Ptolemy

Y. Tzvi Langermann
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Claudius Ptolemaeus, better known as Ptolemy, was the most important Hellenistic writer on the mathematical investigation of celestial phenomena. His writings on astronomy and astrology, but also on optics and music, represent the highest achievement of classical science. They were the authoritative works in these disciplines for well over a millennium.

Ptolemy is extremely stingy with autobiographical information, if by that we mean facts and incidents concerning his upbringing, education, and career. As a result, we know hardly anything about his life. On the other hand, he reveals much about his decision to work in mathematics as well as the personal goals he set for himself (see below). We can date the active period of his life with precision to the years AD 127-141 because his

3970 words

Citation: Langermann, Y. Tzvi. "Ptolemy". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 May 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3658, accessed 19 March 2024.]

3658 Ptolemy 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

If you need to create a new bookshelf to save this article in, please make sure that you are logged in, then go to your 'Account' here

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.