Who is regarded as the father of geography and astronomy?

• A. Ptolemy
• B. Eratosthenes
• C. Hipparchus
• D. Aristarchus

Answer: (B)

The key idea is recognizing an early figure who set the foundation for both mapping the world and using celestial observations to measure Earth. Eratosthenes is credited as the father of geography because he organized geographic knowledge into a systematic framework: he produced the first known world map, described the concept of latitude and longitude, and organized places into regions and coordinates. He also demonstrated a method to estimate the Earth's circumference by comparing shadow measurements at two distant locations (Syene and Alexandria), effectively linking geography with astronomical observation. This combination of methodical mapping and empirical measurement established a lasting approach to understanding the Earth's shape, size, and layout. That blend of cartography and observational technique is why Eratosthenes is regarded in this way.