The Life of Archimedes

Archimedes was a Greek mathematician who created multiple inventions, formed new mathematical techniques, and made advances in geometry that we use in everyday mathematics. Regarded as one of the utmost mathematicians of all time (“Archimedes c.287 B.C.-212 B.C.”), he is responsible for improving the arithmetical meaning of infinity and how we use mathematical models in the real world (Noel, 28). He opened many doors in the world of geometry and math, making very important contributions to our lives today.

In 287 B.C, Archimedes was born in Syracuse, Sicily, where he grew up and lived all of his life. In the Greek times he grew up in, math was considered as a fine art (“Archimedes c.287 B.C.-212 B.C.”). This means it was a respected work of talented people who took joy in it. Decades before the time of Archimedes, mathematicians had to follow theoretical laws that restricted their studies and work. These “laws” were set by Plato, who believed that using tools was improper. In the later Greek years with Archimedes, these rules were disregarded and he was free to use any tools or methods he chose to use (Hasan, 41). He worked on his analyses and studies everywhere he could. In the absence of paper and blackboards, he would use his fingers or a long stick to draw geometric figures in sand, ashes, or even dust (“Archimedes”).

King Hiero II was a close acquaintance of Archimedes, so he asked him for assistance in various situations, including the production of war machines or for simple answers to complex problems (Zannos, 29). One war machine, called the iron claw, which would sink enemy ships that got too close to the walls of Syracuse. Archimedes is said to have also invented a way to burn ships at sea by angling mirrors at them....

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...vents, like “gravity, orbits, electric fields, and subatomic particles” (Hirshfield, 45).

Archimedes had a great passion for math, which partially led to his death. When Syracuse fell under siege during war, a Roman soldier was sent to take Archimedes away, but not harm or kill him. Archimedes is said to have been working on some problem, and refused to leave until he finished. Against his king’s wishes, the Roman soldier killed Archimedes anyway (“Archimedes”).

A great amount of Western science is based on Archimedes’ works (Noel, 29). Many scientists after Archimedes’ time based their work off of his, especially Galileo, who advanced many of Archimedes’ works (Noel, 27). The works and discoveries of Archimedes have made major contributions to modern mathematics and sciences. They have led modern society to better understand the mechanisms that make up the world.