The History of Archimedes
                     THE HISTORY OF 
ARCHIMEDES
INTRODUCTION
• Archimedes was, arguably, the world’s greatest 
scientist certainly the greatest scientist of the 
classical age.
• He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, 
engineer, inventor, and weapons-designer. 
Source: https://famousscientists.org
EARLY LIFE
• Archimedes was born in the Greek city-state of 
Syracuse on the island of Sicily in approximately 
287 BC. His father, Phidias, was an astronomer.
• Archimedes may also have been related to Hiero II, 
King of Syracuse.
Source: https://famousscientists.org
GREEK MATHEMATICIAN
• Archimedes of Syracuse was a Greek 
mathematician, inventor and scientist. He was born 
in Syracuse, Sicily in 287 BC. 
• He moved to Alexandria to study mathematics, but 
returned to Syracuse where he spend the rest of his 
life.
Source: https:// storyboardthat.com
ARCHIMEDES PRINCIPLE
• The Archimedes principle is important as it can 
describe buoyancy. The principle states that the 
upward force of buoyancy is equal to the weight of 
the liquid that is displaced by the object. This 
principle explains how ships and boats float on 
water.
Source: https:// storyboardthat.com
INVENTION
• Archimedes also invented weapons, including a 
device which used mirrors to focus the Sun’s rays at 
enemy ships, setting fire to them. 
• This idea has been tested in modern times, but has 
shown only to work in perfect weather conditions 
where there are no clouds in the sky.
Source: https:// storyboardthat.com
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Written work on the geometry of spheres and 
cylinders
• Description of hydro-static pressure
• Invention of the hydraulic screw (AKA Archimedes 
Screw)
Source: https://famousscientists.org
INVENTION IN MECHANICS AND 
HYDROSTATICS
• Invented the sciences of mechanics and 
hydrostatics.
• Discovered the laws of levers and pulleys, which 
allow us to move heavy objects using small forces.
• Invented one of the most fundamental concepts of 
physics – the centre of gravity.
Source: https://famousscientists.org
ARCHIMEDES’ GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
• Calculated pi to the most precise value 
known. His upper limit for pi was the fraction 
22⁄7. This value was still in use in the late 
20th century, until electronic calculators 
finally laid it to rest.
• Discovered and mathematically proved the 
formulas for the volume and surface area of a 
sphere.
Source: https://famousscientists.org
INVENTOR OF SUPERWEAPONS
• While living in Syracuse he designed 
numerous weapons to defend the city from 
attackers, including an elaborate ‘death ray’ 
designed to concentrate the rays of the Sun 
onto enemy ships, setting them alight. 
Source: https://historyanswers.co.uk
DEFINED THE NUMBER PI
• A brilliant mathematician, Archimedes is credited 
with forming the earliest accurate measurement of 
a circle, using the irrational number pi. 
• Also known as Archimedes’ Constant, this number 
was theorised by the mathematician in his book 
Measurement of a Circle. 
Source: https://historyanswers.co.uk
THE SCREW CHANGED THE WORLD 
FOREVER
• Though it seems relatively simple to modern 
eyes, Archimedes’ screw was revolutionary at 
the time and demonstrated how low-lying 
water could be transferred upward to canals 
or artificial streams for irrigating farmland. 
• This invention would later influence Leonardo 
da Vinci in his attempts to develop a 
functioning flying machine.
Source: https://historyanswers.co.uk