Debunking the Flat Earth Myth: Medieval Scholars Knew Better

For centuries, a persistent myth has painted the Middle Ages as a time when people believed the Earth was flat. This misconception suggests that medieval individuals feared falling off the edge of the world if they ventured too far. However, historical evidence reveals that educated people during the Middle Ages were well aware of the Earth’s spherical nature.​

Ancient Foundations of a Spherical Earth

The understanding of a round Earth dates back to ancient Greek scholars. In the 4th century BCE, Aristotle provided observations supporting Earth’s sphericity, such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the Earth’s round shadow during lunar eclipses. By around 240 BCE, Eratosthenes had even calculated Earth’s circumference with remarkable accuracy. These insights were preserved through Roman texts and continued to influence medieval scholarship.​

Medieval Acceptance and Teaching

During the Middle Ages, educated individuals, including scholars and clergy, continued to accept and teach the concept of a spherical Earth. The Venerable Bede, an English monk from the 8th century, explicitly described the Earth as a sphere and discussed how this shape affected the length of days in different regions. Such knowledge was disseminated through educational institutions and religious teachings, making it accessible even to those without formal education.​

The Persistence of the Myth

The idea that medieval people believed in a flat Earth gained traction in the 19th century, partly due to works by writers like Washington Irving. This narrative served to portray the Middle Ages as a period of ignorance, contrasting it with the “enlightened” modern era. However, this portrayal overlooks the continuity of scientific understanding from antiquity through the medieval period.​

Conclusion

The belief that medieval people thought the Earth was flat is a misconception. Historical records demonstrate that the spherical nature of the Earth was well understood by educated individuals during the Middle Ages. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the continuity and preservation of scientific knowledge throughout history.​