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When did Hipparchus live?

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Engraving of six astronomers, with Hipparchus seated at center and, from left to right, Galileo, Johannes Hevelius, Tycho Brahe, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Ptolemy standing, each holding scientific instruments. — Hipparchus “Six astronomers,” the frontispiece of *Astronomica Institutio* (1692) by Jan Luyts, engraving after drawing by Gerard Hoet. Hipparchus is seated at center with from left to right: Galileo, Johannes Hevelius, Tycho Brahe, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Ptolemy.

Hipparchus was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who lived during the 2nd century BCE. While little is known about his life, historical records indicate he was born in Nicaea, Bithynia, and died after 127 BCE, likely on the island of Rhodes.1

Evidence of his active career is primarily derived from observations cited by Ptolemy, which include specific dates ranging from 162 to 127 BCE.2