Eratosthenes of Cyrene was a Greek mathematician, astronomer, and geographer, best known for calculating the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy in the 3rd century BCE. His innovative methods and ideas laid the groundwork for future scientific exploration and advancements in geography and mathematics.
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Eratosthenes was the chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria, one of the most famous libraries of the ancient world.
He developed a method to calculate the Earth's circumference by measuring the angle of shadows in different locations during noon.
His estimate of the Earth's circumference was remarkably close to modern measurements, around 39,375 kilometers (24,901 miles).
Eratosthenes also introduced the terms 'latitude' and 'longitude' to describe locations on Earth.
In addition to his work in mathematics and geography, he made contributions to astronomy and philosophy, demonstrating a well-rounded intellect.
Review Questions
How did Eratosthenes calculate the Earth's circumference, and what significance did this have on the development of science?
Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's circumference by comparing the angle of shadows cast by objects in two different cities at noon. He knew that at Syene, there was no shadow due to direct sunlight while a shadow was cast in Alexandria. By measuring this angle and knowing the distance between the two cities, he used simple geometry to find the Earth's circumference. This calculation was significant as it demonstrated that mathematical principles could be applied to understand and measure the natural world, paving the way for future scientific inquiries.
Evaluate Eratosthenes' contributions to geography and how they influenced later scientific developments.
Eratosthenes' contributions to geography included introducing a system of latitude and longitude as well as creating one of the first maps of the known world. His methodology in measuring distances based on angles set a precedent for geographical studies that followed. These innovations allowed later scientists and explorers to better navigate and understand Earth's layout, influencing cartography and geographic thought throughout history.
Discuss the impact of Eratosthenes' work on both ancient and modern understandings of science and mathematics.
Eratosthenes' work had a profound impact on both ancient and modern science by showcasing how mathematical reasoning can yield empirical results about our world. His accurate estimation of Earth's size challenged contemporary perceptions and encouraged further exploration into planetary measurements. In modern contexts, his ideas continue to resonate in scientific methodologies, highlighting the importance of quantitative reasoning in mathematics and encouraging innovations that rely on empirical data.
Related terms
Circumference: The distance around a circle, which Eratosthenes measured to determine the Earth's size using geometry.
Sieve of Eratosthenes: An ancient algorithm attributed to Eratosthenes for finding all prime numbers up to a specified integer.
Geography: The field of study that Eratosthenes significantly contributed to by creating one of the earliest maps and introducing the concept of latitude and longitude.