Who was Eratosthenes?

Eratosthenes (l.c. 276-195 BCE) was a Greek polymath best known as the first to calculate the circumference of the earth.

What is Eratosthenes famous for?

Eratosthenes is famous for being the first to calculate the circumference of the earth.

Why is Eratosthenes called the Father of Geography?

Eratosthenes is called the Father of Geography because he not only coined the term "Geography" but was the first to write a comprehensive work on the subject.

Who first discovered the size of the earth?

The Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with first calculating the size of the earth but the later polymath Eratosthenes' calculations were more accurate.

What was Eratosthenes' primary influence?

Eratosthenes' primary influence was Academic Skepticism which encouraged people to think and judge for themselves instead of accepting common knowledge on any subject.

Eratosthenes Timeline

Definition

Eratosthenes (l. c. 276-195 BCE) was a Greek astronomer, geographer, mathematician, and poet best known for being the first to calculate the circumference of the earth and its axial tilt. He is also recognized for his mathematical innovation, the Sieve of Eratosthenes, which identified prime numbers, and his position as head of the Library at Alexandria.

More about: Eratosthenes

Timeline

276 BCE - 195 BCE
Life of Eratosthenes, ancient Greek Alexandrian scholar, native of Cyrene and one of the greatest geographers in antiquity.
c. 240 BCE
Eratosthenes calculates the earth's cirumference based on the difference in shadows at midday at two different locations in Egypt.

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