Final answer:
The ancient Greeks are noted for using reason and mathematics to explain nature without involving the supernatural, leading to substantial strides in astronomy and laying the foundation for future scientific endeavors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Greeks receive substantial recognition for their contributions to science because they were the first people known to try to explain nature with models based on reason and mathematics, without recourse to the supernatural. Notable Hellenistic thinkers made significant discoveries in astronomy such as the heliocentric model and the meticulous calculations concerning Earth's size. For instance, Eratosthenes nearly accurately calculated the Earth's circumference, and Hipparchus developed the first star charts with a system of longitudes and latitudes. Furthermore, Thales of Miletus sought natural explanations for phenomena like earthquakes and practiced astronomy while avoiding mythical interpretations. Later, Greeks such as Aristotle acknowledged Earth's sphericity but adhered to a geocentric model due to lack of evidence for Earth's motion. This groundwork in observation, rationality, and empirical research set the stage for future scientific advancements.