Hellenistic Science
Hellenistic Science refers to the advancements in scientific thought and practice that occurred during the Hellenistic period, roughly from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the rise of the Roman Empire. This era saw the blending of Greek, Egyptian, and Persian knowledge, leading to significant developments in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Notable figures include Archimedes, who made important contributions to physics and engineering, and Eratosthenes, who calculated the Earth's circumference.
The Hellenistic period also witnessed the establishment of institutions like the Library of Alexandria, which became a center for scholarly research and knowledge preservation. Scientists and philosophers sought to understand the natural world through observation and reasoning, laying the groundwork for future scientific inquiry. This era emphasized empirical methods and the importance of mathematics in explaining natural phenomena.