The discussion regarding the proponent of the idea that the Earth possesses a spherical shape persists to this day. There still exist individuals who endeavor to substantiate the notion that the Earth is flat, disregarding even the visual evidence of the globe captured in photographs taken from outer space. Thus, the concept of the Earth’s roundness has been acknowledged since ancient times.
Who was the first individual to propose that the Earth is spherical?
Long ago, countless years in the past, it was commonly believed that the Earth was flat. In the folklore of various civilizations, as well as in the writings of early scholars, it was suggested that the Earth was supported by three whales, elephants, or even an enormous turtle. Let us delve into the quest of identifying the original proponent of the idea that the Earth is a sphere.
In his philosophical poem “On Nature,” Parmenides, an ancient Greek scientist who lived around 540-480 BC, made the revolutionary claim that the Earth is round. While this was a groundbreaking idea, it is not definitive that Parmenides was the first to propose it. In the section “Opinions of mortals,” Parmenides wrote about the round shape of the Earth, discussing the thoughts and ideas of his contemporaries rather than his own conclusions. One of his contemporaries, Pythagoras of Samos, also had similar ideas.
Scientists attributing the Earth’s shape
Which scientist has declared the Earth to be spherical? Apart from Parmenides and Pythagoras, there were other ancient thinkers who dedicated themselves to the exploration of the Earth and the universe. Nowadays, every schoolchild is aware of the “gnomon” principle, where sticks placed in the sand cast shadows of varying lengths and angles throughout the day. If the Earth were flat, either the length of the shadows or the angle between an object and its shadow would remain constant. However, in ancient times, only esteemed scientists gave attention to such intricacies of existence.
Thus, Eratosthenes of Cyrenaica, a philosopher from Alexandria who lived in the III-II centuries BC, conducted calculations on the summer solstice using the differences in shadow lengths, the zenith angle, and the angle between them. He even managed to estimate the size of our planet and is considered the first researcher to describe the concepts of longitude and latitude, as he incorporated data from different geographical locations in Alexandria and Siena into his calculations.
Later, Posidonius, a Greek philosopher-stoic, also calculated the size of the globe between 135-51 BC, but his calculations yielded smaller measurements than Eratosthenes. Therefore, it is challenging to definitively determine who was the first to propose that the Earth is round.
Aristotle’s View on the Shape of the Earth
Aristotle, the renowned Greek scientist, thinker, and philosopher, was among the first to propose that the Earth is spherical, back in the 4th century B.C. He not only formulated hypotheses and made rough calculations, but also gathered compelling evidence to support his claim.
One of Aristotle’s observations was that when observing a ship approaching from the shore, the mast of the ship becomes visible before the hull, as it emerges from behind the horizon. While this evidence was not convincing to everyone at the time, it added weight to his argument.
Additionally, Aristotle provided further evidence by analyzing the phenomena of lunar eclipses. Consequently, he reached the conclusion that the Earth was spherical in shape. This was because the shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon’s surface during eclipses remained constant, indicating a round form that can only be achieved by a sphere.
During his visit to Egypt, Aristotle made detailed observations of the constellations and stars in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. He noted that Egypt and Cyprus were able to see stars that were not visible in the northern regions. These changes in visibility could only be observed from a circular surface. Based on his observations, Aristotle concluded that the Earth must be relatively small in size, as changes in stars and terrain could only be detected from a limited surface area.
Who was the first person to declare that the Earth had a spherical shape, in the Eastern part of the world? The tale revolves around the Caliph Al-Ma’mun, who resided in the 7th century. In a dream, Aristotle and his disciples appeared before him. They presented Al-Ma’mun with a visual representation of the Earth, which he closely examined. Using the insights gained from this image, Al-Ma’mun proceeded to create a “celestial chart,” marking the inception of the first-ever map depicting the Earth and its planets within the Islamic realm.
Mamun instructed his astronomers at court to determine the dimensions of the Earth, and their findings were remarkably precise: the measurement they obtained for the planet’s circumference was 18,000 miles, which closely aligns with the modern estimate of approximately 25,000 miles for the length of the Earth’s equator.
Global Sphere
Therefore, during the 13th century, the concept of the Earth being round had already been firmly established within the scientific community. John de Sacrobosco, a renowned English mathematician and the creator of the decimal number system, also known as John of Halifax in England, published his influential work titled “On the World Sphere”. In this treatise, Sacrobosco compiled the discoveries made by astronomers from the East and the ideas presented in Ptolemy’s Almagest. Starting from 1240, the “World Sphere” became the primary astronomy textbook used in esteemed universities such as Oxford and Sorbonne, resulting in approximately 60 editions being published over the span of 400 years.
When Christopher Columbus embarked on his famous journey to India in 1492, he took up the mantle of the idea that the Earth is a sphere. He believed that he would reach the continent because the Earth is round, and it doesn’t matter which direction he sailed in. In the end, his voyage would complete a circle. It is no coincidence, then, that Columbus is often credited with being the first to prove that the Earth is round, as many modern textbooks state. Although he was an educated and ambitious navigator, his fame as a discoverer was overshadowed by his companion Amerigo Vespucci.
There are some conflicting descriptions in the Bible regarding the celestial bodies and the shape of the Earth. In certain Old Testament books, it clearly states that the Earth is flat and that the world follows a geocentric model:
(Psalm 103:5) “You have set the Earth on firm foundations, it shall not be shaken forever and ever.
The Book of Ecclesiastes (Eccl. 1:5) “The sun rises, and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.”
The Book of Joshua (Hab. 10:12) “Stand still, sun, over Gabaon, and moon, over the valley of Aialon!.”
Nevertheless, it rotates!
In addition, the Bible asserts that the Earth is spherical, and certain interpretations of Scripture affirm the heliocentric arrangement of the world:
According to the Book of Isaiah 40:22, “He is the One who sits above the sphere of the earth.”;
The Book of Job (Job 26:7) states, “He (God) stretches the north over the empty space, hangs the earth upon nothing.”
(Job 26:10) declares, “A boundary was established upon the surface of the water, separating light from darkness.”
The advantages and disadvantages of the Inquisition
The uncertain nature of biblical descriptions of the Earth, the Sun, and other celestial bodies can be attributed to the fact that the primary purpose of the Holy Scriptures was not to explain the physical makeup of the universe, but rather to guide individuals towards spiritual salvation. During the Middle Ages, however, the Church, as a leading institution in the realm of knowledge, was compelled to seek the truth. This led to a dilemma of either compromising with the theories put forth by various scientists or prohibiting their scientific endeavors due to the incompatibility of their findings with certain biblical interpretations and the prevailing Aristotelian-Ptolemaic theory.
Therefore, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was branded a heretic due to his active promotion of the heliocentric model of the universe, which was originally formulated by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) in the early 16th century. The most scandalous and tragic event perpetrated by the Inquisition – the burning of Giordano Bruno at the stake in 1600 – is common knowledge to any student. However, in reality, the Inquisition’s condemnation of the monk Bruno Nolantz had nothing to do with his support of the heliocentric system of celestial bodies; rather, he was accused of rejecting fundamental Christian doctrines. Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of this misconception highlights the profound impact of astronomers’ works on both modern science and religion.
Is the Earth’s shape mentioned in the Qur’an?
As one of the later founders of the monotheistic religion, Prophet Muhammad incorporated advanced scientific and religious ideas into the Qur’an, drawing on the vast knowledge of learned men from the East. This sacred text also provides evidence supporting the idea that the Earth is round.
"It covers the night with the day, which hastens to follow it" [9].
"It wraps the day by night and wraps the night by day"[11].
The clear indication of the Earth’s sphericity is evident in the continuous cyclicality and overlapping of day and night. The verb “wraps” emphasizes the circular motion of the luminary around the Earth.
“No and no! I swear by the Lord of the East and the West! Verily, We are able.” [13].
It is obvious that on a flat Earth, there can only be one west and one east, whereas on a round Earth there are multiple. The position of the west and east changes in relation to the horizon line due to the Earth’s rotation.
“A sign to them is the dead earth, which We have revived and extracted from it the grain with which they feed” (36:33)
Furthermore, another quote from the Quran states:
Additionally, in the Holy Book of Muslims, there is an exceptional verse that states “After that He spread out the earth” (79:30). This verse utilizes a unique Arabic verb, “da-ha,” which carries two meanings: “to spread out” and “to round up.” This metaphorical language highlights the fact that when viewed from above, the earth appears flat, despite its actual spherical shape.
Heading towards fresh revelations
Our Earth, with its abundant legends, myths, tales, theories, and evidence, continues to captivate the scientific, social, and religious realms even today. It is impossible to assert that our planet has been completely surveyed, as it still harbors numerous enigmas that await unveiling. The forthcoming generations will undoubtedly be responsible for unraveling countless incredible discoveries.
It’s amazing to have been born in our era, where science has already advanced so much. And with the help of the Internet, we can now find answers to any question, compare the opinions of scientists from different countries, and choose the one that seems more reasonable to us. But in ancient times, people believed in all sorts of things! And their perception of the Earth is a topic that deserves a separate discussion.
The Earth as seen by ancient civilizations
There are countless opinions on this matter among the ancient civilizations. It almost seems like they were in a competition to come up with the most cunning and intricate legends.
Let’s discuss some of the most well-known theories:
- Japanese language.
- Chinese language.
- Indian language.
Japanese: Dragons and the Madness of Cubes
Indeed, the Japanese possessed an incredibly imaginative mind. Furthermore, they seemed to have a tendency towards self-absorption.
First and foremost, the ancient Japanese firmly believed that outside of Japan, the world came to an end. It was a logical conclusion: if they were unaware of any other lands, then those lands simply did not exist. This sentiment was deeply rooted in their patriotic beliefs.
Additionally, the Japanese held a rather peculiar belief that the Earth had a cube-like shape. They had an equally fascinating explanation for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, attributing them to the actions of a dragon.
Chinese: once more, angles and dragons
When considering the nature of our planet, the Chinese and Japanese seemed to have taken inspiration from one another. The Chinese, like the Japanese, believed that the Earth possessed angles. However, unlike the Japanese who envisioned it as a cube, the Chinese imagined it as a rectangle. This led them to conclude that the Earth was flat.
At the boundaries of the rectangular Earth, there stand tall pillars that support the celestial vault. The ancient people believed that these pillars were responsible for holding up the sky. The concept of a powerful dragon was also present in their cosmology. According to Chinese mythology, this dragon once managed to bend one of the sky-supporting pillars, causing it to become tilted. As a result, the sun now descends from east to west every morning, unable to stay in its place and sliding down the sky like a hill.
India and its ancient depiction
So, you are already familiar with India. It is the land where the famous depiction of the turtle exists. This turtle serves as the foundation for the elephants, which in turn carry the weight of half the globe and the entire planet. Moreover, as an added bonus, there is the presence of the cobra that gracefully wraps around this magnificent structure.
In the past, there were numerous legends surrounding the ancient people’s perception of the Earth’s geometry. It is important to mention that due to the limited technological advancements and lack of effective research tools, humanity relied on myths and stories from the intellectual leaders and philosophers of that era. The most extraordinary and imaginative tales involved the belief that the Earth was supported by three whales and a turtle, among other animal creatures. However, more credible information started to emerge with the advent of sea voyages and basic astronomy.
Ancient Depictions of Earth by Advanced Civilizations
In ancient times, there existed a number of highly developed civilizations, such as:
For instance, the ancient Greeks perceived the planet Earth as a flat surface.
Contemporary hypotheses regarding the composition of the universe
At present, there is a popular theory suggesting that life on Earth is simply a computer-generated simulation, similar to the virtual world portrayed in the Sims video game series. Although this concept is far from being rooted in reality, it does provoke intriguing thoughts.
Recently, I came across a fascinating book that delves into the ancient civilizations’ perceptions of the origin of the universe and the Earth itself. The book explores various intriguing and implausible ideas, but I will focus on how the Slavs and Huron Indians envisioned the world.
Concepts of the Earth in ancient times
Each civilization possesses its own unique folklore and ancient tales regarding the origins of the world. These tales have played a crucial role in shaping the perception of the Earth. While some civilizations attributed its creation to deities, others believed it was the work of animals or even plants.
Slavs
There are numerous myths and legends that offer explanations for the origins of the world and the beings that inhabit it. These tales often draw inspiration from the beliefs of other ancient cultures, such as the concept of the world emerging from an egg. One such legend from the Slavic tradition tells the following story:
- In the beginning, there was an expanse of endless water, with only a solitary duck floating atop it;
- This duck laid an egg which fell into the water and split apart;
- The lower part became the solid ground, while the upper part transformed into the sky.
Another legend shares similarities with the first one. In this tale, a serpent guarded a golden egg, which was eventually cracked open by a brave hero. As a result, three kingdoms emerged:
As per the third myth, there existed solely a void but abruptly an egg materialized, encapsulating the entirety within it. Genus is the primordial origin of all existence. From the egg, Love emerged, and through it, the Cosmos came into being – a boundless multitude of realms including our own.
In general, the Slavic people had a rather confused understanding of the world. Apart from the surface of the earth and the underworld, there were nine different realms in the heavens. Each realm had its own specific purpose: one was inhabited by winds, another by clouds. Of particular interest is the seventh realm, which was believed to be the solid foundation of the celestial ocean. This is why, according to linguists, people used to say “the heavens have opened” during rainfall.
The Huron Indians
As per the tribal folklore, there existed a vast expanse of water, devoid of any existence. It was a boundless body of water. The creatures that resided in these waters were solely animals, who not only dwelled in the depths but also traversed the surface and even took to the skies. One fateful day, a captivating maiden descended from the heavensbutyet, two colossal avian creatures managed to bear her aloft on their majestic wings. However, she proved to be too weighty for them, prompting the birds to implore other animals for their assistance.
The girl was gently placed on the massive shell of a turtle, who expressed that she needed solid ground. A toad appeared and retrieved a handful of soil from the depths, which the girl then spread across the turtle’s back. Over time, lush trees grew, rivers flowed, and amidst it all, a community of people emerged – her descendants.
In ancient Russia, people believed that the earth rested on the backs of three whales, gracefully drifting in the vast ocean.
In ancient times, people had various beliefs about the shape of the Earth, which were often rooted in mythology. One common belief was that the Earth was flat and supported by three whales swimming in the vast ocean that stretched endlessly. Another belief, held by the ancient Indians, was that the Earth had a hemispherical shape and rested on the backs of four enormous elephants. These elephants, in turn, stood on a colossal tortoise, which formed a ring-like shape. The Babylonians, on the other hand, believed that the Earth was a massive mountain, with their city of Babylonia situated on its slope.
Various Interpretations of the Earth by Different Cultures
Throughout history, diverse cultures have had unique conceptions of the Earth. These perspectives have been shaped by factors such as cultural differences and geographical location. For instance, inhabitants of desert regions believed that the Earth floated on an infinite expanse of water. In contrast, ancient Indians envisioned the Earth as being supported by three elephants. Countless intriguing theories have emerged throughout time, and a selection of the most fascinating ones is presented below:
- The ancient Jews believed that the Earth was a plain encircled by mountains.
- The ancient Babylonians imagined the Earth as a massive mountain, with Babylon on one side and unexplored lands on the other.
- The ancient Chinese described the Earth as the shell of a tortoise, with different countries resembling its shields.
- The ancient Greeks thought of the Earth as a disk that resembled a warrior’s shield.
The Original and Pioneering Theories
In the 6th century B.C., Pythagoras of Samos, an ancient Greek scientist, formulated the initial conjecture regarding the Earth’s spherical composition. Pythagoras derived inspiration from the writings of an ordinary sailor named Skylak of Cariand.
In the 4th century BC, Aristotle, an ancient Greek scientist, sought to substantiate this conjecture by conducting observations of lunar eclipses. Subsequently, Claudius Ptolemy furthered Aristotle’s research and developed his own geocentric model of the universe.
Mayan Beliefs about the Earth
In Mayan philosophy, the Earth was visualized as a square with a massive tree growing at its center. Four trees were positioned at each corner of the square, representing the different sides of the world. By closely observing the movements of celestial bodies, the Maya deduced that each luminary followed a specific path or “layer of the sky.” They believed that there were thirteen such layers in total.
Undoubtedly, this is all captivating, but it bewilders me that in spite of possessing such knowledge, modern individuals still cling to the belief that they inhabit a flat planet.
Since my childhood, I have held an avid fascination for the mythology of ancient civilizations and the field of geography. Therefore, there is nothing more enthralling to me than exploring the ancient perceptions of the world’s structure and the Earth’s place within it. Countless legends have permeated popular culture. Who hasn’t come across the tales of the ancient Indians with their turtle and four elephants, or the titan Atlas shouldering the weight of the Earth? Allow me to delve into the most captivating and lesser-known notions that people held about our planet.
How the Earth was portrayed by Scandinavians and ancient Germans
The inhabitants of the North depicted the Universe as a colossal tree (typically an ash or yew) that thrived in the emptiness of the world. They referred to it as Yggdrasil. On this tree, there exist three level worlds:
- Subterranean – Hel (the realm where the deceased are sent).
- Terrestrial – Midgard (the sanctuary of humanity).
- Celestial – Asgard (the abode and dominion of the deities).
On the highest bough perches a sagacious eagle, and encircling the trunk are nine realms, partitioned by imperceptible boundaries. Amidst them, one may traverse via the rainbow, protected by a deity – the path of spirits.
Depictions of the Sumerian people
The people of Dvurechia had a unique representation of their world, which was situated in the middle of a vast ocean and surrounded by towering mountain ranges. This world, known as Dvurechye, was relatively small and encompassed the surrounding territories. The relationship between the earth and the sky held great significance in their worldview. They believed that the seven spherical heavens, representing the upper world, were supported by the mountains. The celestial bodies, such as stars, sun, and moon, traversed the sky above them. Additionally, they acknowledged the existence of a mysterious lower world, inhabited by the souls of the departed. The Sumerian model of the world, resembling an egg-shaped bubble, was encircled by the salty waters of the ocean.
Aztec religious beliefs
The Aztec Empire was composed of multiple tribes, each with their own unique beliefs about the structure of the world. One particular belief asserts that the universe exists within a colossal caiman. Inside the caiman’s head reside the gods, while humans inhabit its belly. The spiral curved tail of the caiman is said to lead to the netherworld, where the dead are found.
In the ancient times, the Earth had a different appearance. It was divided into five parts on a horizontal plane, and each level of the thirteen heavens was ruled by a god. The gods were ranked based on their location, with those higher up being more important.
In ancient times, it was widely believed that the Earth had a flat shape. As a child, I too held this belief, as it seemed to make sense. After all, we walk on a flat surface without falling, so why wouldn’t the Earth be flat? However, my perspective began to change when I was traveling on a train with my parents. I was captivated by the steppe landscape passing by outside the window, and I couldn’t help but notice that the horizon seemed to be moving further away. This observation sparked my curiosity and led me to question the truth about the Earth’s shape. Fortunately, by the 20th century, scientific advancements had provided clear answers to this age-old question. But I couldn’t help but wonder how people in ancient times struggled with this perplexing concept.
Ancient civilizations’ beliefs regarding the Earth
I have a deep fascination for mythology and the history of ancient civilizations. It astounds me how effortlessly people were able to interpret various phenomena and attribute them to the all-encompassing deities.
The ancient perception of the Earth included:
- A flat surface;
- A half-sphere;
- A towering mountain;
- An inverted bowl;
- A portion of a cylindrical shape.
For instance, ancient Indians held the belief that The Earth is a hemisphere. However, there must have been some reasoning behind this, right? I am unsure of the logic they employed, but in their perspective, the Earth was propped up by three elephants, which were in turn standing on a turtle. And this turtle was supported by a massive snake biting its own tail. What lay beneath the snake remains unknown.
On the other hand, Greeks had the belief that the Earth was a flat surface surrounded by an impassable sea. It was from this sea that the stars emerged during the night. And in the mornings, the sun god would rise from it to embark on his daily journey across the sky.
According to a Muslim legend, it is believed that the Earth is supported by an Angel. This Angel is said to stand on a magnificent ruby rock, which in turn is supported by an enormous bull. The bull, in its turn, rests on a fish, and the fish is supported by the water. Underneath the water lies an unknown darkness.
It is now widely known that the Earth is not flat
If you believe that Yuri Gagarin was the one who discovered this fact, you would be mistaken. Ancient civilizations were not ignorant, they observed the movement of shadows, witnessed ships and caravans disappearing over the horizon, gazed at the night sky filled with stars, and drew logical conclusions.
One of the early proponents of a spherical Earth was Pythagoras, who lived between 560 and 480 BC. He was followed by Aristotle (4th century B.C.), Eratosthenes of Cyrene (3rd century BC), and numerous other scientists and philosophers who presented additional evidence. However, it was not until the 20th century that the entire world finally accepted the undeniable truth that the Earth is round.
Surprisingly, the hypotheses regarding diverse anomalous forms of the Earth were formerly regarded as scientific and widely acknowledged. I will attempt to investigate the chronicles of how ancient societies conceived the arrangement of our planet (and specifically, the Earth).
Representations disseminated in the origins of civilization
Let’s begin with Ancient China. Around 1,500 years B.C., the people of the Shang empire had already developed a written language and had made significant progress in the field of cartography. Within the future empire, there was a belief that the Earth had a flat rectangular shape and was supported by four pillars supporting the sky. Previously, there were five pillars, but a powerful dragon destroyed the central one, causing the land to tilt towards the east (as the rivers in those territories flow towards the east) and the sky to shift towards the west (as the celestial bodies move towards the west).
The people living in the Indus civilization had a belief in four enormous elephants that held up the flat Earth. (I don’t think there were any dragons involved). In ancient Babylon, the Earth was seen as a massive mountain, with the city of the gods situated on its slopes. This idea was influenced by the geography of the first megalopolis (to the south of Babylon was a sea, and to the east were mountains).
The civilizations that achieved excellence in seafaring and navigation made significant progress in comprehending the ancient world: initially, the Egyptians, followed by the Phoenicians and Greeks.
Initially, my examination will focus on the information that was commonly known in Ancient Greece.and subsequently proceed to the contributions of thinkers, commencing with Thales. An analysis of the legendary Greek narratives (“Odyssey” and “Iliad”) allows us to deduce that the Greeks perceived our planet as a hoplite’s convex shield..
Illustrations depicting philosophers from Ancient Greece:
- Thales of Miletus, known as the father of philosophy, believed that water was the fundamental element, from which all other elements originated. He believed that the Earth, in essence, was fossilized water and existed within a larger body of water.
- Anaximander envisioned the Earth as a segment of a column, with humans residing at the base and Greeks at the center. Interestingly, he also developed the correct theory of eclipses and referred to the sun and stars as burning objects, explaining that we do not feel their heat due to the great distance. Unfortunately, Anaximander fell out of favor with the local authorities and was expelled from Athens.
- The Pythagoreans proposed the concept that the Earth had a spherical shape in the 4th century BC. Aristotle presented supporting evidence.
- The astronomer Aristarchus of Samos came the closest to addressing the question by proposing that the Earth orbits the Sun rather than the other way around.
Throughout history, humans have been intrigued by the organization of the world in which they live. As they sought to understand the structure of the Earth and the Universe, they turned to familiar concepts and drew parallels with the natural world and their own surroundings. How did ancient civilizations visualize the Earth? What were their beliefs about its shape and position in the universe? Over time, these ideas evolved and changed, providing a valuable glimpse into our historical past.
The first examples of geographical maps can be found in the form of images left by our ancestors on cave walls, engraved on stones, and etched into animal bones. Such sketches have been discovered by researchers in various parts of the world. These drawings depict hunting grounds, locations where hunters set traps, and pathways.
In an effort to convey information about rivers, caves, mountains, and forests, early humans would create rudimentary representations of these features on whatever materials were available. By naming these familiar and newly discovered objects, people were able to distinguish between them and further expand their knowledge of the world. It was during this time that our ancestors first began to contemplate the nature of the Earth.
The perception of the Earth by ancient civilizations was influenced by the unique characteristics of the regions they inhabited, including the nature, terrain, and climate. As a result, different peoples across the globe had distinct perspectives on their surroundings, resulting in significant variations in their views.
Babylon
We have been fortunate to inherit valuable historical records from civilizations that resided in the regions between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as well as those inhabiting the Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea coast (including present-day Asia Minor and southern Europe). These records provide insights into how ancient peoples imagined the Earth, dating back more than six thousand years.
Hence, the ancient Babylonians viewed the Earth as a “mountainous world”, with Babylonia situated on the western incline. This perspective was influenced by the presence of towering mountains in the eastern regions, which remained unconquered by anyone.
In ancient times, people living in Babylonia believed that the earth was surrounded by a vast sea to the south. This led them to imagine that the earth was round, like a “world mountain,” and that it was washed by the sea on all sides. They believed that the solid heavenly world, which resembled the earthly world, rested on this sea like an inverted bowl. Just like the earthly world, the heavenly world had its own “land,” “air,” and “water.” The belt of Zodiacal constellations acted as a barrier, blocking the celestial “sea” like a dam and representing the land. According to their belief, the Moon, the Sun, and several planets moved on this firmament. The Babylonians considered the sky to be the dwelling place of the gods.
The Babylonians based their representation of the Earth on observations of natural phenomena, but they were unable to interpret them accurately.
Palestine
The inhabitants of Palestine held different ideas from those of Babylon. The ancient Jews lived in a flat area, so they imagined the Earth as a plain with mountains in some places.
The winds played a significant role in the beliefs of the Palestinians, as they brought both drought and rain. In their conception, the “lower belt” of the sky separated the “celestial waters” from the Earth’s surface. Additionally, water was believed to exist beneath the Earth, nourishing all the seas and rivers on its surface.
India, Japan, China
One of the most well-known myths in contemporary times, which depicts the ancient people’s perception of the Earth, was created by the ancient Indians. According to their beliefs, the Earth was envisioned as a hemisphere supported by four elephants. These elephants, in turn, stood upon the back of a colossal turtle that glided through an expansive sea of milk. To further reinforce the structure, a black cobra named Sheshu encircled these creatures with numerous coils, boasting several thousand heads. The Indians believed that these heads provided support to the entire universe.
The ancient Japanese had a unique perspective on the Earth, perceiving it as a collection of islands within their knowledge. They believed it had a cubic shape, and the frequent earthquakes that occurred were attributed to a fire-breathing dragon residing deep within its depths.
In contrast, the ancient Chinese held the belief that the Earth was a flat rectangle supported by four columns at its corners, forming a convex dome for the heavens. Legend has it that one of these pillars was bent by an enraged dragon, causing the Earth to tilt eastward and the sky to tilt westward. This explanation accounted for the eastward movement of celestial bodies and the eastward flow of rivers throughout China.
Ancient Representations of the Earth by the Aztecs and Mayans
It is fascinating to explore the beliefs of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the American continent, such as the Aztecs and Mayans. The Mayan people, for instance, had a unique conception of the Earth. According to their beliefs, the Earth was envisioned as a square, with a Primordial Tree growing from its center. Surrounding this central tree were four more Trees, known as World Trees, each located at one of the four corners of the Earth, corresponding to the known sides of the world. These World Trees were symbolic and held significance in Mayan cosmology. The Eastern Tree, for example, was depicted as red, representing the color of the morning dawn, while the Northern Tree was white, the Western Tree was black like the night, and the Southern Tree was yellow, symbolizing the Sun.
Furthermore, the Mayan astronomers keenly observed the movements of the celestial bodies and noticed that each luminary followed its own unique path in the sky. This led them to the conclusion that each celestial body moved on its own distinct “layer” in the sky. According to Mayan beliefs, there were a total of thirteen “heavens” or layers in the sky, each associated with a specific celestial luminary. These celestial observations played a significant role in Mayan cosmology and their understanding of the universe.
The Earth was depicted differently by another ancient civilization, the Aztecs. They perceived the Earth as a composition of five squares, arranged in a staggered pattern. At the heart of this depiction was the Earth’s firmament, where the gods resided, surrounded by vast bodies of water. The remaining four sectors that constituted the world possessed distinctive characteristics and colors, and were inhabited by unique flora and fauna.
Ancient Greeks
The ancient Greeks held various beliefs about the Earth. One of the earliest notions described it as a convex disk, resembling the shield of a warrior, with the Sun moving across a copper firmament above. They also believed the Earth to be surrounded on all sides by a river called the Ocean.
As time passed, the Greek understanding of the Earth evolved. Anaximander, a fourth-century B.C. scientist, believed it to be the “center of the universe” and proposed that the constellations in the sky moved in a circular motion.
The concept of Earth being spherical was initially introduced by the renowned Pythagoras. Around 2300 years ago, Aristarchus of Samos, a Greek philosopher, deduced that it was our planet that orbited the Sun, contradicting the prevailing belief at that time. Unfortunately, Aristarchus’ revolutionary insights were disregarded by his contemporaries and ultimately forgotten after his passing.
Thanks to technological advancements and the progress of shipbuilding, humans started to explore further and expand their knowledge of the world, resulting in the creation of more detailed maps. Over time, accumulated evidence led to the conclusion that the Earth is a sphere. The Europeans, in particular, made significant contributions to this understanding during the Age of Discovery.
Around five centuries ago, the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, through his observations of the stars, proposed the idea that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center of the universe. Nearly four decades after Copernicus’ death, his theories were further developed by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. Galileo was able to demonstrate that all the planets in the solar system, including Earth, actually orbit around the Sun. Unfortunately, Galileo faced accusations of heresy and was compelled to renounce his teachings.
Nonetheless, Isaac Newton, an Englishman who was born after Galileo’s passing, managed to uncover the law of universal gravitation. Using this principle, he provided an explanation as to why the Moon orbits the Earth, and how the planets, along with their satellites and various celestial bodies, revolve around the Sun.
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Revolutionary techniques in teaching geography to children with special needs.
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Teaching geography using the latest educational standards
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Using Game Technologies to Teach Geography in Grades 5-7
Description of Presentation through Individual Slides:
Slide 1: Depictions of the Earth’s shape and size in ancient times
Performed by: Rapin S. 5KL.
Supervisor: Balashova E.V.
Slide 2 Objective: to acquaint with the history of Earth knowledge and the development of geography in the Ancient World.
Objectives: to acquaint with the evolution of people’s understanding of the shape and nature of the Earth.
Formation of worldview concepts.
The accurate notion of our planet, its form and magnitude was established by various civilizations that existed in ancient times, not all at once and not simultaneously. It is challenging for us to determine which civilization, when, and where exactly it was the most credible or accurate. This difficulty arises because there is a scarcity of ancient documents and physical artifacts on this subject, aside from some myths, legends, and tales….
Slide 4 The ancient Greeks had the belief that the Earth was flat. This perspective was shared by Thales of Miletus, an ancient Greek philosopher who lived in the 6th century BC. According to Thales, the Earth was a flat disk, encompassed by an impassable sea, from which the stars would appear every evening and disappear every morning. The sun god Helios, later associated with Apollo, would rise from the eastern sea in a golden chariot each morning and journey across the sky.
Slide number 5: In ancient India, the Earth was depicted as a hemisphere that was upheld by four elephants. These elephants were positioned on top of a massive tortoise, and the tortoise, in turn, rested on a coiled snake, forming a closed loop that encompassed the space near the Earth.
Slide 6 showcases the ancient Egyptians’ perspective on the world: the Earth positioned beneath and the sky goddess situated above, while on the left and right, the Sun god’s ships symbolize the Sun’s trajectory from dawn to dusk in the sky.
According to the ancient Babylonians, this is how they envisioned the Earth.
10 slide According to Jewish beliefs, the Earth was depicted as a flat surface, featuring various mountains scattered throughout. As an agricultural society, the Jews attached great significance to the winds, which brought both drought and rain. Positioned in the lower realm of the sky was their storehouse, acting as a protective barrier between the Earth and the heavenly waters, such as rain, snow, and hail. Below the Earth’s surface, there were vast water reserves, from which streams flowed upwards, supplying the seas and rivers.
11 Slide These ideas have constantly evolved, and the Talmud already states that the Earth is round in shape. At the same time, its lower part is submerged in the sea. At the same time, some sages believed that the Earth was flat, and that the firmament was a solid opaque cap covering it. The Sun passes beneath it during the day, which moves above the firmament at night and is therefore hidden from human eyes.
Slide 12: The growth in geographical knowledge primarily stems from the exploration of new lands through travel and navigation, as well as the early observations of the stars and planets. Over time, evidence started to accumulate that suggested the Earth was not flat, but rather had a curved surface.
The renowned ancient Greek scientist Pythagoras of Samos (in the 6th century B.C.) was the first to propose the concept of a spherical Earth. Pythagoras’ hypothesis was eventually proven correct, although it took much time to determine the exact radius of the globe. It is believed that Pythagoras may have borrowed this idea from the secretive Egyptian priests, who had knowledge that was kept hidden from the general public, unlike the Greeks.
Pythagoras himself may have relied on the accounts of a humble sailor named Skylak of Cariand, who documented his voyages around the Mediterranean in 515 BC.
During the 2nd century AD, there was a prominent figure in the field of astronomy, mathematics, optics, music theory, and geography named Claudius Ptolemy. He resided in Alexandria from 127 to 151, where he conducted various astronomical observations. One of his significant contributions was his continuation of Aristotle’s teachings on the Earth’s sphericity.
Ptolemy formulated a geocentric model of the universe, proposing that all celestial bodies revolve around the Earth in an empty expanse. This system later gained recognition from the Christian Church.
