In ancient times, people did not have the support of modern devices such as radar or satellites. However, through their deep interaction with the surrounding environment, they developed incredible ways to predict the weather, especially dangerous weather phenomena like storms.
For thousands of years before modern meteorology emerged, weather forecasting was an integral part of life and culture in ancient civilizations. Despite lacking scientific tools as we have today, ancient people had special methods based on natural observation and belief systems to predict storms, rain, and other weather phenomena. Each civilization developed its own system, from observing nature to interacting with deities.
Ancient China: Predictions Through Nature and Proverbs
The Chinese used many ancient proverbs to interpret natural phenomena. (Illustration).
In ancient China, weather forecasting was not only a part of daily life but also a crucial factor in agricultural production. The Chinese developed forecasting techniques based on natural observations, especially phenomena such as animal behavior and weather patterns.
A prominent example is their reliance on the behavior of animals and insects to predict weather changes. For instance, if dragonflies fly low near the ground and move erratically, this signals an approaching storm. Additionally, if the legs of houses suddenly become wet, they know rain is imminent. This indicates their meticulous observation of small changes in the environment and nature to make weather predictions.
The Chinese also employed many ancient proverbs to interpret natural phenomena and transform them into weather forecasting tools. These proverbs not only aided daily weather forecasts but also provided long-term predictions regarding crops, monsoons, and even astronomical phenomena such as solar eclipses. This demonstrates the blend of culture and weather forecasting that ancient Chinese people developed over thousands of years.
Ancient Scandinavia: Weather and Religious Beliefs
For the Scandinavians, harsh weather phenomena were often interpreted as the wrath of the gods. (Illustration).
In Scandinavia, weather and religious beliefs were closely intertwined. The Vikings and other tribes in this region believed that weather phenomena such as storms, thunder, and rain were controlled by deities. Harsh weather conditions were often interpreted as the anger of the gods, and to avoid dangerous storms, they had to appease the gods through rituals and sacrifices.
Among the Norse gods, Freyr, the goddess of weather and agriculture, was believed to have the power to control the weather. People believed that pleasing Freyr would grant them good weather for planting and harvesting. Conversely, if Thor, the god of thunder and storms, felt offended, he could unleash devastating storms that would ruin crops. Therefore, religious rituals were not just forms of worship but also a means for people to influence the weather through communication with the gods.
The weather forecasting methods in ancient Scandinavia were not scientific but were heavily based on beliefs and faith in the power of the gods. However, this also reflects the deep interaction between humans and nature, as well as their ways of coping with the harshness of the weather and living conditions in the cold Scandinavian region.
Ancient Greece: The Dawn of Meteorological Science
Around 300 BC, Aristotle changed the approach to weather. (Illustration).
The ancient Greeks initially relied on mythology and religion to forecast the weather. They believed that Zeus, the supreme god of Olympus, controlled thunder and other weather phenomena. Weather, therefore, was not just a natural phenomenon but also an expression of the gods’ power.
However, around 300 BC, Aristotle revolutionized this approach and made weather forecasting a part of science. In his work Meteorologica, he attempted to explain weather phenomena through observation and mathematics. This is considered one of the earliest works in meteorological science, laying the foundation for understanding phenomena such as rain, wind, and thunder in a scientific manner.
Aristotle did not stop at explaining the weather. He created a classification system for natural phenomena and analyzed them from a scientific perspective. His theories on air movement, clouds, and storm formation helped the ancient Greeks not only forecast daily weather but also laid the groundwork for developing modern meteorological theories.
Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs and the Power of Forecasting
The Egyptians believed that pharaohs had a direct connection with the gods who controlled the weather. (Illustration).
In ancient Egyptian civilization, weather forecasting was not the responsibility of ordinary people but was part of the power of the pharaohs. The Egyptians believed that pharaohs had a direct connection with the gods, especially Ra, the sun god, who controlled the weather and agricultural seasons.
The Egyptians relied not only on the gods but also on natural observations of the Nile River’s flow to predict weather and flooding. Water from the Nile was vital for Egyptian agriculture, and predicting when the Nile would overflow was crucial. They observed the water levels and other natural signs to forecast heavy rains and floods, helping the population prepare for the agricultural season.
In Egypt, weather forecasting was not only based on natural knowledge but was also a significant part of the religious and political power of the pharaohs. This highlights the close connection between power, religion, and the ability to control nature in ancient Egyptian society.
Ancient Arabs: Winds and Climate
The Arabs recognized that different wind directions brought different weather patterns. (Illustration).
The ancient Arabs developed a weather forecasting system based on observations of winds and climate. They realized that different wind directions brought different weather patterns, forming a classification system based on four main types of winds.
This system helped them not only predict short-term weather but also make long-term predictions about crops and climate. The Arabs also placed great emphasis on astronomy, using observations of stars and celestial bodies to predict weather, especially astronomical phenomena related to seasonal changes.
Ancient Aztecs: Communicating with the Gods
The ancient Aztecs trusted their prophets to make predictions about natural phenomena. (Illustration).
The ancient Aztecs believed that their prophets had the ability to communicate directly with the gods to predict the weather. Prophets were seen as individuals with supernatural powers to connect with the divine world and provide forecasts about natural phenomena.
The belief in the prophets’ abilities played a significant role in the religious and political life of the Aztecs. Festivals and sacrificial rituals were held to appease the gods, hoping that they would bring favorable weather for crops and protect the community from natural disasters like storms or droughts.
Ancient Mesopotamia: Astronomy and Forecasting
The ancient Mesopotamians used astronomy to predict the weather. (Illustration).
The ancient Mesopotamians were among the first civilizations to use astronomy for weather forecasting. They observed cloud patterns and celestial phenomena to make predictions. They also employed mathematics to calculate and analyze these observations, similar to the later Greeks.
They constructed Ziggurat temples, where astronomers and priests could observe the sky to predict the weather. Although this method did not achieve the accuracy of modern weather forecasting, it helped the people better prepare for climatic events.
Despite lacking modern technology such as radar or satellites, ancient civilizations developed unique weather forecasting methods, especially for phenomena like storms. Through observing nature, communicating with deities, and developing belief systems, they were able to understand and prepare for climate changes. These efforts not only ensured their survival but also laid the groundwork for the development of modern meteorological science.
