What were the major contributions of Ancient Greece to geography and cartography?

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What were the major contributions of Ancient Greece to geography and cartography?

Ancient Greece made significant contributions to geography and cartography. Some of the major contributions include:

1. Development of the concept of latitude and longitude: Ancient Greek scholars, such as Eratosthenes, developed the concept of latitude and longitude, which laid the foundation for modern cartography and navigation.

2. Creation of maps: Ancient Greeks created some of the earliest known maps, including the famous world map by Anaximander. These maps were based on observations, measurements, and calculations, and helped in understanding the world's geography.

3. Advancement in geographic knowledge: Greek scholars, like Herodotus and Strabo, conducted extensive explorations and documented their findings, contributing to the expansion of geographic knowledge. Their works provided valuable information about different regions, cultures, and natural features.

4. Introduction of the concept of regional geography: Ancient Greeks recognized the importance of studying regions and their characteristics. They divided the world into different regions and described their physical and cultural attributes, laying the foundation for regional geography.

5. Development of the discipline of cartography: Ancient Greeks developed the discipline of cartography, which involved the creation, study, and interpretation of maps. They introduced various map projections and techniques for representing the Earth's surface accurately.

Overall, Ancient Greece's contributions to geography and cartography played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world's geography and laid the groundwork for modern mapping techniques.