Ptolemy contributions to mathematics

Claudius Ptolemy , a scientist of Egyptian origin, was an important astronomer , mathematician and Greek geographer who flourished in Alexandria during the 2nd century A. His writings represent the culminating achievement of Greco-Roman science, mainly if we refer to his geocentric model, which was based on the center of the earth as a model of the universe, what we now know as Ptolemaic system.

He was an astrologer who believed that astrology was a legitimate but inaccurate science. His approach to astrology was quite practical; he thought that astrology was useful but should not be trusted completely.

Ptolemy education

Claudius Ptolemy was the last great representative of Greek astronomy , great observer, mathematician, geographer and scientist, whose main work influenced Arab and European astronomy until the Renaissance and creator of the geocentric model and Ptolemaic system. Apparently, he was born in Ptolemy , around the year 85 and died in Alexandria in the year Claudius Ptolemy grew up to become a mathematician , astrologer , astronomer and a recognized writer.

In fact, ancient sources state that he lived and worked in Alexandria, Egypt. Ptolemy created several scientific treatises. Ptolemy made great geographical discoveries in which he created precise maps using different projection systems and discovered the geographical coordinates to locate places on earth. He discovered the theory of mirrors and light reflection and refraction.

10 facts about ptolemy

He explained the mathematical theory that gave movement to the moon, sun and planets. In this theory, which is his most important creation and research, Claudius Ptolemy believed that the earth was in a static position and therefore occupied the center of the Universe , and that the Sun, Moon, stars and planets were revolving around it.

He looked for a way to solve the two main questions regarding planetary motion, planet retrogradation and the increase they produce when they retrograde, and the different duration of sidereal revolutions. In his system, each of the planets moves through two or more spheres, one of them is centered in the earth and the other is the epicycles that fit in the deferent.

His world map was based on the world description in his own book and was a grid system representing latitude and longitude. He had eight different books with 27 different map illustrations.