Petrus Apianus
Back to people overviewBorn in Saxony as Peter Bienewitz, Apianus was a prolific publisher of mathematical and astronomical texts. His principle patron was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who granted Apianus printing monopolies. While a professor at the University of Ingolstadt, Apianus published his most famous work: the ‘Astronomicum Caesareum’, a comprehensive review of contemporary astronomical knowledge. It was beautifully illustrated and crammed with intricate volvelles, which could be used to calculate everything from eclipses to the hour of a baby’s conception. Apianus was made an Imperial Knight for his work, and eventually an Imperial Count Palatine.
