Eratosthenes
Ancient Greek polymath who calculated Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy
Eratosthenes of Cyrene (276-194 BCE) revolutionized scientific methodology through his multidisciplinary approach. As chief librarian at Alexandria's Great Library, he made groundbreaking contributions to geography, mathematics, and astronomy.
His most famous achievement - calculating Earth's circumference - demonstrated extraordinary scientific insight. By measuring shadow differences between Syene and Alexandria during summer solstice, he determined the planet's spherical nature and size with less than 2% error.
Key innovations include:
- Inventing the 'sieve' algorithm for prime numbers
- Creating the first world map with meridians/parallels
- Developing chronology of historical events
Eratosthenes's work laid foundations for multiple sciences:
| Field | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Geography | Term 'geography' coined |
| Astronomy | Measured axial tilt |
| Mathematics | Sieve of Eratosthenes |
His Geographika compiled geographical knowledge from Alexander's campaigns, while his star catalog advanced astronomical understanding. Eratosthenes exemplified Hellenistic scholarship by connecting disparate fields - his methods anticipating modern scientific integration.
Despite later criticism from Strabo and Ptolemy, Eratosthenes's Earth measurement remained influential for 1,700 years. His legacy as the first scientific geographer and proto-polymath continues to inspire interdisciplinary research.
Literary Appearances
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Cinematic Appearances
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