The acceptance of the Aristotelian and Ptolemaic models of the Solar System for over a thousand years, despite their inaccuracies, can be attributed to several factors:
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Cultural and Religious Authority: Aristotle and Ptolemy were highly regarded figures in ancient philosophy and science. Their ideas were integrated into the broader worldview of the time, which included philosophical and religious beliefs that viewed humanity as being at the center of the universe. This alignment with prevailing cultural and religious narratives lent their models credibility and made alternatives difficult to entertain.
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Lack of Technological Advancement: For much of that period, observational technology was limited. The naked-eye observations that Ptolemy used were sufficient to develop the geocentric model, but the precision needed to challenge this model wasn't available until the Renaissance when more advanced telescopes and observational methods emerged.
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Complexity of Alternative Models: The heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus and further supported by Galileo and Kepler was more complex and less intuitive than the geocentric model. The idea of moving Earth was counter to everyday experiences, making it difficult for many to accept. The Ptolemaic system also provided mathematical tools that could accurately predict planetary positions, making it functional enough to maintain its acceptance.
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Resistance to Change: Scientific paradigms are often resistant to change due to cognitive biases and social influences. The entrenched educational and philosophical systems upheld the geocentric model, and professionals were often reluctant to abandon long-held beliefs. This resistance was compounded by the potential social and religious ramifications of accepting a new model that implied a different understanding of humanity's place in the universe.
These factors combined allowed the geocentric model to persist for centuries, despite its inaccuracies.