Ancient sky cultures
Eratosthenes
276 BCE – 194 BCE · EG, GR
Biography
Eratosthenes (276 BCE–194 BCE) was an astronomer or scientist associated with Egypt, Greece. Measured Earth’s circumference using solar geometry and geographic separation. In this library, the biography is linked to Solar time and sundials, Ancient Greek astronomy so the historical contribution can be read beside the modern scientific concepts it influenced.
Contributions
Measured Earth’s circumference using solar geometry and geographic separation.
Legacy & impact
The legacy of Eratosthenes remains visible in modern work on Solar time and sundials, Ancient Greek astronomy and in the broader shift toward quantitative, testable astronomy.
Key works & discoveries
- Geometric estimate of Earth’s circumference
- Work on geography, chronology and astronomical measurement
Geometric estimate of Earth’s circumference; Work on geography, chronology and astronomical measurement.