A Brilliant Brain

Eratosthenes

c. 276–194 BC — Libya/Egypt

Era: Ancient

Brilliance: 9/10 | Stewardship: 7/10 | Composite Index: 63

He measured the Earth with a stick and a shadow.

"Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth."

Biography

Calculated Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy using shadow angles. Chief librarian at Alexandria. Invented the sieve of Eratosthenes.

Key Facts

  • Calculated Earth's circumference
  • Chief librarian at Alexandria
  • Invented the sieve of Eratosthenes
  • Accuracy within 2% of modern value
  • Called 'Beta' — second best at everything

He measured the planet with a stick and a shadow.

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