The Complete History of Science Gethin Richards

In the late medieval period, while Europe obsessed with Aristotle's natural philosophy, the Islamic world entered the zenith of astronomical discoveries. In this episode, we explore the remarkable contributions of two great astronomers, al-Tusi and al-Shatir. Amidst the dominance of Ptolemaic astronomy, they embarked on a mission to unravel its lingering problems.Contact: thecompletehistoryofscience@gmail.comTwitter: @complete_sciMusic Credit: Folk Round Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) ...

In this epsidoe we delve into the early life of Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who challenged the geocentric model of the universe. From his upbringing in Torun, Poland, to his academic journey at Jagiellonian University and travels to Bologna and Rome, follow Copernicus's passion for astronomy amid societal expectations. Discover the pivotal moments that led to his groundbreaking heliocentric model, which revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos.Contact: thecompletehistoryofscienc...

This episode explores the pivotal encounter in Nicolaus Copernicus's later life when he met the young mathematician known as Rheticus. Rheticus, a prodigy from the University of Wittenberg, sought out Copernicus in Frombork, Poland, to learn more about his heliocentric theory. Despite their differences, Rheticus and Copernicus's collaboration that resulted in the publication of Copernicus's groundbreaking work, 'On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres.' Contact: thecompletehistoryofsc...

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, western Europe fractured into many small petty states. A period of economic contraction coincided with a decline in learning and during the early medieval age Europe entered a nadir. However, the church kept some form of ancient scientific thought alive and figures such as Isidore of Seville and the Venerable Bede worked to preserve this knowledge. Contact: thecompletehistoryofscience@gmail.comTwitter: @complete_sciMusic Credit: Folk R...

Scientific thought was rejuvenated in the 10th century as the Christians in the north came into contact with Islamic culture in Iberia. Gerbert, a monk from Aurillac in Southern France played a key role in this process, introducing to Europe many innovations, such as the abacus, the armillary sphere and new mathematics. In doing so he revitalised teaching, particularly of the quadrivium and demonstrated to the Latins the advanced knowledge of the Greeks and Arabs. Conta...