Ancient Babylonians viewed eclipses as divine messages; during ominous celestial events, kings feared rebellion, often hiding while a substitute ruled until danger passed.
These tablets provide a fascinating glimpse into how the Babylonians interpreted astrological events as omens that could predict the fate of their rulers and civilizations.
Dr. George explains that the Babylonians believed the earth and sky were mirrors of one another, thus celestial events indicated impending terrestrial occurrences.
To appease the gods, if alarming omens suggested a king's demise, a substitute would assume his throne temporarily, often leading to that substitute's execution.
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