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was the most influential astronomer of the ancient world. The books and theories Ptolemy developed served as a major basis for future astronomers. It was during the Renaissance period that his work became thoroughly studied and revised. Ptolemy collected ....

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.... The patterns that were discovered could then predict the next occurrence of such an event. Ptolemy eventually devised an ancient form of nautical almanac or "ephemeris". Mathematics could now not only be used to predict but to demonstrate whether a particular theory was correct or not. Ptolemy developed several theories of his own contrary to the beliefs of many other Greek astrologers at the time. He upheld that the "heavens" consisted of bodies orbiting the earth in a celestial path - this idea was supported for some time. Though his views were altered by the Renaissance (the sun was now placed at the centre), orbital concepts remai ....