Eratosthenes' Geography

Synopsis

This is the first modern edition and first English translation of one of the earliest and most important works in the history of geography, the third-century Geographika of Eratosthenes. In this work, which for the first time described the geography of the entire inhabited world as it was then known, Eratosthenes of Kyrene (ca. 285-205 BC) invented the discipline of geography as we understand it. A polymath who served as librarian at Alexandria and tutor to the future King Ptolemy IV, Eratosthenes created the terminology of geography, probably including the word geographia itself. Building on his previous work, in which he determined the size and shape of the earth, Eratosthenes in the Geographika created a grid of parallels and meridians that linked together every place in the world: for the first time one could figure out the relationship and distance between remote localities, such as northwest Africa and the Caspian Sea. The Geographika also identified some four hundred places, more than ever before, from Thoule (probably Iceland) to Taprobane (Sri Lanka), and from well down the coast of Africa to Central Asia.


This is the first collation of the more than 150 fragments of the Geographika in more than a century. Each fragment is accompanied by an English translation, a summary, and commentary. Duane W. Roller provides a rich background, including a history of the text and its reception, a biography of Eratosthenes, and a comprehensive account of ancient Greek geographical thought and of Eratosthenes' pioneering contribution to it. This edition also includes maps that show all of the known places named in the Geographika, appendixes, a bibliography, and indexes.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction
The first chapter of Eratosthenes' Geography provides an introduction to the work as a whole. Eratosthenes explains that his goal is to create a detailed and accurate map of the known world, based on existing information and his own observations. He also introduces the concept of latitude and longitude, which he will use to divide the globe into different regions. One of the earliest known examples of this type of geographical mapping can be found in Eratosthenes' description of the world map, which includes the equator and other major geographical markers.

Chapter 2: The Outer Limits of the World
In this chapter, Eratosthenes delves into the outer limits of the known world. He describes the geography of the Mediterranean region, including the coastlines of Africa, Asia, and Europe. He also mentions the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Red Sea, which were all important trade routes during this time period. For example, Eratosthenes describes the ancient city of Alexandria, located on the coast of Egypt, as a major hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea.

Chapter 3: Regions of Europe
Moving into the third chapter, Eratosthenes focuses on the different regions within Europe. He discusses the geography, climate, and topography of various countries and regions, including Greece, Italy, and Gaul (modern-day France). He also mentions the importance of rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine, which were crucial for transportation and trade. For instance, Eratosthenes notes that the Rhine River served as a border between the Celtic and Germanic tribes, highlighting the significance of geographical features in shaping culture and political boundaries.

Chapter 4: Regions of Asia
In this chapter, Eratosthenes explores the vast continent of Asia, providing detailed descriptions of its regions, peoples, and customs. He discusses the Persian Empire and the Indus Valley, as well as the geography of India, which was divided into the north and south by the Vindhya Mountains. Eratosthenes also introduces readers to the concept of the Taurus Mountains, a range that spans from modern-day Turkey to Iran and separates the Mediterranean coast from the interior of Asia.

Chapter 5: Regions of Africa
Eratosthenes' geography extends to the continent of Africa in this chapter, where he describes the different regions and peoples living there. He mentions Egypt and the Nile River, which was an important source of water and transportation for the ancient Egyptians. He also discusses the desert regions of Africa and the Sahara Desert, which was known to the ancient Greeks as the "Great Sand Sea." Eratosthenes notes the trade routes that crossed the desert, connecting Africa to other parts of the world.

Chapter 6: Places of Note
In this final chapter, Eratosthenes highlights notable places around the world, providing more detail and insight into their geography and cultural significance. He mentions cities such as Babylon, known for its Hanging Gardens, and Jerusalem, considered a holy site for many religions. He also describes the island of Taprobane (modern-day Sri Lanka), which was known for its abundance of gems and spices. With this chapter, Eratosthenes completes his detailed mapping of the known world, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the various regions and landmarks.

In conclusion, Eratosthenes' Geography is an important work in the history of geographical mapping and serves as a testament to the incredible knowledge and curiosity of ancient civilizations. Through detailed descriptions and observations, he was able to create a comprehensive map of the known world, laying the foundation for future explorers and geographers. His work continues to inspire and inform our understanding of the world's geography.