What was ancient Greek science?

Ancient Greek science was essentially philosophy applied to observable phenomena in an attempt to explain it without resorting to supernatural causes.

What caused ancient Greek science?

Ancient Greek science was inspired by the quest to find the First Cause of the Universe - the "stuff" that the universe is made of which then gave birth to all else.

Who was the first Greek scientist?

The first Greek scientist was the philosopher Thales of Miletus, who is also credited with establishing Greek Mathematics.

When did ancient Greek science begin?

Ancient Greek science began in the 6th century BCE with Thales of Miletus in Ionia. His theories are thought to have been based on those of the Babylonians and Egyptians.

Greek Science Timeline

Definition

Ancient Greek science is a modern term for the application of systematic inquiry into the individual, the world, and the universe, which began in Ionia in the 6th century BCE with Thales of Miletus (l. c. 585 BCE) and continued through the work of the astronomer Ptolemy (l. 100-170 CE) to form the foundation of modern scientific method.

More about: Ancient Greek Science

Timeline

c. 585 BCE
Time in which Thales of Miletus lived.
28 May 585 BCE
A battle between Media and Lydia broke off immediately as a result of a total eclipse of the sun and the two armies made peace. The eclipse was successfully predicted by Thales of Miletus.
c. 571 BCE - c. 497 BCE
Life of Pythagoras of Samos; claim that "number" is the First Cause of existence and the soul is immortal.
c. 546 BCE
Date of Anaximenes' work; air is claimed as the First Cause of existence.
c. 450 BCE
Empedocles suggests that all things are made from combinations of the four elements; earth, fire, water and air.
384 BCE - 322 BCE
Life of Aristotle.
c. 310 BCE - c. 230 BCE
Life of Greek astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus of Samos.
c. 300 BCE
Beginnings of the discipline of botany, as Theophrastus writes Enquiry into Plants and The Causes of Plants.
287 BCE - 212 BCE
Life of Archimedes, physician, mathematician and engineer.
c. 190 BCE - c. 120 BCE
Life of Hipparchus of Nicea, the ancient Greek mathematician, astronomer and geographer considered the greatest astronomer of antiquity and among the most impressive in world history
100 CE
The mathematician and astronomer Menelaus of Alexandria lived.