Who First Defined Geography? The Legacy of Eratosthenes

Discover how Eratosthenes named geography and shaped our understanding of the earth from 276-194 BC.

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Eratosthenes of Cyrene, a Greek scholar, is widely credited with first naming and defining the field of geography around 276-194 BC. He introduced the term, derived from Greek words 'geo' (earth) and 'graphy' (writing), and laid the groundwork for geographical study.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the term 'geography' mean? The term 'geography' combines the Greek words 'geo' (earth) and 'graphy' (writing), referring to the study of the earth's features.
  2. What were Eratosthenes's main contributions to geography? Eratosthenes is known for naming geography and for his early work in measuring the earth's circumference and mapping locations.
  3. When did Eratosthenes live? Eratosthenes lived from approximately 276 BC to 194 BC during the Hellenistic period in Ancient Greece.
  4. Are there other important figures in the history of geography? Yes, other notable figures include Ptolemy, Strabo, and Ibn Battuta, each contributing to the evolution of geographical thought.