Gregory, A;
(2016)
Astronomy.
In:
A Companion to Science, Technology, and Medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome.
(pp. 96-114).
John Wiley & Sons
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Abstract
The history of ancient Greek and Roman astronomy can traditionally be divided into three broad periods, Presocratic speculation, the homocentric spheres model of Eudoxus and the epicyclic model of Ptolemy. This in itself makes a decision on how to approach Greek and Roman astronomy, prioritizing the development of models of the heavens, Alternatively, one might focus on observation, practices or the practical application of astronomy. Here we concentrate on models but not to the exclusion of other approaches. We also challenge the idea that Presocratic astronomy was largely speculative. To treat astronomy on its own is also to some extent to impose a modern disciplinary boundary on ancient work which did not recognize a sharp boundary with cosmology, or in some cases with astrology.
| Type: | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Title: | Astronomy |
| ISBN: | 1118372670 |
| ISBN-13: | 9781118372678 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1002/9781118373057.ch6 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118373057.ch6 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | astrology; astronomy; cosmology; cosmos; epicycle; geocentrism |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Science and Technology Studies |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1478227 |
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