History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration Season 1 Episode 2 The Scientific Voyage of Pytheas the Greek

In episode 2 of History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration season 1, viewers are taken on a journey with Pytheas the Greek, a scientist and explorer who lived in the 4th century BC. Pytheas was one of the first to embark on what is considered a scientific expedition, as he sought to learn more about the world around him and share his findings with others.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Pytheas and his background, including his education, which gave him the foundation he needed to become a knowledgeable cartographer and astronomer. Pytheas set out on his journey with the goal of exploring the northern reaches of the earth and documenting his findings. He was one of the first to realize that the earth was not flat, but rather round, and he sought to learn more about the world beyond the Mediterranean.

Pytheas' first major discovery was the island of Thule, which he claimed was the most northern point of the world. He documented the long days and nights that occurred in this area, as well as the strange behavior of the sea and the stars. Pytheas also recorded the presence of sea ice, which he believed was ice formed from the ocean itself rather than from land. This was a major discovery, as it was previously believed that the earth was too warm at its northernmost points for ice to exist.

As Pytheas continued his journey, he encountered many different cultures and peoples. He documented the customs and lifestyles of these groups, as well as their natural resources and environmental conditions. He also studied the stars and the tides, making important observations about their patterns and their impact on the earth. Pytheas' findings were groundbreaking in the field of astronomy, and his work helped to lay the foundation for modern navigation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the places Pytheas visited, including the rugged coastlines and frozen seas of northern Europe. The show expertly weaves together historical explanations with stunning recreations of Pytheas' journey, helping viewers to understand the significance of his contributions to the field of exploration and science.

Overall, episode 2 of History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration season 1 is a fascinating journey through the life and work of Pytheas the Greek. This scientist and explorer was truly ahead of his time, and his journey helped to lay the foundation for modern astronomy and navigation. Viewers will be captivated by the stunning visuals and expert storytelling, and will come away with a greater appreciation for this little-known pioneer of scientific exploration.