Aristarchus of Samos

Definition

Aristarchus of Samos (l. c. 310 - c. 230 BCE) was a Greek astronomer who first proposed a heliocentric model of the universe in which the sun, not the earth, was at the center. Although his theory was noted by other thinkers of his time, it was rejected as implausible, and the geocentric model was retained for 1,700 years afterward.

More about: Aristarchus of Samos

Timeline

  • c. 310 BCE - c. 230 BCE
    Life of Greek astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus of Samos.
  • c. 270 BCE
    Aristarchus of Samos proposes a heliocentric world view.
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