Greek and Hellenic Geometry

Abstract

The word geometry is derived from two Greek words, namely γη, gē, which means earth and μετρου, metron, which means measure. Our sources on early Greek geometry (Fig. 3.1) – and mathematics in general, for that matter – are sparse. Indeed, as far as mathematical contents is concerned we have to rely on the work of the first serious historian of mathematics, namely Eudemus of Rhodes, 350–290 B.C.