Archimedes: Contributions to Science 287 B.C. - 212 B.C.

Birth of Archimedes

287 BCE

Archimedes was born in 287 BC in Syracuse in Sicily. He was the son of Phidias, an astronomer and mathematician. There isn't a lot known about his early life, but it is thought that he was a member of nobility in Syracuse, perhaps related to Hiero II, the king of Syracuse. Its said that he was asked to determine if King Hiero's wreath that was commissioned was pure gold, and discovered the volume and displacement principles.
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Traveled to Alexandria for study

269 BCE

As Archimedes grew up, he was fascinated with mathematics and had a natural curiosity for science. When he learned all that he was able to from his teachers in Syracuse, he traveled to Egypt to study in the city of Alexandria. The city of Alexandria had by this time earned a reputation for exceptional learning and was a destination for scholars. Source Source

Archimedes return to Syracuse

263 BCE

In 263 B.C., Archimedes returned to Syracuse and began his exploration of science and mathematics, inventing many revolutionary processes and exploring many theories. Some of his contributions include the invention of the Archimedes screw, his system of pulleys & winches called the block and tackle, the measurement of curves that contributed to calculus, and his theory of probability and contribution to mathematical physics.
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Contributions to Philosophy and Science

Period: 262 BCE to 215 BCE

Archimedes contributed much to the fields of science, philosophy and mathematics. His influence spread across many countries and has lasted over the course of many centuries. One approach that he deemed essential was that "mathematics could be examined by means of mechanics". This hybrid thought process continues to shape our modern day approaches to science, using multiple disciplines to support and explain others.
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Archimedes Death

212 BCE

During the sack of Syracuse during the Second Punic War, Archimedes was killed by a Roman soldier. This was in spite of a specific order from Marcellus that he was not to be harmed, as Marcellus considered Archimedes to be a great contributor to science. There is a legend that Archimedes was so engrossed in his diagrams and work that he told the soldier "don't disturb my circles" before the soldier killed him.
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