Eratosthenes of Cyrene

Definition

Eratosthenes of Cyrene was a Greek mathematician, astronomer, and geographer who lived during the Hellenistic period. He is best known for his work in calculating the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy and for founding the discipline of geography by introducing a system of latitude and longitude. His contributions represent a significant advance in scientific thought during the era of Hellenistic poetry and the Alexandrian school, where intellectual inquiry flourished.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eratosthenes was the chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria, which was one of the most significant libraries of the ancient world.
2. He devised a method to calculate the Earth's circumference by measuring the angle of the shadow cast by a stick in two different locations at noon.
3. Eratosthenes is credited with coining the term 'geography' and compiling one of the first maps of the known world.
4. He estimated the Earth's circumference to be about 39,375 kilometers, which is remarkably close to modern measurements.
5. His contributions laid foundational principles for both mathematics and geography that influenced future generations of scholars.

Review Questions

• How did Eratosthenes' work contribute to our understanding of geography during the Hellenistic period?
  • Eratosthenes' work laid the groundwork for geography as a discipline by introducing systematic methods for measuring and mapping the Earth. His innovative approach to calculating the Earth's circumference not only demonstrated advanced mathematical skills but also illustrated how geographical knowledge could be acquired through empirical observation. This approach encouraged other scholars in Alexandria and beyond to pursue scientific inquiry based on measurements and observations, shaping future developments in geography.
• Discuss how Eratosthenes' life in Alexandria influenced his scientific achievements.
  • Living in Alexandria, a vibrant center for scholarly activity during the Hellenistic period, greatly influenced Eratosthenes' scientific achievements. The city was home to the famous Library of Alexandria, where he served as chief librarian. This position provided him access to vast resources, texts, and a network of other scholars that facilitated collaboration and exchange of ideas. The intellectual environment fostered by Alexandria allowed him to apply his mathematical skills to practical problems, such as measuring the Earth’s size, which became one of his most notable accomplishments.
• Evaluate Eratosthenes' impact on both mathematics and geography and its significance in shaping subsequent scientific thought.
  • Eratosthenes' impact on mathematics and geography was profound and set a precedent for future scientific inquiry. By accurately calculating the Earth's circumference, he established a model for combining empirical research with mathematical analysis, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge. His work influenced later thinkers like Ptolemy and laid foundational concepts that would be crucial during the Renaissance. The precision and methodology he employed not only advanced geographic understanding but also reinforced the importance of critical thinking and systematic inquiry in science.

Related terms

Alexandria:

A major center of learning and culture in ancient Egypt, known for its famous library and as a hub for scholars, including Eratosthenes.

Hellenistic period: The historical period following the conquests of Alexander the Great, characterized by the spread of Greek culture and ideas throughout the Mediterranean and Near East.

Geography: The study of the Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments, significantly advanced by Eratosthenes through his geographical work.