Math & Physics of the Ancient World

Program Locations

Athens and Somos in Greece and Syracuse, Italy

Program Highlights

• Origins of Scientific Thought in Greece and Italy — Trace the development of mathematics, physics, and astronomy in the ancient world.
• Historic Study Sites: Athens, Samos, and Syracuse — Explore locations central to the work of foundational scientific thinkers.
• Foundations of Mathematics & Physics — Examine Euclidean geometry, Archimedean physics, Pythagorean mathematics, and early astronomical models.
• Legacy of Classical Scholars — Study the contributions of ancient innovators whose ideas shaped modern scientific reasoning.
• Science in Historical Context — Analyze how cultural, philosophical, and observational frameworks influenced early scientific theory.
• Museum, Library & Archaeological Engagement — Learn through site visits, archival research, and guided academic exploration.
• Integrated Theory & Problem-Solving — Combine historical analysis with mathematical reasoning and conceptual application.
• Capstone Research Experience — Develop and present a final project connecting ancient discoveries to modern scientific understanding.
• Experiential Learning at Landmark Sites: Acropolis and Neapolis Archaeological Park — Connect place, history, and scientific innovation.
• Interdisciplinary Global STEM Perspective — Build insight into the evolution of scientific inquiry across cultures and time.

Course Description

This class focuses on the Math and Physics of the ancient world, especially highlighting the contributions of Euclid, Pythagoras, Ptolemy, Eudoxus, Aristarchus, and Archimedes. It will encompass a detailed study of the foundational principles laid down by these ancient scholars. The topics will include:

• Euclidean Geometry: Exploring Euclid's "Elements," this segment will cover the axiomatic approach to geometry and its profound influence on the development of mathematical thought.
• Pythagorean Theorem and Mathematics: This component of the course will explore Pythagoras's contributions to mathematics, particularly the Pythagorean theorem We will also examine his work in numerical ratios, and their applications in music and astronomy.
• Eudoxus's Contributions: This section would explore Eudoxus's developments in astronomy, particularly his model of planetary motion, and his work in mathematics, including the method of exhaustion for area and volume determination.
• Ptolemaic Astronomy: Focusing on Ptolemy's geocentric model of the universe as detailed in the "Almagest," the section will examine how ancient astronomy attempted to understand the cosmos. We will also discuss how ultimately science had to abandon its fixation on pure beauty in the face of the actual complexities of the physical world.
• Archimedean Physics and Mathematics: The class will cover Archimedes's pivotal contributions to physics, particularly the principle of buoyancy, and his advances in mathematics, including his methods for measuring areas and volumes, for approximating pi, and work with infinitesimals.
• Aristarchus of Samos: Aristarchus's Heliocentrism predated Copernicus by 17 centuries! This part would introduce Aristarchus of Samos's revolutionary, albeit less recognized, heliocentric model of the solar system and his methods in estimating the sizes and distances of the Sun and Moon.

Students in the class will not only study the historical context and the scientific principles but also the lasting impact these ancient scholars have had on modern mathematics and physics. The course will involve a mix of theoretical study, mathematical problem-solving, and historical analysis, aiming to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of scientific thought from ancient times.