Question

Обьясните чем занимались древние географы в далеком прошлом?

Answer 1

Они изучали строение земли, ее население

Answer 2

Корни географической науки уходят в глубокую древность. Наши далекие предки неплохо знали географию тех мест, в которых обитали, и умели изобразить их на примитивных картах, нарисованных на песке, вырезанных на дереве, коре, камне. Зачатки настоящих научных географических знаний возникли во времена рабовладельческого строя у древних народов Азии — ассиро-вавилонян, персов, индийцев, финикиян, а также в Египте. Замечательные мореплаватели древности — финикияне, жившие на восточном побережье Средиземного моря, уже знали не только берега этого моря, но около 1200 г. до н. э. проникли за Гибралтар и затем доходили на севере до Британских о-вов, а на юге — по крайней мере до Канарских о-вов.

География пережила несколько периодов расцвета, тесно связанных с важными историческими событиями. Например, в эпоху великих географических открытий, в XV-XVII столетиях, крупнейшие феодальные государства, заинтересованные в открытии и захвате новых земель — колоний, снаряжали одну экспедицию за другой в далекие страны. Вот тогда-то и была открыта Америка и проложены морские пути из Европы в Индию и другие страны Востока.

Долгое время географы занимались открытием и исследованием разных стран: они изучали пути сообщения, связывающие между собой эти страны, собирали сведения о строении земной поверхности, растительном и животном мире, населении и хозяйстве. Человека манили к себе еще неизвестные ему земли, открытие которых сулило богатство. Все увиденное путешественники старались подробно описать.

Но со временем людей перестали удовлетворять одни описания и они стали искать объяснение явлениям природы. Так география превратилась в науку, исследующую причины и связь природных явлений, а также их влияние на хозяйственную деятельность человека.

Answer 3

Ancient Geographers in the Distant Past

Ancient geographers in the distant past were scholars and explorers who studied and documented the Earth's physical features, natural resources, and human settlements. They sought to understand the world around them and create maps to represent their findings. These geographers made significant contributions to the development of geography as a discipline and laid the foundation for modern geographical knowledge.

Activities of Ancient Geographers

1. Exploration and Mapping: Ancient geographers embarked on expeditions to explore different regions and gather information about their landscapes, climates, and inhabitants. They observed and recorded geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and coastlines. They also created maps to represent the known world, although these maps were often incomplete and inaccurate compared to modern standards.

2. Measurement and Calculation: Ancient geographers developed methods to measure distances, angles, and elevations. They used tools like the astrolabe, compass, and quadrant to make these measurements. By calculating these values, they were able to estimate the size of the Earth and determine the positions of different locations.

3. Description of Natural Phenomena: Ancient geographers documented natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and weather patterns. They observed and recorded these events to better understand the Earth's processes and their impact on human societies.

4. Study of Human Settlements: Ancient geographers were interested in studying human settlements and their characteristics. They examined factors such as population size, economic activities, political organization, and cultural practices. This information helped them understand the diversity of human societies and their relationship with the environment.

5. Compilation of Geographic Knowledge: Ancient geographers compiled their observations, measurements, and descriptions into written works. These works, such as Ptolemy's "Geography" and Strabo's "Geography," served as important references for future generations of geographers and explorers.

Significance of Ancient Geographers

The work of ancient geographers laid the foundation for the development of geography as a scientific discipline. Their observations and maps provided valuable insights into the Earth's physical and human landscapes. They also contributed to the advancement of navigation and trade by providing accurate information about different regions.

Furthermore, the writings of ancient geographers preserved knowledge about the ancient world, including the locations of cities, trade routes, and natural resources. This information has been invaluable for historians and archaeologists in understanding ancient civilizations and their interactions.

Conclusion

Ancient geographers in the distant past played a crucial role in exploring, documenting, and understanding the Earth's physical and human landscapes. Through their observations, measurements, and writings, they contributed to the development of geography as a discipline and provided valuable knowledge about the ancient world. Their work continues to be relevant and influential in modern geographical studies.