Anaxagoras, a Greek philosopher and astronomer, lived from 500 to 428 BC. Born in Clazomenae, Ionia, he moved to Athens and became a close friend of the powerful statesman Pericles. This connection, as it turned out, would prove crucial for his survival.
Anaxagoras was a bold thinker who challenged the prevailing religious views of his time. He dared to assert that the Sun, previously considered a deity, was in fact a "blazing stone" larger than the Peloponnesus, the peninsula where Athens was located. He further proposed that the Moon, another celestial body worshipped as a goddess, was not a perfect sphere but rather possessed plains, valleys, and mountains, much like Earth.
These revolutionary ideas, which diverged from traditional Greek mythology, angered religious leaders and certain Athenian citizens. Anaxagoras was accused of impiety and faced a trial, potentially risking execution for his beliefs. However, thanks to Pericles's influence, he was merely banished from Athens.
While Anaxagoras's views on the Sun and Moon were ultimately incorrect, his groundbreaking ideas represented a significant shift in astronomical thought. By proposing that celestial bodies were not divine beings but rather physical objects subject to natural laws, he paved the way for a more scientific understanding of the universe.
His influence on later astronomers is undeniable. His theories about the Moon's physical characteristics and the Sun's nature served as stepping stones for future generations to build upon. Anaxagoras's story is a testament to the enduring power of intellectual curiosity and the courage it takes to challenge established dogma, even in the face of persecution.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. Where was Anaxagoras born? (a) Athens (b) Clazomenae (c) Sparta (d) Alexandria
(b) Clazomenae
2. What was Anaxagoras's profession? (a) Poet (b) Sculptor (c) Philosopher and Astronomer (d) General
(c) Philosopher and Astronomer
3. What significant connection did Anaxagoras have with a powerful figure? (a) He was a close friend of the Emperor Augustus (b) He was the tutor of Plato (c) He was a close friend of the statesman Pericles (d) He was the advisor to Alexander the Great
(c) He was a close friend of the statesman Pericles
4. What was Anaxagoras's revolutionary idea about the Sun? (a) It was a ball of fire (b) It was a god (c) It was a blazing stone larger than the Peloponnesus (d) It was a chariot driven across the sky
(c) It was a blazing stone larger than the Peloponnesus
5. Why was Anaxagoras accused of impiety? (a) He denied the existence of gods (b) He claimed to be a god (c) He challenged the prevailing religious views about celestial bodies (d) He stole from the temple
(c) He challenged the prevailing religious views about celestial bodies
Imagine you are a young Athenian citizen living during the time of Anaxagoras. Write a short diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings about his controversial ideas. Consider what you think about his theories, how they might affect your beliefs, and how you feel about the potential consequences for him.
There is no single "correct" answer for this exercise. Here's an example of a possible diary entry:
"Today, I heard the most outrageous things! Anaxagoras, that strange philosopher, claims the Sun is not a god but just a blazing stone. And the Moon, a goddess we all worship, is just a plain, bumpy rock! I can't believe my ears! How dare he say such things? He claims the Sun is bigger than the Peloponnesus! Imagine! It's like the whole world is going to fall apart! Everyone is talking about it. Some are angry, others are scared. I don't know what to believe. They say he's been accused of impiety, but I hope nothing terrible happens to him. His words made me think, even if they are wrong, but they also made me fear the anger of the gods."
Comments