The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Archimedes of Syracuse

Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287 — 212 BCE) was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. He is considered one of the greatest mathematicians and scientists of antiquity, known for his contributions to geometry, mechanics, and various fields of science and engineering. Here are the key facts about Archimedes:

1. Early Life and Education:
- Archimedes was born in the Greek city of Syracuse on the island of Sicily.
- He was a member of an aristocratic family and received a comprehensive education in mathematics, science, and philosophy.

2. Mathematical Contributions:
- Archimedes made significant advancements in mathematics, particularly in geometry and the calculation of areas and volumes of various shapes.
- He developed methods for finding the area of a circle and the volume of a sphere, which are now known as Archimedes' formulas.
- His work on the measurement of the circle and the approximation of its value using polygons laid the groundwork for the concept of pi.

3. Laws of Mechanics:
- Archimedes is known for his contributions to the field of mechanics. He formulated the principles of leverage and the law of the lever, famously stating, "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth."
- He also formulated the principle of buoyancy, known as Archimedes' principle, which explains the buoyant force exerted on objects immersed in a fluid.

4. Inventions and Engineering:
- Archimedes was a prolific inventor and engineer. He designed a variety of machines, including pulleys, screws, and water-lifting devices.
- The Archimedes screw, a device for raising water, is one of his most famous inventions and is still used in various forms today.

5. Defenses of Syracuse:
- Archimedes' engineering skills were put to practical use during the Siege of Syracuse by the Romans in 212 BCE. He designed ingenious defensive devices to repel the Roman assault.
- One of his most famous inventions was the "heat ray" or "burning mirror," a device that concentrated sunlight to set Roman ships on fire.

6. Death and Legacy:
- Archimedes died during the capture of Syracuse by the Romans. According to historical accounts, he was killed by a Roman soldier despite his plea to finish a mathematical diagram he was working on.
- His legacy had a lasting impact on the fields of mathematics, physics, and engineering. His work laid the foundation for later developments in calculus, hydrostatics, and mechanics.

7. Cultural Impact:
- Archimedes' contributions continued to influence scientific and mathematical thought for centuries. His writings were preserved in various texts and were studied by mathematicians during the Islamic Golden Age and the Renaissance.
- His work was particularly influential in the work of later scientists like Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton.

Archimedes' genius and innovative thinking left an indelible mark on the history of science and mathematics. His legacy as a brilliant mathematician, inventor, and physicist remains a testament to the power of human intellect and the pursuit of knowledge.