Archimedes
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Archimedes: (b. c287 BC in Syracuse; d. 212 BC in Syracuse). Genius and scientist. Considered to be the greatest mathematician in the ancient world, he excelled in the fields of physics, engineering, astronomy, and philosophy. His contributions to science, especially mechanics, were so considerable that they still exert considerable influence today. He went beyond the typical bounds of ancient Greek science, which emphasized pure theory over practical applications, and created an incredible array inventions and adaptations. Some of these, such as an early type of odometer and the “Archimedean Screw” had immediate practical uses and can be reliably credited to him. Others, such as his so-called “death-ray”, a supposed mirror weapon that used solar energy to set enemy ships on fire, are either later fabrications or misinterpretations. A loyal citizen of Syracuse and relative of Hieron II, he was also highly admired by the Romans, for who he carried out projects.
Many of Archimedes’ inventions were created for the defense of Syracuse against the besieging Romans during the Second Punic War. Among these was a crane capable of grappling onto a war ship and lift it out of the water. It could then be dropped from a height and destroyed. Despite his help, Syracuse finally fell in 212 BC and, as the Romans entered the city, Archimedes was killed despite the orders of the Roman commander, Marcellus, that he should not be harmed.
Aristotle wrote several scientific/mathematical works, including:
- On the Equilibrium of Planes, or Centers of Gravity of Planes: The Quadrature of the Parabola.
- The Equilibrium of Planes.
- On the Sphere and Cylinder.
- On Spirals.
- On Conaids and Spheroids.
- The Measurement of a Circle.
Although best known for his accomplishments in mathematics and military invention, Archimedes was also an accomplished astronomer. He created a sophisticated planetarium which, after the fall of Syracuse, was brought Rome. It was seen by Cicero (Rep. I.21.22) in the first half of the 1st century BC, and perhaps also by Ovid (Fasti 6.277) a generation later.
Had Archimedes survived the fall of Syracuse, he would undoubtedly have been brought to Rome and treated respectfully. As it was, he received an honorable funeral from Marcellus and his remains were interred in a fine sepulcher in Syracuse. His family was guaranteed its safety and well-being. In 75 BC, while in Sicily, Cicero visited Syracuse and was able to find Archimedes tomb in a much neglected state covered in brambles. He identified the tomb by a still-visible symbol inscribed on it depicting a cylinder circumscribing a sphere with a ratio of 3/2, an emblem which Archimedes had desired to be placed there. Cicero restored the tomb but it was eventually again lost to history. In 1965, archaeologists excavating the ruins of ancient Syracuse discovered what many believe to be Archimedes tomb. This identification, however, remains a topic of controversy.