Calculating the Earth's circumference on top of the roof of the Gymnasium of Astypalaia and the Venetian castle standing in the background. Shadow & light. The Aegean sea & the deep blue sky. Eratosthenes & Astropalia.
A few words about the connection of Astypalaia (Astropalia) with astronomy and Eratosthenes.
The British astronomer Michael Ovenden, after studies and calculations, credits Astypalaia with the early astronomical observations and the design of the constellations. The island of Astypalaia is surrounded by many rocky islets, with which the position of each constellation on the horizon can be associated. According to the reputable astronomer, the only island that combines the necessary qualifications –a high mountain with a 360-degree horizon at the top, many rocky islets near the 36th parallel– is Astypalaia. He even wonders whether the modern, slang name of the island, Astropalia, is not actually slang, but hides a connection with early astronomy in the Aegean.
Viewing Astypalaia through the eyes of Eratosthenes.The connection to Astypalaia comes through Eratosthenes' broader contributions to geography and cartography. His work laid the foundation for mapping and understanding the world's geography, including the delineation of latitudes and longitudes. Astypalaia, with its strategic location in the Aegean Sea, would have been a point of interest for ancient geographers like Eratosthenes. While there's no direct historical evidence linking Eratosthenes to Astypalaia, his pioneering work in mapping the Earth's surface and understanding its dimensions undoubtedly contributed to the broader knowledge of islands like Astypalaia within the ancient world.