Some Masters of Greek Geometry

Abstract

Archimedes, as a geometer, computes the number π with great precision for that time; he proves also various fundamental formulas concerning the circle and the sphere, he squares the parabola and introduces a dynamical way to study some curves, like the spiral bearing his name. Apollonius is definitely the “father” of the theory of conical sections, while Menelaus and Ptolemy throw the basis of plane and spherical trigonometry. The work of Pappus contains already the major ingredients which will prove to be central in projective geometry.