Meton of Athens (Greek: Μέτων ὁ Ἀθηναῖος) was a Greek mathematician, astronomer, geometer, and engineer who lived in Athens in the 5th century BCE. He is best known for the 19-year Metonic cycle which he introduced in 432 BCE into the lunisolar Attic calendar as a method of calculating dates. Meton found that 19 solar years are almost equal to 235 lunar months and 6940 days.
Meton was one of the first Greek astronomers to make accurate astronomical observations. It is widely believed that, working with Euctemon, he observed the summer solstice on June 27, 432 BCE, which signified the start of the New Year for the Athenians.
Meton appears briefly as a character in Aristophanes' play The Birds. He comes onstage carrying surveying instruments and is described as a geometer.
None of his works survive.
References
- Toomer, G. J. "Meton." Dictionary of Scientific Biography 9:337-40.
- Pannekoek, A. "Planetary Theories - the Planetary Theory of Kidinnu." Popular Astronomy 55, 10/1947, p 422
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