THALLUS AND PHLEGON: SOLAR ECLIPSE IN JERUSALEM c. 33 CE?

  • N P L Allen North-West University
Keywords: Thallus, Phlegon, Jesus of Nazareth

Abstract

The current investigation explores whether Thallus and Phlegon cancontinue to have relevance to the current historical Jesus debate.To assist in this process, apart from pertinent input from a range ofcontemporary scholars, the often quoted reference to an assumedsolar eclipse that occurred at the time of Jesus of Nazareth’scrucifixion is critically examined in the light of current astronomicalknowledge. The findings reveal the more likely historical contextthat is often overlooked by many scholars. As a result, only oneconclusion is possible, namely any account of a total solar eclipse atany time during any activity in or around Jerusalem between 23 CEand 43 CE would have to be entirely and undeniably fictitious.In addition, even if one is naïve enough to countenance supposedlyhistorical references to either Thallus or Phlegon, they tell thehistorian nothing that can authenticate either the life or ministry ofJesus of Nazareth.

Author Biography

N P L Allen, North-West University
Prof Nicholas Peter Legh Allen, Dip F.A., M.F.A., M.A., Ph.D., D.Phil., Laur. Tech. F.A. previously Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. Previously Director: Global Engagement at the North-West University. Currently professor in School of Ancient Languages and Text Studeis, North-West University. Confirmed multidisciplinarian. Research areas include multimedia, sindonology, theology, apocrypha, cognate literature, Judaica, early Christian church history, classical and medieval history, the history of optical technology and also aesthetics.

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Published
2019-03-14
Section
Articles