Ancient Astronomy Quiz

Early History of Science

• Early history of science was centered on observation and the natural world, leading to foundational experiments and theories.
• Development of systematic inquiries about nature formed the basis for later scientific methods.

Cuneiform Writing

• Cuneiform was first developed in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily by the Sumerians.
• This writing system became one of the earliest forms of written expression, used for record-keeping and literature.

Earth-Centric Universe

• Around 400 BC, the philosopher Anaxagoras suggested that the Earth was at the center of the universe.
• This geo-centric view influenced subsequent astronomical models until the heliocentric theory emerged.

Contributions of Ancient Civilizations

• The ancient Greeks significantly contributed to mathematics, astronomy, and logic.
• Notable figures include Pythagoras and Euclid, who laid the groundwork for mathematics, while Aristotle made strides in logical reasoning.

Order in Nature

• Aristotle was pivotal in articulating a sense of 'order' in nature, merging scientific inquiry with philosophical thought.
• His contributions spanned various fields, solidifying the connection between science and philosophy.

Mesopotamian Universe Perspectives

• The Mesopotamians held a view of the cosmos involving gods controlling natural phenomena.
• They implemented astronomical observations, leading to early calendars and predictive models of celestial patterns.

Development of Cuneiform

• The Sumerians were the original developers of the Cuneiform system, primarily for administrative and commercial purposes.
• Over time, it evolved to allow for more complex forms of communication, including literature and scientific texts.