Named after the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras (c. 500–428 B.C.). He lived in Asia minor and in Athens, where he became friend of Pericles. He taught that solar and lunar eclipses originated in a scientific way and not as an act of the gods. This was an asebie (outrage against the gods) and Anaxagoras had to flee; he died in exile. (M 22501) _ _.