Nicolaus Copernicus

When Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) offered mathematical proof that the Earth rotated on an axis and revolved around a stationary sun, he radically changed the way people saw the world and their place in it. Conventional wisdom of the time, based mostly on secondcentury Greek astronomer Ptolemy's incorrect theories and on traditional interpretation of biblical passages, taught that the Earth was the center of the universe and the sun and planets revolved around it. Copernican theory shattered not only the science of that belief, but contributed to the Renaissance's rethinking of humanity's position in the grand scheme of creation. If people were not the center of the universe, perhaps they were not the most important beings in it.

In 1533, Copernicus's theories were presented to Pope Clement VII (1478–1534), who quickly approved them and requested that they be published. However, fearful...