2007-02-01 09:53:51 · 8 answers · asked by litlshrky 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Eratosthenes, a Greek who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, in the third century B.C, measured the distance around the Earth. He already knew it was round though, all he contributed was a measurement of the size. Pythagoras, born about 570 B.C, believed the Earth was round. I don't know how much earlier the idea goes back, but it was known WAY before Columbus, at least by educated people.
2007-02-01 10:06:50 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ancient Greeks were well aware that the earth was round. they could deduce this by (for example) seeing the way ships appear mast-first when they come over the horizon. They had calculated the circumference of the earth, and were fairly close in that. Columbus didnt set out to prove that the earth was round - that's an urban myth. Most people were already well aware that it was. He set out to find a short-cut to India, but bumped into america instead.
2007-02-01 18:05:35 · answer #2 · answered by guntherbdevil 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
actually because of the speed and the way the earth is spinning, there is a slight bulge at the equator
in other words I BLAME COMMUNISM
2007-02-01 18:46:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at the pictures from space, and I believe it was determined when Columbus didn't fall off
2007-02-01 18:02:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was done by Democrats. They think logically and thoroughly.
The Republicans think the moon is made of cheese, the earth is flat, and the whole world revolves around THEM.
2007-02-01 18:18:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Actually it's not really round - it's kinda pear shaped.
2007-02-01 18:07:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when they watched and no one fell off
2007-02-01 18:00:52 · answer #7 · answered by KRIS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think it was columbus...but i have been known to be wrong
2007-02-01 17:58:25 · answer #8 · answered by voldemort232321 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋