fl. c. 1141-c. 1150

English Mathematician and Astronomer

Robert of Chester was one of the foremost medieval translators of Arabic scientific works into Latin. Through his translations he introduced Arabic algebra and alchemy to Western Europe. However, he is best known for making the first Latin translation of the Koran, the primary religious text of the Islamic religion.

Robert was born in the early twelfth century. As was common for scholars at the time, he was known to his contemporaries by many names, including Robert Retinensis, Robertus Ketenensis, de Ketene, Ostiensis, Astensis, Cataneus, and Robert Cestrensis. Chester apparently refers to where he was educated, as it is believed that he was originally from the town of Ketton in Rutland. Little else is known of his life. In 1136 he went to Barcelona to study with Plato of Tivoli (Plato Tibertinus), and by 1141 he was living near...