Page "belles_lettres" Paragraph 500

As early as the 6th century B.C. the earth was seen to be spherical.

Ships disappear hull-first over the horizon ; ;

approaching shore their masts appeared first.

Earth, being at the center of the universe, would have the same shape as the latter ; ;

so, e.g. did Aristotle argue, although this may not be an observational reason in favor of circularity.

The discoid shapes of sun and moon were also felt to indicate the shape of celestial things.