Archimedes: An Ancient Greek Genius Ahead of His Time

Archimedes was a Greek mathematician, scientist, mechanical engineer and inventor who is considered one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world. The father of simple machines, he introduced the concept of the lever and the compound pulley, as well as inventions ranging from water clocks to the famous Archimedes screw. He also designed devices to be used in warfare such as the catapult, the iron hand, and the death ray. Archimedes was one of the world’s first mathematical physicists whose inventions were actually applied to the physical world.

The Life of Archimedes: Syracuse and Alexandria

Born in Syracuse on the island of Sicily in 287 BC, Archimedes was the son of an astronomer and mathematician named Phidias. Very little is known about his family, early life, and schooling other than that he was educated in Alexandria, Egypt, then the chief center of Greek learning.

Alexandria is where Archimedes studied with disciples of Euclid, a famous Greek mathematician, before he returned to Syracuse for the remainder of his life. 

In the third century BC, Syracuse was a hub of commerce, art, and science. The Ancient Greek biographer, Plutarch, mentions that while in Syracuse, Archimedes offered his services to King Hiero II. It was due to his relation with the king, and his son Gelon, that Archimedes achieved fame. 

Engraving of Archimedes (1584) (Wikimedia Commons)