Theory · proposed c. 150 CE
The Geocentric Model
History of Astronomy
The theory
The model, codified by Ptolemy, in which the Earth sits motionless at the centre of the cosmos while the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars revolve around it on a system of circles and epicycles. It explained the observed motions well enough to dominate astronomy for over 1,400 years before being overturned by heliocentrism.
Developed by
Refuted by
Presented in
Knowledge connections
- Refuted byThe Galilean Moons of Jupiter
- Refuted byThe Phases of Venus
- Introduced byAlmagest
- Developed byPtolemy
- Part ofGreek Astronomy
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica
General reference for the history of astronomy, biographies, and cultural context.