Ancient Mathematics (Sciences of Antiquity Series) [Paperback]

Serafina Cuomo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415164958 | ISBN-13: 978-0415164955 | Publication Date: September 9, 2001

The theorem of Pythagoras, Euclid's "Elements", Archimedes' method to find the volume of a sphere: all parts of the invaluable legacy of ancient mathematics. But ancient mathematics was also about counting and measuring, surveying land and attributing mystical significance to the number six.
This volume offers the first accessible survey of the discipline in all its variety and diversity of practices. The period covered ranges from the fifth century BC to the sixth century AD, with the focus on the Mediterranean region. Topics include:
* mathematics and politics in classical Greece
* the formation of mathematical traditions
* the self-image of mathematicians in the Graeco-Roman period
* mathematics and Christianity
* and the use of the mathematical past in late antiquity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Nicely written, expertly researched.' - Times Literary Supplement

'Ancient Mathematics provides a rich and diverse picture of mathematics in ancient Greece and Rome. With C. history of mathematics sheds its ahistoricity and gets its hands dirty.' - Journal of Roman Studies

'This book is engagingly written; and it is a pleasure to entrust oneself to Cuomo's choices.' - Aestimatio: Critical Reviews in the History of Science

About the Author

S. Cuomo is a lecturer at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at Imperial College, London. She is the author of a book on Pappus, and of articles on Hero and Frontinus.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (September 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415164958
• ISBN-13: 978-0415164955
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,996,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Mathematics, February 17, 2010

By 

Sam Adams (Minnesota. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Mathematics (Sciences of Antiquity Series) (Paperback)

This book is not so much a history of ancient Greek mathematicians and their work (although that is part of it) as it is a sociological study of how mathematics was present as a cognitive method and how it was applied for practical and social purposes in ancient Greece and Rome. It is a look at how mathematics was used as a means of structuring the mental, physical, and social life during that period. If your interest is principally in the mathematics of ancient Greek mathematicians, then the book may seem diffuse and beside the point. It is, though, a clearly written and reflective book, and it brings into focus how mathematics is ever present and how it pervades our lives.