Campanus of Novara refers to the Italian mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer who lived during the 13th century. His full name was Johannes Campanus de Novaria, with Novara denoting his birthplace in the city of Novara, which is present-day northern Italy.
Campanus is best known for his contributions to mathematics and astronomy. He translated and commented on several works of ancient Greek mathematicians such as Euclid, Archimedes, and Ptolemy, helping to introduce their ideas and concepts to the European world.
In the field of astronomy, Campanus performed astronomical observations and made calculations to improve the accuracy of planetary positions and their movements. He also refined various astronomical instruments and developed new mathematical methods to make astronomical calculations more precise.
Aside from his mathematical and astronomical pursuits, Campanus was also an astrologer. He believed that the positions and movements of celestial bodies could influence human affairs and events. He created astrological tables to aid in astrological calculations and interpretations.
Overall, Campanus of Novara was a prominent figure in the mathematical, astronomical, and astrological fields during the Middle Ages. His translations, commentaries, and original contributions played a significant role in the dissemination of ancient Greek knowledge to the Western world, ensuring its preservation and further development.
