Thales
Thales of Miletus (ca. 624 BC–ca. 546 BC), was a Greek philosopher and mathematician and one of the seven wise men of antiquity. He was the first Greek philosopher to take an interest in mathematics and science. He was the first to apply logical proof to geometry, and proved the six basic propositions of geometry. When he traveled to Egypt he calculated the height of pyramids using geometry, and would also calculate the distance of ships from the shore. He was born and lived in Miletus, Ionia, now western Turkey.
Thales studied the heavens, trying to come up with an idea that explained the movement of the stars and planets. He is most known for his correct prediction of the "short-term disappearance of the sun," now known as a solar eclipse.
He is said to have died in his seat while watching an athletic contest.
