What is "hecataeus"

Hecataeus is a large lunar crater that lies near the eastern limb of the Moon. It is attached to the northern rim of the walled plain Humboldt. To the northeast is the smaller crater Gibbs. East of Hecataeus is a chain of small craters forming a line radial to Humboldt; these are designated the Catena Humboldt, named after the walled plain.

Hecataeus is a worn and eroded walled plain with wide inner walls. Its northern part overlies half of Hecataeus K, a fairly substantial crater. Along the southern rim, the outer rampart of ejecta from Humboldt forms a rugged interior surface across the southern floor. Several small, bowl-shaped craters lay across the eastern rim and inner wall. The western rim is much less damaged by impacts, although it is still eroded. The northern part of the interior floor is relatively featureless.

Hecataeus is a Greek name shared by several historical figures:

• Hecataeus of Miletus (born ca. 550 BC), historian
• Hecataeus of Cardia (fl. 323 BC), tyrant of the city of Cardia
• Hecataeus of Abdera (born ca. 300 BC), philosopher and historian
• Hecataeus of Eretria (born ca. 300 BC), historian
• Hecataeus of Mytilene (born ca. 100 BC), sculptor