 A partial eclipse best observed from the west coast of Africa, took place on March 13, 4 BCE, about 29 days before Passover.Whilst this eclipse has been suggested as the one referred to by Josephus, there were other eclipses during this period, with proponents of 5 BCE and the two eclipses of 1 BCE occurring January 10, being the most spectacular total lunar eclipse and December 29, another only partial eclipse.Scholars agree Herod suffered throughout his lifetime from depression and paranoia.