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Ptolemy (c. 90-c. 168)
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Ptolemy (c. 90-c. 168)
Ptolemy, astronomer, geographer and mathematician who lived in the Greek culture of Roman Egypt. Ptolemy is one of the most famous astronomers of antiquity. The Ptolemaic system described in his Almagest documented previous Greek thought, and dominated Western science for over a thousand years. The Almagest summarised five centuries of Greek astronomy and represented the conventional view of the Universe until the Copernican revolution. He described the motion of celestial bodies on a geocentric basis with mainly circular orbits but he had to introduce various devices such as epicycles to match the theory with the observations. He also worked out distances and sizes for the Sun and the Moon, compiled a catalogue of 1028 stars and described various astronomical instruments. Taken from a 14th century fresco
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Media ID 6333609
© Sheila Terry
Ancient Greece Astrological Astrology Astronomer Cosmological Cosmologist Cosmology Cosmos Earth Science Globe Mathematician Ptolemy Scientist Almagest Claudius Ptolemaeus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a 14th-century fresco depicting the illustrious figure of Ptolemy, an eminent astronomer, geographer, and mathematician from ancient Greece. Ptolemy's influence on Western science cannot be overstated, as his groundbreaking work dominated the field for over a millennium. In his renowned masterpiece, the Almagest, Ptolemy meticulously documented centuries of Greek astronomical knowledge. His geocentric model of the Universe described celestial bodies' motion with circular orbits but required ingenious additions like epicycles to align theory with observation. This system remained unchallenged until Copernicus revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Ptolemy's contributions extended beyond theoretical frameworks; he also calculated distances and sizes for both the Sun and Moon while compiling an extensive catalogue featuring 1028 stars. Moreover, he explored various astronomical instruments that aided in unraveling the mysteries of our universe. The image captures Ptolemy amidst a backdrop adorned with symbols representing astrology and cosmology—a testament to his multifaceted expertise. As we gaze upon this remarkable artwork today, it serves as a reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit to comprehend our place within the vastness of space. This awe-inspiring photograph is brought to us by Science Photo Library—an invaluable resource for those passionate about space exploration, astronomy enthusiasts seeking historical context or anyone captivated by ancient Greece's scientific legacy.
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