[gothic-l] The Importance of Ptolemy

[Bertil Haggman]

Dear listmembers,

Ptolemy (c.AD 90- 168) is the best-known and most influential
geographer of the classical world. His texts mark the zenith
of Greek geographical thought and contain the first
recognizable and scientifically calculated map projections.
By the time of Ptolemy the use of parallels and meridians
was already established. Ptolemy's concept was to plot
meridians at five degree intervals.

The text of Ptolemy's _Geography_ described a large
world map and 26 regional maps of what was known
of Europe, northern African and southern an dwestern
Asia. The oldest manuscript is from the 14th century.

On the peoples of Scandia Ptolemy mentioned except
for the Gutae (probably the the gutar, Gotlanders) six
other peoples. The Greek cartographer likely drew
up the map of northern and north-eastern Europe
based on the verbal reports of travellers and sea-
captains.

The information of Ptolemy is one that does not
fit well int the Knysh theories, so he naturally is seeking
to play down Ptolemy. He might even try to introduce
William of Ockham as a source on the Goths and the
Eruli.

Gothically

Bertil


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