A Long History of Mathematics: From Antiquity to Contemporary

Ali
46 min readJun 10, 2024
Henry Billingsley is the first person to publish an English translation of #Euclid’s Elements. | Image source

Mathematics might seem like a complex web of numbers and theories, but its story is quite fascinating. Imagine it as a grand adventure that began thousands of years ago and continues to this day. I’m not a math historian, and my retelling is more like sharing stories around a campfire than delivering a scholarly lecture. My aim is to weave together bits and pieces I’ve gathered over time into a tapestry that shows how math has evolved. This way, we can appreciate the beauty and simplicity at the heart of mathematics, a subject that connects us all, from past to present.

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is like an ancient tree that has deep roots in our history. Long ago, people saw it as the science of numbers and shapes, a way to understand the world through patterns and forms. Over time, as with all great trees, mathematics grew and spread its branches far and wide. It’s become so vast and wondrous that a few words can hardly capture its entire essence. What I’m sharing with you isn’t just a simple definition but a glimpse into its many layers. Mathematics is a universe of numbers, shapes, and ideas that helps us solve mysteries, big and small.

Mathematics is more than just a subject; it’s an art, much like painting or music. Most mathematicians see it this way, celebrating…

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Ali

Math Teacher. Content Curator. Soccer player. Maradona fan. Mostly write about the lectures I love to learn better. alikayaspor@gmail.com