What did people think of comets in ancient times?

Comets have surfaced in myths and legends as evil omens. They appeared in the sky to herald the occurrence of natural disasters such as flood and famines. They served as warning of impending war and death of powerful rulers. * fiery messengers of the gods * The harbinger of Doom * The Menace of the Universe http://www.NASA.gov/mission_pages/deepimpact/media/f_ancient.html