Chapter 286 The Singularity Approaches 9
The launch ceremony, which should have been a festive occasion without any problems, ended up presenting Marcus with another dilemma.
Of course, the ceremony itself was a resounding success. The newly unveiled large sailing ship operated flawlessly, and the crowd enjoyed a short voyage thanks to a lottery. Although mass production was still a distant dream, once cannons became commonplace, the main vessels of Rome would almost all be replaced by sailing ships.
"The problem is that we need to overhaul the entire field of astronomy before that happens."
At first, Marcus thought that simply equipping himself with a compass and a telescope would suffice. A compass could be made immediately, and there were no issues with producing telescopes.
"Why didn't I think of addressing astronomy and navigation, despite considering everything else? How foolish."
It might be because he had been so focused on developing and refining technology. Or perhaps because astronomy and navigation were not as immediately visible or tangible, he naturally pushed them to the back of his priorities.
Regardless of the reason, it was not too late to realize this now.
Marcus seriously contemplated how to advocate for the heliocentric theory in an era where the geocentric model was firmly established. Initially, he hoped it could be resolved easily this time as well. His persuasive power was growing day by day, so he thought that if he said the Earth revolved, it might become accepted.
However, further investigation revealed that it was not such a simple matter. The geocentric model of this era was a sophisticated science that had already undergone several rounds of verification.
"If we impose it through authority, people might pretend to accept it outwardly while still propagating the geocentric theory in private."
This was completely different from reforming traditional farming methods or predicting future events. Farming or hygiene reforms could show results within a few years, making it possible to push forward with them. If they didn't work, one could take responsibility and enforce changes, potentially overturning everything with the results.
The same went for predicting the great earthquake in Antioch. If the predicted time arrived and no earthquake occurred, successors would face considerable difficulties. But if the earthquake did happen?
After that day, the Julian-Licinius family would literally become true gods.
However, the field of science required a more cautious approach. The geocentric model was not a baseless theory like alchemy. Although from a modern perspective the geocentric model might seem like a product of ignorance and absurdity, it was not without merit. Modern people might mock it as, "How could anyone think the sun revolves around the Earth? Tsk, tsk, foolish ancients."
Some believe that the geocentric model, enforced by religious coercion, was overturned by the heliocentric model, which is scientific. This is also a mistaken notion. Strictly speaking, the geocentric model was good science. It had a solid observational model, an initial framework, and was refined through predictions and observations. Through continuous refinement and the advancement of science, it was eventually replaced by the heliocentric model.
"So the problem is that with the current level of science, the geocentric model is a much more persuasive concept."
Marcus immediately tried to explain the heliocentric theory to Spartacus and Surenus. The results were even more disastrous than he had anticipated.
"Uh... I don't quite understand. Just looking at the sky right now, the sun appears to be moving. So according to Mr. Marcus, you're saying that the sun is stationary and the Earth is moving...?"
"Yes. Strictly speaking, the sun does revolve around the center of the galaxy, but we don't need to delve into that. The key point is that in the solar system, the sun is stationary, and the planets revolve around it. This includes the Earth, the planet we live on."
Spartacus looked completely bewildered, as if he had given up understanding altogether. However, Surenus tried to process Marcus's explanation and make sense of it.
"Mr. Marcus, even so, there are still many aspects I can't understand. Didn't the astronomers we saw at the launch event say that the heliocentric theory is a flawed theory not worth considering?"
"Which do you think is the truth, what they said or what I'm saying?"
"Naturally, I believe what Mr. Marcus is saying."
"Exactly… So, assuming my words are correct, try to understand it. I'm not asking you to believe it out of faith alone, but I'm trying to make you understand first."
If Marcus couldn't convince these two, who were prepared to listen to and accept anything he said, how could he convince the astronomers? The methods used by historical figures like Copernicus and Galileo to advocate for the heliocentric theory weren't particularly useful.
This was because they couldn't provide a definitive method to prove the heliocentric theory. Galileo only argued that the geocentric model could never be the absolute truth. Of course, in an era before classical physics was fully established, that was all he could say.
In other words, the geocentric model might have seemed more reasonable than the heliocentric model in ancient times. Therefore, it was necessary to come up with accurate arguments to supplement it.
Marcus drew continued questions from Spartacus and Surenus through several hours of intense explanation. After receiving a few questions about why such phenomena wouldn't occur if the Earth were actually moving, his thoughts became even more complicated.
To explain all this, he would need to convey concepts that would sound like an alien language to people of this era.
"I'm only now understanding why Aristarchus was ridiculed by astronomers."
Originally, science is not something that stands alone in fragments.
Just as it was necessary to improve basic iron smelting techniques to create plate armor, the heliocentric theory required the establishment of numerous related theories.
However, realistically, Marcus couldn't explain all these theories one by one.
"There's no help for it. Let's start by incorporating the heliocentric theory into the regular curriculum."
Marcus's plans to establish higher education institutions were nearing completion. The military academy was already operating successfully, and institutions to train engineers and scholars in various fields were soon to be introduced. Naturally, this would include navigators and astronomers as well.
"I'll need to start by finding suitable candidates to become professors. And the upcoming debates can be left to them."
Once he made a plan, Marcus acted on it immediately. He promptly invited renowned astronomers from Egypt and Greece to where he was. This marked the opening of what would be recorded as the most significant turning point in the history of astronomy: the Ctesiphon Astronomy Seminar.
The astronomers invited by Marcus expressed their willingness to attend the seminar. However, the journey from Alexandria and Greece to Ctesiphon was not a short one. Marcus, considering the scholars' convenience, allowed ample time for travel and ensured that their expenses were fully covered.
The confirmed date for the seminar was six months later. It was titled "Does the Sun Revolve Around the Earth?"
Most astronomers viewed it as an opportunity to explain their theories, which had been consolidated from Plato through Aristotle. Surprisingly, there were also a few who sincerely believed Aristarchus's claims. Though a very small number, these individuals publicly declared their intention to reveal why the geocentric model was flawed.
Marcus recruited a team of professors who would serve as his representatives while the scholars made their way to Ctesiphon. Fortunately, many scholars and technicians were staying in Ctesiphon due to the construction of the large sailing ships, so finding people was not difficult.
Of course, these scholars were initially shocked by Marcus's explanations and voiced their opposition.
"Great Shahanshah, it is an immense honor to become a professor at the educational institution you are creating. I believe that training talented individuals in this manner is truly an amazing idea."
"Indeed. As long as the professors of the institution produce results through research and papers, they can continue their academic work without worrying about funding. Since the students are also selected for their excellence, financial support will be provided generously, allowing them to focus solely on honing their talents."
"Your understanding of the scholars' needs will undoubtedly lead to the flourishing of Roman scholarship. However, the selection of subjects in teaching is also crucial, and including the heliocentric theory in the curriculum is..."
The scholars Marcus recruited were naturally the most reputable in their fields. His involvement in chemistry and metallurgy was already far ahead of his time, having surpassed several centuries in advancement.
The scholars were aware of this fact, so they could not openly criticize Marcus. Although meticulous scholars typically expressed their opinions even in front of those in power, Marcus was not an ordinary ruler.
"By the way, weren't you a disciple of the famous Poseidonius?"
"Yes. I was deeply impressed by his astronomy lectures and have devoted my life to the study of astronomy."
"Poseidonius was indeed a great scholar."
Poseidonius, who had passed away about ten years ago, was one of the greatest intellectuals of the era. He was knowledgeable in fields ranging from astronomy to geography, politics, philosophy, and history, and had even served as an ambassador in Rome. He was a highly esteemed scholar, with Cicero and Pompey having attended his lectures.
Marcus was now advocating a position directly opposed to that of Poseidonius.
"Do you mean to say that in the debate scheduled for six months from now, Shahanshah intends to discard the geocentric theory and recognize the heliocentric theory as mainstream? There will be tremendous backlash."
"Like the reaction you're giving now?"
"Excuse my impertinence, but scholars can be quite temperamental. There may be those who will speak rudely to you, Marcus."
"If I were trying to brainwash people with false theories, I would deserve any criticism. But you will undoubtedly become the disseminators of my theories worldwide. Higinus, please take the record."
"Yes, yes! I will transcribe every word without missing a single letter."
A young man, who was called Higinus, quickly opened his notebook at Marcus's command. Higinus was a freedman of Octavius and was a well-known writer who left his mark in history. Among his works, collections of poetic astronomy and stories were preserved and treated as valuable historical sources up to the present day.
This talented young man also had a background in astronomy, which Marcus noted and instructed him to publish a book. The book, titled "The Dialogues of Marcus and the School of Poseidonius," was set to be read by many in the future.
"Now, let me explain why the geocentric theory does not make sense and why Earth cannot be the center of the universe, so that you can understand. If you have any objections, feel free to voice them."
The astronomers nodded, preparing to teach the Shahanshah, who they believed did not understand their field. However, as the discussion progressed, their faces gradually grew more and more shocked. Marcus's insights far exceeded their expectations, being both excellent and flawless.
This was especially true because the era had not yet seen the birth of Ptolemy, so the weaknesses of the geocentric theory had not been addressed. This allowed Marcus to point out the contradictions of the geocentric theory much more easily than Copernicus or Galileo could.
"According to Aristotle's model of concentric circles, it is impossible to explain the movements of Venus. Isn't that so?"
"Y-yes, that's true. But if we assume that Earth is moving, wouldn't there be even greater contradictions everywhere?"
"Really? I don't particularly see such points. Could you provide some examples?"
Excited by the attack on their weaknesses, the scholars began listing the problems with the heliocentric theory that they had memorized. Marcus, who had been listening leisurely, asked in a relaxed tone once the scholars finished speaking.
"Is that all?"
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