Ptolemy II

Ptolemy II was a Greek mathematician and astronomer from the 2nd century AD, known for developing the Ptolemaic system—a model that explained planetary motions by organizing them in nested circles called epicycles. His work provided the most comprehensive astronomical framework of the ancient world, influencing astronomy for centuries. Ptolemy also contributed to geography, optics, and astrology, playing a key role in preserving and advancing scientific knowledge in antiquity. His models aimed to describe the complex movements of celestial bodies in a way that matched observed patterns, laying groundwork for future astronomical studies.