ancient mathematics
Old-world number study
The mathematical knowledge and practices of early civilizations—Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, and others—spanning roughly from 3000 BCE to 500 CE.
Ancient mathematics encompasses early developments in arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy, including foundational work like Euclid's *Elements* and the Pythagorean theorem.
The course surveys ancient mathematics from Mesopotamian clay tablets to Greek proofs.
- abacusBead-and-wire arithmetic tool
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
- proof by contradictionDisprove by assuming converse
- quipuKnotted-cord recording system
- Roman numeralsAlphabetic number system
tally marks · quadratic equations · axioms · geometric proofs · geometric shapes · deductive reasoning · linear equations · Euclidean geometry · eclipse prediction · Babylonian astronomy · Pythagorean theorem · logical proofs · number theory · paradoxes · fractions · square roots · golden ratio · circles