Projectively flat Finsler 2-spheres of constant curvature

Abstract

I classify the Finsler structures on the 2-sphere that have constant Finsler-Gauss curvature and whose geodesics are the great circles. Modulo diffeomorphism, there is a 2-parameter family of such Finsler structures, only one of which is homogeneous or symmetric, namely the Riemannian one. I discuss the history of the problem and its relation with Hilbert's Fourth Problem and the calculus of variations.