Archimedes was born around 287 BC in Syracuse, which was then a Greek colony in Sicily. He was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. Considered one of the greatest mathematicians in history, he is known for his contributions to geometry, calculus and mechanics.
He was the son of an astronomer named Phidias. Not much is known about his early life or education. It’s believed that he received a good education in mathematics, science, and philosophy, that was typical for the Greek aristocracy.
He spent most of his life in Syracuse, where he became known for his extraordinary intellect and contributions to various fields of study. He made significant discoveries and inventions, including the principle of buoyancy, the concept of lever, and the screw pump. He also devised methods of calculating areas and volumes of irregular shapes.
Archimedes most famous accomplishments
Principle of buoyancy
One of his biggest accomplishments was the discovery of the principle of buoyancy, which states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle is fundamental in understanding flotation and the behavior of objects in fluids.
Archimedes’ screw
He invented the Archimedes’ screw, a device used to lift water from a lower level to a higher level. This invention has been crucial for irrigation systems, drainage, and various industrial applications throughout history. It’s still used today in various applications, particularly in agriculture and wastewater treatment.
Archimedes’ lever
Archimedes didn’t invent the lever, but he is often credited with explaining the principles of the lever, famously stating, “Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the Earth.” He demonstrated the mechanical advantage gained by using a lever, leading to advancements in engineering and construction.
Archimedes’ pulley
Archimedes improved the pulley by providing a theoretical explanation and perfecting the existing technology. He created the first system using compound pulleys and cranes. According to history, he used his system to move a fully loaded ship with one hand while remaining seated away from the ship.
Mathematical contributions
He made significant contributions to mathematics, including advancements in geometry, the calculation of areas and volumes of irregular shapes, and the development of methods for approximating the value of pi. He also developed methods for determining the center of gravity of various shapes.
War machines
During the Siege of Syracuse by the Romans, he reportedly designed advanced war machines and defenses that helped the city resist the Roman forces for an extended period.
Death and Legacy
Unfortunately he was killed during the capture of Syracuse around 212 BC. He was killed by a Roman soldier, despite orders that he should not be harmed.
His work had a profound impact on later mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. His writings, unfortunately, have not survived in their entirety, but his ideas and discoveries were preserved and disseminated by later scholars. His contributions continue to be celebrated and studied to this day.
Bibliography
1 – Archimedes – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Archimedes
2 – Archimedes and the Simple Machines That Moved the World – https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/archimedes-and-simple-machines-moved-world
3 – Archimedes – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes