The mathematician who was pope at the year 1000

Gerbert of Aurillac — who studied mathematics and astronomy in Catalonia — became Pope Sylvester II and held the office from 999 to 1003, sitting as bishop of Rome across the turn of the year 1000. He is credited with reintroducing the abacus and the armillary sphere to Latin Europe and with promoting Hindu-Arabic numerals in the Christian West.

One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.