Eratosthenes (c. 276–194 BCE)

Question 1

Where was Eratosthenes born?

Answer 1

Cyrene (modern-day Libya)

Question 2

What is Eratosthenes best known for?

Answer 2

Calculating the circumference of the Earth

Question 3

Which prestigious position did Eratosthenes hold in Alexandria?

Answer 3

Chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria

Question 4

How did Eratosthenes calculate the Earth’s circumference?

Answer 4

By measuring the angle of the sun’s rays at two different locations and using geometry

Question 5

What mathematical algorithm is named after Eratosthenes?

Answer 5

The Sieve of Eratosthenes

Question 6

What was the Sieve of Eratosthenes used for?

Answer 6

Finding all prime numbers up to a given number

Question 7

Who invited Eratosthenes to become the chief librarian of Alexandria?

Answer 7

Ptolemy III

Question 8

What time period did Eratosthenes live in?

Answer 8

The Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE)

Question 9

What foundational system in geography did Eratosthenes create?

Answer 9

Latitude and longitude

Question 10

What term did Eratosthenes introduce to describe the study of the Earth?

Answer 10

Geography

Question 11

What did Eratosthenes suggest to improve calendar accuracy?

Answer 11

Incorporating a leap year

Question 12

How did Eratosthenes’ work on the Earth’s circumference impact later generations?

Answer 12

It improved understanding of the Earth’s size, aiding navigation and astronomy

Question 13

How close was Eratosthenes’ estimate of Earth’s circumference to the actual value?

Answer 13

His estimate was remarkably close, within a small margin of error

Question 14

Why was Eratosthenes sometimes referred to as ‘Beta’?

Answer 14

Because he was considered second-best in many fields

Question 15

What challenge did Eratosthenes face in measuring the distance between Alexandria and Syene?

Answer 15

He had to rely on travelers’ reports for the distance, as precise measurements were unavailable

Question 16

Why did Eratosthenes’ calculations about Earth’s circumference face skepticism?

Answer 16

Contemporaries were hesitant to accept new and unconventional data

Question 17

How did Eratosthenes spend his later years?

Answer 17

He became blind and is said to have voluntarily starved himself to death

Question 18

What did Eratosthenes calculate besides Earth’s circumference?

Answer 18

The tilt of the Earth’s axis

Question 19

What unique aspect of Eratosthenes’ interests is less commonly known?

Answer 19

He was passionate about physical exercise and wrote about its benefits

Question 20

What book did Eratosthenes write on fitness?

Answer 20

He wrote a book on the benefits of staying fit, though its name is not widely known

Question 21

What was Eratosthenes’ contribution to astronomy?

Answer 21

He calculated the Earth’s circumference and measured the tilt of its axis

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Eratosthenes lived during the ____ period.

Answer 22

Hellenistic

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Eratosthenes used an algorithm called the ‘Sieve of Eratosthenes’ to identify ____.

Answer 23

prime numbers

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Eratosthenes’ map included a system of ______ and ______.

Answer 24

latitude, longitude

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Eratosthenes was often nicknamed ‘Beta’ because he was considered _______.

Answer 25

second-best in various subjects

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The Library of Alexandria, where Eratosthenes worked, was located in _______.

Answer 26

Alexandria, Egypt

Question 27

How did Eratosthenes’ work influence geography?

Answer 27

He established the term ‘geography,’ mapped the known world, and developed latitude and longitude systems

Question 28

What environmental factor helped Eratosthenes in his work?

Answer 28

The intellectual and scientific environment of Alexandria during the Hellenistic period

Question 29

Why was Eratosthenes’ circumference calculation important for navigation?

Answer 29

It provided a more accurate understanding of the Earth’s size, improving sea travel

Question 30

What method did Eratosthenes use to measure the tilt of the Earth’s axis?

Answer 30

Astronomical observations