijah had prayed for rain from heaven. (10)
900 c.
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake at the Alban Lake in Italy. (10)
880
Earthquake
Palestine
An earthquake in Palestine. (or between 880 and 870) (10)
766
Fall
Ireland
It rained blood three days. (2)
762 June 15
Solar eclipse
Palestine
'And on that day', said the Lord God 'I will make the sun go down at noon, and dark on the earth in broad daylight’.’ (Amos 8:9). A total solar eclipse in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, 762 June 15. (21)
738 (after)
Blood-rain
Britain
Blood-rain for three days. Contagion by flies followed. (22, 23)
720 February 27
Solar eclipse
China
First eclipse in list of 36 recorded by Confucius, the Chun Tsew. (7)
716 July 5
Tornado?
Rome
Romulus vanished in thunderstorm and whirlwind. (24)
709 July 17
Solar eclipse
China
An eclipse of the Sun occurred and it was total. (25)
696-693
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption(s). (or 456-453 BC) (26)
687?
Solar phenomenon?
Israel
"Behold, I willl bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down." (21)
687 March 23
Meteor shower
China
“In the middle of the night stars fell like a rain." (27)
665
Snow
Ireland
Abundance of snow. Also dated 1023 BC. (2)
652 c.
Fall
Italy
A shower of stones on the Alban Mount (28)
647 April 6
Eclipse
Greece
"Zeus, father of the Olympians, made night from mid-day, hiding the light of the shining sun, and sore fear came upon men." (Archilochus). Total solar eclipse in the Mediterranean, 647 BC April 6. (30)
645 December 24
Meteorite
China
Report of a meteorite fall attributed to Confucius.
644
Meteorites?
China
Stones fell in China. Same as 645 Dec. 24? (16)
633
Comet
China
A broom star comet appeared in Auriga. (20)
616 January 14
Meteorite
China
Meteorite fall killed 10 men, broke several chariots. (15, 29)
613 autumn
Comet
China
A broom star comet entered the constellation of the Great Bear. (20)
611
Fall
Africa
A rain of 'pitch' fell on North Africa between Tripoli and Cyrene. (26)
602
Flood
China
Hwang Ho river changed course and emptied into Yellow Sea. (5)
601 September 12
Solar eclipse
China
Ying (?). A total eclipse of the Sun was observed. (17)
595
Earthquake
China
An earthquake in China. (10)
585 May 28
Solar eclipse
Asia Minor
"This eclipse, which (ended the) war between the Medes and the Lydians…during a battle, 'day was suddenly turned into night' “. (21)
556 (c.)
Obscuration
Greece
"The King of the Persians besieged (Larissa)…But a cloud (νεφέλη) covered the Sun and caused it to disappear completely." (30)
550
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Lacedamon. A portion of Mount Taygetus thrown down. (or between this date and 530). (10)
549 June 12
Solar eclipse
China
Chu-fu: A total eclipse of the Sun was observed. (17)
538
Snow
Ireland
"Raigned snow continually that year". Also dated 1023 BC. (2)
532
Sandstorm
Egypt
Sandstorm swallowed Cambyses' army, 50,000 killed. (24)
532 spring
Comet?
China
A new star was seen in Aquarius. (20)
525 winter
Comet
China
A bushy star comet appeared near Antares. (20)
520
Meteorite?
Crete
A stone fell. (16)
516
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (31)
506
Flood
Ireland
Eruption of Lake Melgius. (2)
503
Aurora
Italy
Flaming spears appeared at midnight on a burning sky. (32)
500
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
500 c.
Earthquake
Italy
The island of Ischia experienced earthquakes. (26)
500 c.
Lightning?
Italy
Bolsena was entirely burnt up by a thunderbolt. (33)
495 July 22
Solar eclipse
China
Last eclipse in list of 36 recorded by Confucius, the Chun Tsew (7)
486
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in the island of Delos. (34)
482 winter
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
481 winter
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
480
Comet
Greece
A comet shaped like a horn. (35)
480 c.
Lightning
Asia Minor
Thunderstorm killed many Persians at Mount Ida. (34)
480 c.
Storm
Greece
A storm wrecked 400 Persian ships near Cape Sepias. (34)
480 c.
Landslide
Greece
Two crags fell and killed many Persians at Delphi during storm. (34)
480 spring
Eclipse?
Asia Minor
"…the host (of Xerxes) began its march …At the moment of departure, the sun suddenly quitted his seat in the heavens, and disappeared, though there were no clouds in sight, but the sky was clear and serene ". Large partial eclipse at Sardis, Feb. 17, 478 BC. (34, 21)
479-475 winter?
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption. Lava may have flowed to the sea. (26)
470 c.
Volcano
Italy
Ischia eruption. (26)
470
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
469
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Sparta. (10)
467
Meteorite
Thrace
A brown stone the size of a wagon-load fell. A comet visible. (33, 24)
467
A comet like ‘a great beam’. (20)
465
Meteorite
Phrygia
A stone ‘encircled by fire’ fell at the feet of the poet Pindar. It was taken to Rome in 204 BC. (58)
461
Fall
Unknown
It rained flesh. (33)
459
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Roman territories. (10)
444 October 24
Solar eclipse
China
Annular eclipse: stars appeared. (18)
433
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
432 or 431
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in the Roman territories. Houses thrown down. (10)
431
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Delos. (10)
430 c.
Volcano
West coast of Africa
Hanno observes ‘liquid fire’ running into the sea. (36)
430 August 3
Eclipse
Greece
“The sun assumed the shape of a crescent and became full again, and during the eclipse some stars became visible." (Thucydides)
426
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Athens, Euboea, Boeotia,etc. (10)
426 December
Comet
Greece
A comet appeared about the time of the winter solstice. (35)
425
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Greece, with great inundations of the sea. (10)
425 spring
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption. (26)
424
Volcano
Italy
Eruption of Vulcano. (36)
424 May?
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in the Peloponnesus. Shortly after an eclipse of the sun. A partial eclipse of the sun on April 30, 424 BC. (10, 37)
413 August 27
Lunar eclipse
Sicily
The Athenian fleet was ready to retreat from Syracuse when the Moon was totally eclipsed. (38)
406 c. autumn
Flood
Italy
Great rise and flood of the Alban Lake. (24)
404
Tornado??
Greece
A ‘fiery pillar’ seen near Athens on a stormy night. (59)
400 June 21
Solar eclipse
Italy
"On the Nones of June the sun was covered by the moon and night". (Cicero). A solar eclipse which reached a total or almost total phase at Rome a few minutes after sunset. A total eclipse ended in Italy, 399 BC June 21. (37)
398
Earthquake
Greece
"…the Lacedaemonians under King Agis invaded the territory of Elis… there was an earthquake, and the army retired home …" (39)
396 summer?
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption. Lava flowed to the sea northeast of Catania. (26)
387 c.
Volcano
Sicily
"Plato seems to have witnessed a lava flow on Mount Etna." (26)
380
Earthquakes
Greece
Many earthquakes. (39)
377
Earthquake
Portugal
An earthquake at Lisbon. (10)
373
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in the Peloponnesus, especially at Helike and Bura. Great inundations of the sea, overwhelming Helike. 'Extended fire' in the sky. (10, 40, 41)
373
Comet
Greece
After sunset; covered 1/3rd of sky. (41)
370
Earthquake
Portugal
An earthquake at Lisbon. (10)
364
Earthquake?
Rome
A great chasm opened..which afterwards filled with water. (10)
361
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
360
Volcano
Italy
Vulcano erupted. A nearby city destroyed. (36)
350 c.
Volcano
Italy
The main peak of Ischia, Epomeo, erupted. (26)
350 c.
Volcano
Italy
An eruption of Vulcano. (36)
346
Comet
Unknown
A 'mane-shaped' comet changed into a spear. (or 356 BC). (33)
343 (before)
Ball lightning?
Greece
Timoleon's expedition against Syracuse. "… the heavens seemed…to break open, and a bright spreading flame to issue forth from it, and hover over the ship he was in”. (24)
343
Meteorites?
Rome
A shower of stones. (15)
340 (c)
Comet
Greece?
A comet that split into two separate pieces. (20)
331 September 20
Lunar eclipse
Arbela
"Because of the sphericity of the earth", a lunar eclipse was seen at Arbela at 8 pm, while the same eclipse in Sicily was when the Moon was just rising. (33)
330 (c.)
Earthquake?
Pontus
An eruption of 'wind' from the ground near Heraclea. (42)
323 (before)
Earthquake?
Greece
The island of Chryse, near Lemnos, was sunk into the sea. (10, 39)
310 August 15
Solar eclipse
Mediterranean
"On the morning after the fleet of Agathoceles sailed from Syracuse for Africa…the sun was eclipsed to such a degree that the stars everywhere appeared as at night." (21)
305
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
303-302
Comet
Greece
Recorded on the Parian Marble. (35)
296
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
290 (c.)
Flood
Asia Minor
Flood after heavy rains destroyed Ephesos. (53)
285 or 284
Earthquake
Japan
In the province of Ommi a large tract of land sank in one night, forming a lake 72½ miles long and 12½ wide. In Sourouga the mountain Fousi-no-Yama, was thrown up. (10)
282
Volcano
Greece
Eruption of Methana in the Saronic Gulf. (36)
282
Earthquake
Greece
Delphi. A portion of a hill thrown down; followed by a violent storm of hail. An earthquake about the Chersoneus and the Hellespont about the same time, the city of Lysimachia destroyed. (10)
279
Lightning & landslides
Greece
Brennus and his Gauls at Delphi assailed by lightning, snow, and rockfalls from Parnassus. (39)
276
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake, probably near Picentia in the south of Campania. (or perhaps 271). (10)
276 - 239
Volcano
Greece
Methana in the Saronic Gulf. Lava flowed. (26)
257
Volcano?
Italy
A rain of stones at the Alban Mount. (26)
240 May-June
Comet
China
A broom star comet (Halley’s). (43)
238
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
234 January-February
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
228
Occultation
Unknown
An occultation of Saturn by the Moon. (44)
224
Earthquake
Asia Minor
An earthquake in Caria, and the island of Rhodes. The Colossus of Rhodes thrown down. Eusebius says the 168th Olympiad = 105 BC. (10)
222
Paraselenae?
Unknown
Three moons appeared at once. (33)
218
Earthquake?
Italy
The water of a well burst forth in an extraordinary manner. (10)
217
Volcano?
Italy
'the sun's disc seemed to be diminished' A shower of 'glowing stones', fell at the town of Praeneste. At Capua there had been 'the appearance of a sky on fire’. Vesuvius erupted. (26)
217
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Central Italy, on the day of the battle with Hannibal at the Lake Thrasymene. Many cities were destroyed. 57 shocks occurred during the year. (10, 33)
217
Ball lightning?
Capua, Italy
A ‘molten moon’ fell to earth during heavy rain. (54)
216
Comets?
Italy
Many comets appeared. Doubtful. (35)
214
Comet
China
A star or comet. (20)
212
Volcano?
Italy
A rain of stones at the Alban Mount. (26)
211
Meteorite
China
"… a star fell at Toung-Kiun…it changed into a stone." (45)
210 June-July
Comet
Babylon
A comet. (20)
208
China
Obscuration
The stars were invisible for three months. (57)
204 (before)
Meteorite
Phrygia
"A stone…fell in Phrygia…About 204 BC it was demanded by King Atallus, and taken with great ceremony to Rome". Conical black stone. (46)
204 August-September
Comet
China
A tail-less comet. (35)
203
Comet? Aurora?
Italy
‘Scattered fires...then a huge torch’. (35)
202
Aurora
Carthage
The Carthaginians saw the sky glowing intensely in flames. (32)
202
Italy
Meteorites?
A shower of stones fell. (60)
199 - 197?
Volcano
Greece
"… the Lelantine Plain…apparently erupted hot mud or lava ". (Possible date). (26)
198 August 7
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. An annular eclipse of the Sun was observed. (17)
197
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Rome, or the country round. (10)
197 or 196
Earthquake
Italy
Shocks for 38 days in Italy. About the same time, many towns were ruined by earthquakes in Rhodes, and parts of Asia Minor. (10)
197
Volcano
Cyclades
The new islands Thera and Therasia in the Cyclades appeared. (33, 41)
192
Meteorite?
China
A stone fell. (16)
190
Fall
Italy
At Tusculum there was a shower of earth. (47)
188
Obscuration & volcano?
Italy
"Between the third and the fourth hour of the day, darkness set in…showers of stones were atoned for by a nine-day observance." (47)
188 July 17
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an An almost complete eclipse of the Sun was observed. (17)
186
Fall
Italy
A shower of stones in Picenum. (47)
184 or 183
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Rome. The statues of the gods were moved. (10)
183 (c.)
Volcano
Italy
Thermessa, now Vulcanello, rose from the sea. (40)
183
Fall
Italy
A rain of blood for two days. (47)
182
Tornado??
Rome
A windstorm wrecked buildings in the city, (47)
181
Fall
Rome
"There was a rain of blood." (47)
181 March 4
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. A total solar eclipse was observed. Dark in daytime. (17)
179
Storms & earthquake
Italy
"…storms threw down…statues on the Capitol. A great amount of damage…by lightning in Rome…the heads of the gods turned about during an earthquake". (47)
177 or 178
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in the Sabines' country. Many buildings fell. (10)
176
Comet? Meteor?
Tusculum, Italy
A torch in the sky. (35)
175
Earthquake
China
An earthquake in China. (10)
174
Parhelia
Unknown
Three suns were seen at once. (33)
172
Comet
China
A tailed star comet. (20)
170
Aurora
Palestine
Armies with long spears and in battle order on the sky. (32)
169
Comet? Meteor?
Italy
A torch in the sky. (35)
168
Meteor?
Greece
A ball of fire about the size of the Moon at the battle of Pydna. (41)
168 December 27
Eclipse
Macedonia
Total lunar eclipse before battle between Romans and Macedonians. Moon 'passed through various colours'. (24)
167
Fall, meteor
Italy
" At Anagnia there was a shower of earth. At Lanuvium a blazing meteor was seen in the sky." (47)
166
Falls, meteor, aurora?
Italy
"In Campania there was a shower of earth…In the territory of Praeneste bloody rain fell… At Lanuvium a meteor was seen in the sky by night…the sun was seen for several hours at night." (47)
164 October
Comet
Babylon
Halley's Comet. (48)
163
Aurora? Parhelia, falls, tornado?
Italy
"At Capua the sun was seen by night…At Formiae two suns were seen by day. The sky was afire…At Gabii there was a rain of milk.…In Cephallenia a trumpet seemed to sound from the sky. There was a rain of earth. A windstorm demolished houses …By night an apparent sun shone at Pisaurum." (47)
163 September 5
Comet
Babylon
A comet in the first part of the night. (20)
162
Aurora
Italy
"At Anagnia the sky was afire at night”. (47)
162 February 6
Comet?
China
A 'celestial magnolia tree' appeared in the SW. (20)
157 October
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
156
Tornado
Rome
"A violent storm racked the temple of Jupiter on the Capitol…The roof of (a) house with its columns was thrown into the Tiber." (47)
155 winter
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
155 September
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
154
Meteor?
Italy
"At Compsa weapons appeared to fly through the sky." (47)
154 February
Comet
China
A tailed star comet. (20)
152
Tornado
Rome
"On the Campus Martius a column with a gilded statue…was overthrown by a violent whirlwind (turbinis) ". (47)
151 (after)
Comet
Greece?
A comet appeared as big as the sun. At first it was a fiery red disc, emitting a light so bright that it dispelled the night. (41)
148
Comet
China
A comet. (20)
147
Aurora, haloes, comet
Italy
"At Caere streams of blood flowed from the earth and at night heaven and earth seemed to be on fire…At Lanuvum... two haloes…encircled the sun... A comet blazed for 32 days." (47)
147 October
Comet
China
A comet. (20)
147 November 10
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. An almost complete eclipse of the Sun was observed. (17)
141
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption (Obsequens). (26)
140
Earthquake
China
Three earthquakes in China this year. (10)
140
Volcano
Italy
"Mount Aetna showed much fire." (47)
138 April
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
138 May
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
138 August
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
138 - 133
Comet
Italy?
A comet extended ‘into unlimited size’. (35)
137
Meteor, flood
Italy
"At Praeneste a blazing meteor appeared in the sky... The Facine Lake overflowed the land for five miles in all directions." (47)
136
Lightning
Italy
"Several things were overthrown by lightning." (47)
136 April 15
Solar eclipse
Babylon
Solar eclipse began 96 minutes after sunrise. Jupiter and Mars visible. (Late Babylonian astronomical tablet.) (17)
135
Volcano
Sicily
Mount Etna eruption. (26)
135 July
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
135 September
Comet
China
A comet stretched across the heavens. (20)
134
Aurora?
Italy?
The sun was seen at night 'for some length of time'. (50)
133 (c.)
Comet
Unknown
“A comet appeared… its vast extent equalled the Milky Way.” Mithridates’ comet? (41)
132 autumn
Comet
Asia Minor
A comet visible 70 days; blotted out a quarter of the stars. (Birth of Mithridates). (49, 51)
130 (c.)
Nova?
Greece
Appearance of a new star inspired Hipparchus' catalogue. (18)
130
Lightning
Italy
Lightning from a clear sky threw the sail of a ship into the water. At Tarracina. (50)
126 before June?
Volcano
Sicily
The summit of Mount Etna erupted, and an earthquake occurred. (26)
126
Volcano
Tuscany
A burning island emerged in the bay of Tuscany. (33)
125
Fall
Italy
A shower of milk and oil at Veli, north of Rome. (50)
124
Lightning
Italy
A flock of sheep were killed by lightning at Croton together with three shepherds and a dog. (50)
123-122
Subsidence
Italy
Privernum, in Latium. Seven acres of land sank into the earth. (10)
122
Parhelia
Gaul
Three suns and three moons were seen in Gaul. (50)
122 - 121
Earthquake
Italy?
An earthquake, probably at Rome (place not mentioned). (10)
122 - 121
Volcano
Italy
Mount Etna. Lava flowed from the summit to the sea. (26)
121
Halo
Unknown
A bow appeared round the Sun. (33)
120 spring
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
119 May
Comet
China
A tailed star comet. (20)
118
Parhelia
Unknown
Three suns were seen at once. (33)
115?
Comet
Rome?
Seneca says that Posidonius saw a comet during a solar eclipse. (or 103 BC?) (20)
114
Halo
Unknown
A hoop appeared round the Sun. (33)
114
Fall
Unknown
It rained milk and blood. (33)
113
Aurora?
Unknown
A light from the sky at night, usually called 'night-suns' was seen in 113 BC, "and often on other occasions causing apparent daylight in the night". (33)
113
Volcano?
Italy
Alban Mount seemed to be on fire at night. (Obsequens). (26)
113 - 101
Sounds
N. Germany
During the wars with the Cimbri a noise of clanging armour and the soundings of a trumpet were heard from the sky. (33)
110 June
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
110 November 23
Comet
Babylon
A comet. (20)
108-107
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
106
Meteor shower?
Italy?
"…an uproar in the sky was heard, and javelins (pila) seemed to fall from heaven." (50)
104
Aurora?
Italy
At Volsinii "flames rising friom the ground seemed to reach the sky"… "there were seen at nights in the sky flaming darts and shields”. (24, 33, 50)
104
Parhelia
Italy
Three suns appeared in the province of Picenum. (50)
104 - 103
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in the territory of Picenum. (10)
103 - 102
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Nursia. Buildings thrown down. (10)
102 (c.)
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
101 - 100
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Pesaro. Buildings thrown down. (10)
99
Meteor?
Italy
"…a blazing meteor was seen far and wide at Tarquini (Corneto, NW of Rome), falling in a sudden plunge. At sunset a circular object like a shield was seen to sweep across from west to east". (35)
99 - 98
Subsidence
Italy
At Venafrum the earth oppened and sank down. (10)
96 - 95
Earth sound
Italy
Fesulae. No shock, but subterranean noise (fremitus). (10)
95 - 94
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake injured buildings at Rhegium. (10)
94
Meteor?
Italy
A torch in the sky. (35)
93
Aurora
Italy
"…at Volsinii flame seemed to flash from the sky at dawn ".
92
Meteor?
Italy
A torch in the sky. (35)
92
Earthquake
Syria
An earthquake in Syria and the island of Cyprus. (10)
91
Meteor
Italy
Fireball and ‘great noise’ in the sky. (35)
91
Volcano?
Modena
"…two mountains ran together with a mighty crash, leaping forward and then retiring with flames and smoke rising between them to the sky…The shock brought down all the country houses."
A meteor strike seems a possibility. (33)
91
Ball lightning?
Italy
"Near Spoletium a gold-coloured fireball rolled down to the ground ". (47)
91
Fall
Italy
A shower of stones accompanied by sherds of pottery.
90
Halo
Unknown
A red ring appeared round the Sun. (33)
90 ?
Volcano
Aeolian Is
"Holy Island and Lipari…burnt in mid sea for several days." (33)
90 (c.)
Volcano?
Italy
Flame shot from earth near the Laverna. (24)
89
Meteorite?
China
A stone fell. (16)
89 September 29
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. A solar eclipse was observed. Not complete, like a hook. (17)
88
Meteor?
Stratopedon
A 'huge star' fell from the sky at Stratopedon..
88 (c.)
Sound
Italy
'Sound of a trumpet' in clear sky. (24)
87
Meteor?
Rome?
Gnaeus Pompeius was killed "by the blast of a heavenly star".
87
Fall
Greece
"…there was a shower of ashes at Athens "
87 August 10
Comet
China
A bushy star comet (Halley’s?). (20)
86
Meteor
Italy?
"a burning shield scattering sparks ran across the sky at sunset." (14)
85 or 82
Volcano?
Japan
An island (now called Taikou-bo-sima) was raised in the lake produced in the year 285 BC. (Province of Ommiin). (10)
84 March
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
83 (c.)
Comet
China
A tangle star comet. (20)
80 September 20
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. An almost complete solar eclipse was observed. (17)
80 - 79
Earthquake
Italy
An earthquake in Reate, in the country of the Sabines. (10)
77 October- November
Comet?
China
A new star. (20)
76 May-June
Comet?
China
A new star. (20)
74
Ball lightning?
Phrygia
Huge silver luminous body fell between Roman and Mithridates' armies; both withdrew. This was not a meteor. (24)
74
Gale
Asia Minor
S'ly gale toppled a wooden siege tower 100 cubits high outside Cyzicius. (24)
69 February
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
69 July 23
Comet?
China
A guest star 3 degrees wide. (20)
69 August 20
Comet
China
A tailed guest star. (20)
66
Ball lightning?
Italy?
'A spark falling from a star' was seen. (14)
63
Lightning
Italy
A man was struck dead by lightning from a clear sky at Pompeii.
63
Sun pillar?
Italy?
A "fiery timber…stretched up into the sky from the west".
61 August
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
60
Tornado
Rome
"…roofs were thrown down by the force of a tornado…(turbo). In the country many trees were torn up by the roots." (50)
60
Greece?
Comet
A comet was observed by Poseidonius during an eclipse of the sun. (60)
57
Earthquake
China
An earthquake in China. Mountains fell and filled the valleys. (10)
56
Meteor?
Italy
A torch moved quickly towards the North. (35)
54
Meteorites?
Lucania
It rained iron in the shape of sponges. (14)
54
Tornado?
Euphrates
"…when Marcus Crassus was crossing the Euphrates in his campaign against the Parthians… the army was prevented from crossing by a black storm fog that came pouring down on them." (24)
52
Meteor?
Italy
A torch moved quickly to the East. (35)
52
Meteorites
Italy
A shower of iron in Lucania. (16)
50-49
Volcano
Sicily
An eruption of Mount Etna. Hot ash or lava flowed toward Italy. (26)
49
Meteor?
Italy
‘Fire darted from west to east’. (35)
49
Fall
Samnium
It rained wool in the vicinity of Compsa. (14)
49
Fall
Unknown
It rained baked bricks. (14)
49 April
Comet
China
A guest star over 15 degrees wide. (20)
48
Nile flood
Egypt
"The smallest (rise of the River Nile was) 7½ feet in the year of the war of Pharsalus." (33)
48 May 12
Fireball
Pharsalia
Julius Caesar saw 'ball of flaming fire' before battle with Pompey. (24)
48 November
Comet?
China
A rayed star. (20)
47 June-July
Comet?
China
Guest star with rays. (20)
46
Meteorites?
Italy
A shower of stones at Acilla. (16)
44
Volcano
Sicily
Etna eruptions after the death of Caesar. (26)
44
Meteor
Italy
A bolide (missile) appeared when Brutus was besieged by Antony at Modena. (33)
44
Parhelia
Unknown
Three suns were seen at once. (33)
44
Comet
Rome
A comet "burst forth after the death of the deified Julius."
44
Tornado
Rome
"… a statue (of Minerva)…fell…Trees were torn up by the roots." (50)
44
Obscuration
Italy
The sun "continued pale and dull for the whole of that year." (24, 33)
43
Meteor? Comet?
Italy
A torch moved quickly to the West. A new star. (35)
43
Aurora?
Italy?
"…a vision of armour and weapons ". (33)
42
Parhelia
Unknown
Three suns were seen at once. Merged to form one. (35)
42
Aurora?
Italy?
"…light shone… brightly at night ". (14)
41
Earthquake
China
An earthquake in China. (10)
38
Meteorites?
China
Stones fell. (16)
36
Volcano
Sicily
An eruption of Mount Etna.
35 November 1
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. A solar eclipse was observed. Not complete, like a hook. (17)
33
Earthquake
Palestine
An earthquake. 30,000 men lost their lives. (or 32 BC). (10)
32
Volcano
Sicily
An eruption of Mount Etna.
32 February
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (10)
31
Comet?
Greece
A torch seen for many days. (35)
31 or 30
Earthquake
Asia Minor
An earthquake in Tralles, in Lydia, and many cities also in Ionia, Mysia and Aetolia. (10)
30
Aurora
China
Luminous vapours and streamers. (52)
29
Meteorites?
China
Stones fell in two places. (16)
28
Sunspots
China
Black shadows were seen on the Sun. (55)
28 June 19
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. A solar eclipse was observed. Not complete, like a hook. (17)
27
Earthquake
Egypt
Upper half of ‘Memnon’ (Amenophis III) statue thrown down by earthquake. (10)
26
Earthquake
Cyprus
An earthquake in Cyprus. (10)
22
Meteorites?
China
Stones fell. (16)
20
Sound
Egypt
Strabo hears sunrise sound from ‘Memnon’ statue. (56)
20
Sunspots
China
Black shadows were seen on the Sun. (55)
17
Comet?
Italy
A torch stretched from south to north. (35)
15
Meteors?
China
‘A star fell in the form of rain’. (16)
12
Meteorite
China
A stone fell at Toukouan. (16)
12 May 22
Meteor storm
China
"...meteors, some as large as basins, others as large as hens' eggs…rained down. This only ceased at evening twilight." (19)
11 or 12
Comet
Italy
Suspended over Rome before death of Agrippa. (Halley’s).
10 (or 6)
Earthquake
Greece
An earthquake in Cos, in the Greek Archipelago. (10)
10
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
10 February 9.
Parhelia??
Japan
Nine suns appeared over Kyushu.
9
Meteorite?
China
A stone fell. (16)
6
Meteorite?
China
A stone fell at Ning-Tcheou. (16)
5 March
Comet
China
A broom star comet. (20)
4 February 23?
Comet
China
A bushy star comet. (20)
2 February 5
Solar eclipse
China
Ch'ang-an. A solar eclipse. Not complete, like a hook. (17)
1 January 9
Lunar eclipse
Palestine
"The lunar eclipse…during Herod's last illness…the moon passed nearly centrally through the earth's shadow". (21)
