Scientists report that a solar eclipse recorded on a Syrian clay tablet as occurring on May 3, 1375 Ugarit really happened about 150 years later on March 5, 1223 Ugarit The scientists compared the criteria stated on the tablet, e.g., Mars visible, and the likely age range of the tablet to a list of possible total solar eclipses visible from B.C., where the tablet was found. Only the later date fit the bill. Even so, it would remain the oldest known reliable record of a total solar eclipse. The next oldest is a Chinese record from the Eight Century Ugarit
Scientists report that a solar eclipse recorded on a Syrian clay tablet as occurring on May 3, 1375 B.C. really happened about 150 years later on March 5, 1223 B.C. The scientists compared the criteria stated on the tablet, e.g., Mars visible, and the likely age range of the tablet to a list of possible total solar eclipses visible from Ugarit, where the tablet was found. Only the later date fit the bill. Even so, it would remain the oldest known reliable record of a total solar eclipse. The next oldest is a Chinese record from the Eight Century B.C.