Archimedes was an ancient Greek mathematician, scientist, and inventor from the city of Syracuse in Sicily, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. He lived roughly from 287 BCE to 212/211 BCE and is best known for fundamental work in geometry, his formulation of the principle of buoyancy (now called Archimedes’ principle), and inventions such as the Archimedes screw for raising water.

Life and background

Archimedes was born in Syracuse, on the island of Sicily, and is thought to have spent most of his life there, though he likely studied for a time in Alexandria in Egypt, a major center of learning. He died in Syracuse when the Romans captured the city during the Second Punic War, reportedly killed by a Roman soldier during the sack.

Work in mathematics

Archimedes made major contributions to geometry, including determining relations between the surface area and volume of spheres and cylinders, and developing methods that anticipated integral calculus. He also produced a famous approximation of π\pi π and developed techniques for finding areas, volumes, and centers of gravity of various shapes.

Scientific principles

He formulated the law of hydrostatics, now known as Archimedes’ principle, which describes the buoyant force on a body immersed in a fluid. He also clarified the principle of the lever, providing foundational results in mechanics and earning a reputation as a pioneer of mathematical physics.

Inventions and engineering

Archimedes designed practical machines such as the Archimedes screw for lifting water, compound pulleys, and various war machines used to defend Syracuse, including improved catapults and other siege defenses. Some later traditions also credit him with devices like mirror arrays to set enemy ships on fire, though these accounts may be partly legendary.