Who is credited with creating a comprehensive map of the known world in ancient times?

The correct answer is Claudius Ptolemy, who is recognized for his significant contributions to cartography in ancient times, particularly through his work titled "Geographia." This work compiled and synthesized knowledge about the world's geography and mapping practices available during his time, around the 2nd century CE. Ptolemy's maps were based on the latitude and longitude system, which provided a framework for creating more accurate representations of the Earth.

Ptolemy's influence extended well beyond his lifetime, as his cartographic techniques were later adopted and modified during the Renaissance, laying the groundwork for modern geography. His maps maintained accuracy and detail, allowing for a comprehensive representation of known territories, which was significant in an era when exploration was just beginning to expand.

The other individuals listed made notable contributions in different areas. For instance, Herodotus is often referred to as the "Father of History" for his works documenting and analyzing historical events but did not create maps in the same systematic way as Ptolemy. Aristotle was a philosopher who contributed to various fields, including ethics and biology, but he did not focus on cartography. Galileo Galilei was primarily known for his advancements in astronomy and physics rather than geography or map-making.