Ancient Views of the Universe Descriptive Essay by Nicky

Ancient Views of the Universe
Discussion of how the ancients saw the earth as the center of the universe.
# 144780 | 1,140 words | 5 sources | APA | 2010 | US
Published on Oct 05, 2010 in Archaeology (Ancient History and Mediterranean) , Astronomy (Cosmology) , Astronomy (Space Exploration)


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Description:

This paper describes how ancient man believed that the earth was the center of the universe. It further shows how ancient man observed the cosmos and developed beliefs about the nature of the universe. The paper sensitively shows how these earth-centric outlooks developed and were maintained despite the burgeoning science of astronomy. The paper concludes by elaborating on the development of the heliocentric theory of the solar system and cites its major proponents, such as Galileo and Newton.

From the Paper:

"Looking back primarily during ancient times, peoples then taught that the world consists of the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars. They had no idea of the vastness of the universe and contented themselves with merely "seeing" what there are to see with the naked eye. Ancient Pagan religions in the Mediterranean area and throughout the Middle East taught that the universe was quite tiny. The Earth was more or less flat, like a dinner plate. Mountains around the edges held up a rigid metallic dome which formed the sky. (Robinson, 2007) The ancient Babylonians were incredible sky watchers. They noted the motions of the sun, moon and planets so accurately that they could predict eclipses years in advance. It didn't matter to their calculations that they placed the Earth in the center."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Cardall, D. & Gaunt, D. (2006). Astronomy 161: The Solar System [Internet], Available from: <http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/index.html> [Accessed 09 November 2008].
  • Regas, Dean. (2004). Copernicus' sun-centered theory shook the universe. The Enquirer [Internet], July 11. Available from: <http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/07/11/tem_skywatching11.html> [Accessed 09 November 2008].
  • Robinson, B.A. (2007) Cosmology: modern, biblical and Pagan beliefs. Religious Tolerance [Internet], April 4. Available from: <http://www.religioustolerance.org/cosmo_bibl.htm> [Accessed 09 November 2008].
  • Timmons, Todd. (2007) Historic dispute: Is Earth the center of the universe? Science in Dispute, Vol. 2 [Internet], Available from: <http://www.scienceclarified.com/dispute/Vol-2/Historic-Dispute-Is-Earth-the-center-of-the-universe.html> [Accessed 09 November 2008].
  • University of Sydney. (2002). Cosmology and Astronomy. Origins of Modernity [Internet]. Available from: <http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/libraries/rare/modernity/cosmo.html> [Accessed 09 November 2008].

Cite this Descriptive Essay:

APA Format

Ancient Views of the Universe (2010, October 05) Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/descriptive-essay/ancient-views-of-the-universe-144780/

MLA Format

"Ancient Views of the Universe" 05 October 2010. Web. 29 September. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/descriptive-essay/ancient-views-of-the-universe-144780/>

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