* Astronomy

A solar eclipse took place on 3 June 1239, visible from many parts of Europe. This was documented in Coimbra, Toledo, Montpellier, Marola, Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Cesena and Split. Accounts of the duration vary considerably, from Cesena (one hour), to Coimbra (three hours) and Florence ('several hours'). However, an astronomer of the period, Restoro d'Arezzo, wrote an eyewitness report, which has been described as "the earliest known which gives a meaningful estimate of the duration of totality". He described seeing the Sun "entirely covered for the space of time in which a man could walk fully 250 paces," which is consistent with the modern estimate of 5 minutes and 45 seconds.
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"In the year of our Lord 1239 there was an eclipse of the sun, wherein the light of day was horribly and terribly darkened, and the stars appeared. And it seemed as though night had come, and all men and women had sore fear, and went about as if bereft of their wits, with great sorrow and trembling. And many, smitten with terror, came to confession, and made penitence for their sins, and those who were at discord made peace with each other. And the Lord Manfred of Cornazano, who was at that time Podestà, took the Cross in his hands and went in procession through the streets of Lucca, with the Friars Minor and other men of religion and clerks. And the Podestà himself preached of the Passion of Christ, and made peace between those who were at enmity. This I saw with mine own eyes, for I was there, and my brother Guido di Adamo with me." (Salimbene, Franciscan monk and chronicler, 1221-1288)

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There was an eclipse of the sun on Friday 3 June 1239, at the sixth hour.
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Interactive Eclipse Path Using Google Maps