Pope Sylvester II (or Silvester II) (c. 946 – 12 May 1003), born Gerbert d'Aurillac (Gerbert of Aurillac), was a prolific scholar, teacher, and Pope. He endorsed and promoted study of Arab/Greco-Roman arithmetic, mathematics, and astronomy, reintroducing to Europe the abacus and armillary sphere, which had been lost to Europe since the end of the Greco-Roman era. He was the first French Pope, reigning from 999 until his death. Due to his efforts to root out simony and other corruption within the Church, and his connection with science and intellectualism, there were many rumors and legends spread of Sylvester II being a sorcerer in league with the devil.
Read more about Pope Sylvester II: Life, Works and Teaching, Gerbert in Legend, Bibliography
Famous quotes containing the words pope and/or sylvester:
“We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow;
Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so.”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)
“Were I as base as is the lowly plain,
And you, my Love, as high as heaven above,
Yet should the thoughts of me, your humble swain,
Ascend to heaven in honour of my love.”
—Joshua Sylvester (1561–1618)