Mathematician · 287 BC – 212 BC
Archimedes
Made profound advances in geometry, calculated an accurate value of pi, founded the study of hydrostatics and mechanics, and devised ingenious machines and war engines that made him legendary.
Greatest Achievements
- Designed the Archimedes screw for raising water.
- Built war engines that long held off the Roman siege of Syracuse.
Major Accomplishments
- Designed the Archimedes screw for raising water.
- Built war engines that long held off the Roman siege of Syracuse.
Discoveries
- The principle of buoyancy (Archimedes' principle).
- Methods for calculating areas, volumes and an accurate value of pi.
- The law of the lever and foundations of statics.
Scientific Breakthroughs
- Founded the study of hydrostatics.
- Anticipated integral calculus by some 1,800 years.
Major Works
- On the Equilibrium of Planes
- On Floating Bodies
- Measurement of a Circle
Impact Analysis
Archimedes founded mathematical physics and engineering, and his methods for areas and volumes pointed directly toward the integral calculus, making him one of the most important scientists in history.
Historical influence score: 94/100