3 ms·

Must read on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eratosthenes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eratosthenes

• ColinWright 8y ago
  I agree that what Eratosthenes did was brilliant, but it relies on being able to travel and measure large distances. The whole point of these techniques is that they can be used simply on the beach front without having to travel. Seriously, if you can get to a beach, you can do this.
  • antirez 8y ago
    Yes it cannot be considered the same method, but my guess is that who is interested in this more advanced method absolutely need to know the Eratosthenes method. I absolutely need to use the method in this post with my children, one of the most powerful showcase of science I can think of.
• ornitorrincos 8y ago
  Interestingly, a misinterpretation of his measuring units misled columbus to think that earth was way smaller than what it actually was(which is why nobody gave him proper funds, the 3 ships were a pity compared on portuguese expeditions to india) and discover with a fluke a new continent for european powers