Plato Tiburtinus

Plato Tiburtinus, a prominent figure of the twelfth century, was an Italian mathematician, astronomer, and translator who made significant contributions to the fields of science and mathematics during his time in Barcelona from 1116 to 1138.

He is particularly renowned for his translations of crucial Hebrew and Arabic texts into Latin, which played a vital role in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe. Among his notable works is the translation of Albohali's "Book of Birth" in 1136, which showcased his expertise in astrology.

In 1138, he further solidified his legacy by translating Claudius Ptolemy's "Tetrabiblos" from Arabic to Latin, along with other significant astronomical texts, including the works of al-Battani and Theodosius' "Spherics." His collaboration with the Jewish mathematician Savasorda (Abraham Bar Ḥiyya Ha-Nasi) enriched his scholarly pursuits.

Plato's manuscripts gained widespread circulation and were influential in shaping the works of later scholars, including Albertus Magnus and Fibonacci, marking him as a pivotal figure in the intellectual landscape of the Middle Ages.