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
- 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.
- 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.
- When did Eratosthenes live? Eratosthenes lived from approximately 276 BC to 194 BC during the Hellenistic period in Ancient Greece.
- 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.