The Week in Ancient History 14

Notable events in ancient history for the week of June 11 - June 17

June 11, 1184 B.C. - According to the calculations of the Greek mathematician and astronomer Eratosthenes, the legendary city of Troy was sacked and destroyed by fire on this date. Remember the saying, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!"

June 11, 323 B.C. - Legendary military commander and lover of all things Greek Alexander the Great dies. This King of Macedon is to this day revered as one of the most prolific military minds in ancient (or contemporary) history. Before his death at age 32, he had conquered much of the known map. Theories on his cause of death include poisoning, malaria, or typhoid fever.

June 7 - June 15 - The Roman festival the Vestalia occurred. This festival honored the Roman Goddess Vesta, the virgin protectress of the family and the hearth. On the first day of the festival, the sacred temple of the Vestal Virgins was opened up so that women could bring their offerings.

June 15, 763 B.C. - The Assyrians, who inhabited the northern region of Mesopotamia (the upper areas of the Tigris river), document a solar eclipse on this date. This event and its recording helped the Assyrians, who were known for their accurate observations and documentations of astronomical phenomena, repair their calendar and the subsequent accuracy of its history.