Greek and Roman Geographers

• These notes explore the contributions of Greek and Roman geographers, who laid the foundation for modern spatial studies and cartography.

The Birth of Scientific Geography

• The Greeks were the first to approach geography as a systematic discipline that integrated mathematics, astronomy, and environmental studies.
• Anaximander (c. 610–546 BCE) created one of the earliest world maps and invented the gnomon which is an instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.
• Thales of Miletus (c. 624–546 BCE) introduced the concept that the Earth is a floating disc on water.
• Hecataeus of Miletus (c. 550–476 BCE) classified the known world into Europe and Asia and wrote "Ges Periodos", an early attempt at regional geography.
• Herodotus (c. 484–425 BCE) documented lands and peoples and explored the relationships between geography, climate, and culture in his work "Histories".
• Aristotle (384–322 BCE) provided evidence for Earth’s sphericity and introduced a three-zone climate classification: Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid.

Scientific Advancements of Eratosthenes and Ptolemy

• Eratosthenes (c. 276–194 BCE) is known as the “Father of Geography”.
• Eratosthenes coined the term geography and calculated the Earth’s circumference with surprising accuracy at approximately 40,000 km.
• He introduced latitude and longitude, revolutionizing mapmaking and created one of the first scientific world maps, applying mathematical principles.
• Ptolemy (c. 100–170 CE) built upon Greek knowledge and created a comprehensive system for mapping.
• Ptolemy's work "Geography" introduced a coordinate-based mapping system using latitude and longitude and divided the known world into a grid.
• Ptolemy's world map became a crucial reference for explorers for over a thousand years and he introduced the geocentric model of the universe
• His methodologies influenced Renaissance explorers, including Christopher Columbus, and laid the groundwork for modern cartographic projections.

Strabo and the Regional Approach

• Strabo (c. 64 BCE–24 CE) emphasized the relationship between geography and human activity.
• Strabo's "Geographica", a 17-volume work, described the known world in detail, highlighting the political, cultural, and economic aspects of different regions
• Strabo's work helped shape the development of regional geography.

Impact and Legacy

• Greek and Roman geographers established the foundations of scientific cartography and developed early climate classification systems.
• They created geographic frameworks that influenced navigation and exploration and laid the groundwork for medieval and Renaissance advancements in geography.
• They developed tools like the gnomon, grid mapping systems, and theories of spatial organization.
• Their pioneering efforts shaped modern geographical inquiry, proving that geography includes understanding the world and our place in it.

Explore the foundations of modern geography with Greek thinkers like Anaximander and Aristotle, who introduced early world maps and the concept of Earth's sphericity. Then learn about Roman contributions, including advancements in mapping and engineering that expanded geographical knowledge. The notes talk about key figures and their lasting impact on spatial understanding.