The Myth of the Medieval Flat Earth and Why It Matters

Trine University’s Humanities Symposia continues as Eric Goddard, Ph.D., lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Social Sciences, discusses “The Myth of the Medieval Flat Earth and Why It Matters.” Goddard’s presentation begins by demonstrating that round earth belief began with the ancient Greeks and predominated in medieval Europe. He then will explore the beginnings of the medieval flat earth myth, and explain how the myth became established in the 19th and 20th centuries due to the desire of scholars to build the reputation of Columbus and to present a critical view of the medieval church.