The first book of "Geography" contained a summary of existing geographical work and Eratosthenes' speculations about the nature of the planet Earth. He sketched, quite accurately, the route of the Nile to Khartoum, showing the two Ethiopian tributaries. It is believed that it was Eratosthenes' fame as a poet that attracted the attention of Ptolemy III Evergetes, who called him to Alexandria to tutor his son, as well as offering him a position as director of the city library. The ancient Greek scholar Eratosthenes is dubbed the father of geography. He was the first to use the word geography, and he also had a small-scale understanding of the planet that helped him determine the earths circumference. In the 1960's, Eratosthenes crater was identified by Gene Shoemaker and Robert Hackman as a key stratigraphic marker delimiting the longest period (Eratosthenian) of the lunar timescale, thought to range from about 3.2 to 1.1 billion years old! However, a simplified version of the method has been preserved, as described by Cleomedes.[15]. Homers Iliad and The Odyssey were thought to be the first books on the subject. "Eratosthenes of Cyrene." Eratosthenes made major contributions to geography. Duane W. Roller provides a rich background, including a history of the text and its reception, a biography of Eratosthenes, and a comprehensive account of ancient Greek geographical thought and of Eratosthenes pioneering contribution to it. The actual circumference of the Earth is 24,874 miles (40,032 kilometers). Arab and Muslim contribution to geography was not only confined to astronomical and mathematical geography, but rather covered a wide range of the branches of the discipline known at the present time. He worked in geography to try to figure out why the Nile river had such a regular flood pattern, and hypothesized that it was because of heavy rain upstream. But he did not find in them a style that appealed to him. establishing a center of the study of marine science and navigation on Portugal What did Eratosthenes of Cyrene contribute to marine science and why is it important? JR, on the other, Either is a correct plural for the word leaf, according to Merriam-Websters online dictionary. As a young man, Eratosthenes studied in Athens. Eckerman, C. (2011). [6] Eratosthenes was a man of many perspectives and investigated the art of poetry under Callimachus. Eratosthenes is most famous for making the first accurate measurement of the circumference of the Earth. He became famous for being the first to calculate, with considerable precision, the circumference of the earth. His mathematical work is known principally from the writings of the Greek geometer Pappus of Alexandria, and his geographical work from the first two books of the Geography of the Greek geographer Strabo. He also calculated the tilt axis of the Earth. For his studies on the earth, Eratosthenes is known as the "father of geography." Pacific Ocean- Largest, deepest, lots of islands and seamounts. He created one of the earliest maps of the known world between 276-195 BC, but his greatest contribution was the concept of latitude and longitude. It is a large, submerged massif, about 120 km long and 80 km wide. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Eratosthenes of Cyrene, an ancient Greek mathematician and astronomer, was the first to use the word Geography (Greek: Geographika). Here Eratosthenes described his famous story of the well in Syene, wherein at noon each summer solstice, the Sun's rays shone straight down into the city-center well. Zihuatanejo Beach Shawshank, There he was taught Stoicism by its founder, Zeno of Citium, in philosophical lectures on living a virtuous life. He made a catalog of 675 stars. He believed it was a fixed globe whose changes only took place on the surface. In mathematics, the sieve of Eratosthenes (Greek: ), one of a number of prime number sieves, is a simple, ancient algorithm for finding all prime numbers up to any given limit. He studied in Athens at the Lyceum. He studied at Plato's school in Athens. He sketched, quite accurately, the route of the Nile to Khartoum, showing the two Ethiopian tributaries. [16] A geometric calculation reveals that the circumference of the Earth is the distance between the two cities divided by the difference in shadow angles expressed as a fraction of one turn. Notable explorations were undertaken by the Greeks, the Romans, the Polynesians, the Phoenicians, Phytheas, Herodotus, the Vikings, the Portuguese and Muslims. Eratosthenes also did other things that are known today. Cyrene was absorbed into the Ptolemaic monarchy of Egypt, which ruled from Alexandria, the cultural and commercial center of the Mediterranean. Eratosthenes Contribution to Geography Eratosthenes (276-194 BC) Eratosthenes was a Greek mathematician, geographer, astronomer & poet. Everything that pleases the Muses and kings you yourself gave to your son. In addition to the attempts of Eratosthenes of Cyrene (c. 276c. Eratosthenes created a whole section devoted to the examination of Homer, and acquired original works of great tragic dramas of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. . The Greeks made tremendous advancements in the fields of geomorphology, climatology and oceanography. Menu. The first discussed the problems of representing a spherical earth on a flat sheet . "Ptolemy's System of Seven Climata and Eratosthenes' Geography". This is important to marine science because these concepts are used for locations around the globe. He created a longitude and latitude system, as well as a map of the world. (40,000 miles). He is best known for being the first person known to calculate the circumference of the Earth, which he did by using the extensive survey results he could access in his role at the Library; his calculation was remarkably accurate. Morris, Terry R. "Eratosthenes of Cyrene." He made maps, both of the world and sky and is said to have made a map that included 675 stars. He did this by observing the Moon during a lunar eclipse and by estimating the angle and the size of the Earth. Eratosthenes was well acquainted with the extent of the Red sea, which he described as extending for about 9000 stadia (900 miles) from the head of Gulf of Suez to the Bab-al-Mandab. ISBN: 978-0-691-14267-8. Greeks-create Maps of Med. At this time Eratosthenes took advantage of his position and the access to the information he had to learn about the most diverse subjects. He never married. The first spot has to go to the man who coined the term geography, Eratosthenes (c. 275-194 BC). At present it is known that the equatorial diameter is 40,075 kilometers. He also tried to determine the obliquity of the ecliptic. Among the archives that were at the disposal of Eratosthenes, the distance between Siena and Alexandria was stated to be 5000 stadia. Phoenicians (from what is now Syria and Lebanon) navigated and traded around Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Africa; 2000BC 2. Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological features of the ocean, including the ocean's ancient history, its current condition, and its future. The famous geographer and chief librarian at Alexandria Eratosthenes of Cyrene (c. 276 BCE - 194 BCE) also referenced Pytheas in a treatise that, like On the Ocean, has been lost but that was widely circulated in the ancient world. Term. He may have measured the distances from Earth to both the Moon and to the Sun, but the historical accounts of both deeds are rather cryptic. Euclid, Greek Eukleides, (flourished c. 300 bce, Alexandria, Egypt), the most prominent mathematician of Greco-Roman antiquity, best known for his treatise on geometry, the Elements. Book Collection Nonfiction: High School Edition. He made two important contributions, out of which one was later proved wrong, while the other was right, but it was overlooked for a long time. Geography consisted of eight volumes. The measurement of the Sun-Earth distance, now called the astronomical unit (804,000,000 stadia, 1 stadion varies from 157 to 209 meter). environment that offers balanced, up-to-date coverage of geology, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology. These six geographers are noteworthy for their contribution to the science of geography. This is where, according to Pliny, "The world was grasped." There it remained, approximately, for 25 years. Eratosthenes' other contributions include: The Sieve of Eratosthenes as a way of finding prime numbers. in, Chondros, Thomas G. Archimedes Life Works and Machines. Earth was considered as the centre of the universe, around which revolved the seven planets. He is regarded as the first scientific geographer who measured the length of the equator almost accurately (24860 miles) on sound principles with the help of gnomon. The 200-foot ship was three-masted, square-rigged, and built of wood. Princeton University Press, 2013. Eratosthenes was an ancient Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician. He invented Syene (near today's Aswan) is located some 800 km up the Nile river from Alexandria very close to the tropic of Cancer (2327'N), so at the time of the summer solstice the Sun's rays fall vertically down on Syrene at noon. Eratosthenes also studied under the poet and scholar Callimachus who had also been born in Cyrene. He visited Egypt and numerous places in South-West Asia, Greece, and the island in the Mediterranean Sea. However, it was in geography where he proved to be more skillful for he was one of the greatest of all ancient geographers. 2. He also calculated the tilt axis of the Earth. Required fields are marked *. Plato as "Architect of Science". Term. Definition. Eratosthenes was also the first to calculate the tilt of the Earths axis, which he figured with remarkable accuracy; the finding was reported by Ptolemy (85-165 CE). It is thought that Eratosthenes may also have been a pupil of Callimachus. Eratosthenes' is believed to be the first person to attempt a determination of the size of the Earth through measurement. [5] He adopted view of Aristotle & regarded the shape of the earth as sphere. James Rennell has been called the Father of Indian Geography, and for his pioneering work on oceanography as the Father of Oceanography.. Who discovered the geography? When you multiply by wall height, you get CFM. Eratosthenes analyzed the observations with the assumption that the earth is a sphere and the sun is very far away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Eratosthenes was a lover of the theater and wrote a series of twelve books which he titled Old Comedy. He created one of the earliest maps of the known world between 276-195 BC, but his greatest contribution was the concept of latitude and longitude. He returned to Cyrene and made such a name for himself in scholarly endeavors that the Greek ruler of Egypt brought him to Alexandria to tutor his son. Etching of an ancient seal identified as Eratosthenes. [24], Eratosthenes was described by the Suda Lexicon as a (Pentathlos) which can be translated as "All-Rounder", for he was skilled in a variety of things: He was a true polymath. Eratosthenes made many important contributions to science and mathematics. He was a figure of influence in many fields who yearned to understand the complexities of the entire world. Several astronomers and mathematicians tried to accurately measure the circumference of the Earth before and after Eratosthenes, but it was Eratosthenes who succeeded. Eratosthenes was a man of many talents. He created one of the earliest maps of the known world between 276-195 BC, but his greatest contribution was the concept of latitude and longitude. Guillaumin (eds.). Research into physical oceanography included Strabo, who observed volcanic activity and concluded that land was not totally static. He calculated the circumference of the Earth to be about 252,000 stadi which is equal to about 24,662 miles. Each fragment is accompanied by an English translation, a summary, and commentary. Eratosthenes may have been the first to use the word geography. Eratosthenes was called Beta (the second letter of the Greek alphabet) because he was never first, but he is more famous than his Alpha teachers because his discoveries are still used today. [25], This article is about the Greek scholar of the third century BC. The [] Lived c. 276 BC - c. 194 BC. Technology such as electronics and space travel have provided important contributions to oceanography. Now part of modern-day Libya, Cyrene had been founded by Greeks centuries earlier and became the capital of Pentapolis (North Africa), a country of five cities: Cyrene, Arsinoe, Berenice, Ptolemias, and Apollonia. Eratosthenes. Eratosthenes also calculated the distance from the Earth to the Moon and to the Sun, but with less accuracy. [17] In his three-volume work Geography (Greek: Geographika), he described and mapped his entire known world, even dividing the Earth into five climate zones:[18] two freezing zones around the poles, two temperate zones, and a zone encompassing the equator and the tropics. The Handy Geography Answer Book traces the history of geography from Eratosthenes and Alexander von Humboldt to latitude and longitude, and the latest advances in the Global Positioning System (GPS). Transit of Venus across the sum verified orbits 2. Eratosthenes used longitude in his maps, though the lines were placed irregularly so that they could pass through important landmarks. At the Library of Alexandria, he was the chief librarian where he read books on a variety of disciplines that expanded his knowledge extensively. Eckerman, Chris. Geographika had 3 volumes. The first spot has to go to the man who coined the term geography, Eratosthenes (c. 275194 BC). His prime number sieve provided a simple way for Greek mathematicians (and frustrated modern students!) The first known table of chords was produced by the Greek mathematician Hipparchus in about 140 BC. Name the major oceans and their main characteristics. They also built a ship know as the Knarr. With these data (length of the shadow and length of the rod), Eratosthenes calculated the angle of the sun's rays in 1/50 of a circumference. Eratosthenes is said to have coined the term geography in Ancient Greece. 5 best Master's degrees in Clinical and Health Psychology to study in Spain, The 40 phrases of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, 7 keys for someone to open up more to you, The 10 most romantic cities on the planet, Social behavior: definition and explanatory theories, Postcoital dysphoria: symptoms, causes and treatment, Scriptophobia: symptoms, causes and treatment, Nematodes: characteristics, classification, reproduction, nutrition, Specialized texts: characteristics, structure, types, examples. [10] He then studied under Aristo of Chios, who led a more cynical school of philosophy. _____ includes the study of the earth at History of Oceanography TIMELINE Print PDF Zoom Out Events Egyptian trade on nile 4000 B.C. He worked in geography to try to figure out why the Nile river had such a regular flood pattern, and hypothesized that it was because of heavy rain upstream. Your email address will not be published. Updates? [9], The measurement of Earth's circumference is the most famous among the results obtained by Eratosthenes,[13] who estimated that the meridian has a length of 252,000 stadia (39,060 to 40,320 kilometres (24,270 to 25,050mi)), with an error on the real value between 2.4% and +0.8% (assuming a value for the stadion between 155 and 160 metres (509 and 525ft)). The two cities used were Alexandria and Syene (modern Aswan), and the distance between the cities was measured by professional bematists. He established the value of each degree in 700 stadiums and a total circumference of 252,000, corresponding to approximately 39,691 kilometers, since the stadium was a difficult measure to determine. He greatly overestimated the West to East distance from the Westernmost part of Europe to the Eastern extremity of the ekumene (the habitable calculated the Earths circumference and invented the first lattitude/longitude system a system of imaginary lines on the Earth, used for navigation and mapping. We do not know what he looked like. The exact length of the units (stadia) he used is doubtful, and the accuracy of his result is therefore uncertain. He acquired works such as the great dramas of Aeschylus and Euripides. He wrote on many topics geography, mathematics, philosophy, chronology, literary criticism, grammar, poetry, and even old comedies. [6] He developed systems of latitudes and longitudes, [7] He measure accurate length of equator, [8] Circumferences of the earth by Eratosthenes 25000 miles, but actual 24860 miles, PDF Name: Eratosthenes Contribution to Geography Notes by Netset Corner, Chronologically Arranged Schools and Associate Scholars. a. Eratosthenes of Cyrene developed longitude and latitude . Eratosthenes was a famous mathematician who developed latitude and longitude as a way to measure the Earth. Read about the life of Eratosthenes. He set the circumference measurement at 252,000 stadia, which is approximately 39,691 kilometers. He was born in 271 BC in Cyrene, which is now known as Libya, in North Africa. There he first coined the term "geography" and used his discoveries regarding the size and shape of the earth to represent it.
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