
Alexandrian astronomers
The Alexandrian astronomers, centered in the ancient city of Alexandria, were a group of scholars who advanced early understanding of the cosmos during the Hellenistic period (roughly 3rd century BCE). They combined Greek science with earlier Egyptian and Babylonian knowledge, developing sophisticated models of the solar system, star catalogs, and astronomical tools. Notable figures like Hipparchus and Ptolemy created influential theories, including the geocentric model, which positioned Earth at the universe's center. Their work laid the foundation for future astronomy, shaping scientific thought for centuries and connecting different traditions of celestial observation.