History of Mathematics - Sumerian and Babylonian Mathematics
Sumerian and Babylonian Mathematics
We have more knowledge of ancient Sumerian and Babylonian Mathematics than that of early Egyptians Mathematics because of the following facts.
- Sumerians and Babylonians developed the first known writing system. This system was picto-graphic system known as cuneiform script. They used wedge-shaped characters inscribed on baked clay tablets to inscribe the script.
- Babylonians used a true place-value system with base 60 (today’s decimal system is with the base 10). In this place value system (similar to base 10 decimal system) the digits written in the left column represented larger values.
- Actually, there's the concept of zero found in Sumerian Mathematics (The belief is that Indian found the zero, as it is used today). The symbol for zero was kind of a placeholder than a number itself. The symbol is kind of two parallel funnels leaning towards left.
- Evidence exists that Sumerians had developed a complex mathematical systems in about 3000 BC, which included
- Multiplication and division (though they use reciprocal of multiplication instead division).
- Tables of squares, square roots and cube roots, geometrical exercises and division problems from around 2600 BC.
- Babylonian tablets found dating from about 1800 to 1600 BC which include the topics for fractions, algebra, methods for solving linear, quadratic and even cubic equations.
- The reciprocals were the pairs which multiply together to give 60 as the answer.
- One Babylonian tablet gives an approximation to √2 to five correct decimal places.
- There are tablets having tables of squares of numbers up to 59, the cubes of numbers up to 32.
- Tablets containing the tables to calculate the compound interest.
- Another tablet gives an estimate for π of 3 1⁄8
- They use geometry in construction. They were able to calculate area, perimeter and volume of bricks and cylinders. No evidence found about the calculation of the volume to a pyramid.
- The famous and controversial clay tablet Plimpton 322 suggest that Babylonians knew the great relation for the right angled triangle (The Pythagorean Triplets) which believed to date from around 1800 BC, centuries before the Pythagoras.
Finally, I can say that the old humans were equally intelligent and efficient as of today's.
If you are interested below is the link the detailed pdf file which I read before writing this presentation, really enjoyed it hope you will enjoy too!
The Sumarian system of "base 60" was actually based on counting fingers. Each finger has 3 segments. So the finger segments total 12. And you count to 12 with the thumb touching one finger on the other hand -- or the other thumb. Thus, you get to 12 five times, for a total of 60. Even the cuneform symbols for these numbers seem to signify this. What's amazing is that the 60 second minute, 60 minute hour, 360 degree circle, etc. all came out of this ancient system and have endured to this day!
This is unfortunately not common knowledge. I do suspect that more of it has survived as knowledge carried on by families. I've been looking for this type of thing. When I was a youngster, my father used to do what he called 'ciphering'. He could do long division by counting 'oughts' on the joints of his fingers. I never saw him want a calculator, despite only having a 7th grade education from a one room school house in the mountains.
Great complement my dear friend @wizzin. There is the huge contribution by our ancestors for what we are today.
Oh great series.. i didnt know about all this .. Thank you @mathworksheets for sharing this knowledge with us :)
Thanks a lot @cookgraphy :)
that is really cool thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by @envy112 :)
Very interesting thank you
Oh, Thank You dear @marcel1965. I appreciate your kind words :))
Thanks @mathworksheets for bringing this to my attention. I love history, particularly ancient history. It seems kind of arrogant to not think of ancient cultures like the Babylonians and Sumerians having advanced mathematics so far back in human history
Upvoted 👍
Thanks a lot my friend. I learned that ancient civilizations were equally intelligent as the current generation.
Great Post.. Im into ancient knowledge also.. I also love how everyone else is supportive of this knowledge
Thanks for your remarks dear @cryptokingz :))
Ok, super amazing!
I am not a math person - unfortunately - but I do consider them fascinating plus I'm writing my thesis now (irrelevant topic though) focusing on Sumerian - Babylonian times so it was even more fascinating to read! Of course downloaded the pdf :D
Thanks a lot @meanmommy33 for the comment and having time to read the article.
oh, and followed as well ! :)
Fascinating, @mathworksheets. Loving the history of mathematics series.
Thanks for your kinds words dear @numpypython :)
We can also assume the Greek mathematicians knew about the Sumerian and Babylonian maths. Maybe not in detail, but they probably knew what was possible and could then re-create the methods. I just finished a book titled 1177 BC The Year Civilization Collapsed. It discusses how the civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea were closely linked by trade, politics, marriage(!), and economics. So, the Babylonian/Sumerian advances in maths and astronomy were widely circulated back then, in all likelihood.
I remember reading they liked the number 60 for the number of factors it has, plus its association with the circle -- 360 degrees is coincidentally close to the number of days in a year.
Perhaps most of the Egyptian records (papyri) had been destroyed due to extreme heat in the region but in case of Sumerian/Babylonians the records in the form of baked clay tablets still exist. Still there are many hints that both civilizations shared information.
Great thoughts dear @wheeatdogg. Thanks for stopping by and having time to share your great information with me and other readers.
You're welcome. Only one "e" in wheatdogg, though.
Oh, typo. Sure next time I will double check :))
Having a lot of fun, a lot alongside with you dear @pompe72. Thanks for all your support :))