The Digital Press

The article explores the revolutionary impact of early Greek scientific ideas, especially those of Anaxagoras, who challenged mythological views of the cosmos by proposing natural explanations for celestial phenomena like eclipses and meteorites. It traces the tension between emerging science and religious beliefs in ancient Athens, highlighting how this conflict shaped both philosophy and faith traditions.

Why it matters: Anaxagoras’s naturalistic approach laid foundational principles for science, influencing later thinkers despite facing political and religious backlash.

The big picture: The clash between science and superstition in ancient Greece echoes in modern science-religion conflicts and the persistent human affinity for supernatural explanations.

Stunning stat: The Aegospotami meteorite, linked to Anaxagoras’s prediction, was reportedly the size of a wagon-load and remained visible for centuries.

Commenters say: Readers find the article intellectually enriching, expressing awe at the transition from myth to science and reflecting on the enduring emotional resonance of supernatural beliefs.