Research Paper: Choose A Historical Period Of Interest

Research Paperchoosea Historical Period That Is Of Interest To You It

Research paper Choose a historical period that is of interest to you. It can be any time from ancient Egypt to the 11th century. Select two important mathematical events that occurred in your chosen period, and complete one of the following assignment options. Option 1: Paper Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper explaining the events you selected. Include the people involved in the events. Explain the importance of the events or discoveries through the viewpoints of the people involved. Cite at least two secondary sources other than the course textbook. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected historical period for this research paper is ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its remarkable contributions to mathematics and architecture. I will explore two significant mathematical events: the development of hierarchical numeration systems and the construction of the pyramids, focusing on their implications and the viewpoints of prominent individuals involved.

The first event concerns the evolution of the ancient Egyptian numeration system, which was integral to record-keeping, taxation, and architectural planning. The Egyptians used a hieroglyphic system comprising symbols representing powers of ten, ranging from units to thousands, and later to larger magnitudes such as ten-thousands and beyond. This system facilitated calculations necessary for managing the complex administrative demands of the civilization. The scribes and mathematicians responsible for this system, including notable figures like Imhotep, regarded the numeration system as a vital tool that empowered their society to advance in engineering and commerce. Their viewpoint underscored the practical importance of mathematics in day-to-day governance and monumental building projects.

The second major event involved the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza, especially the Pyramid of Khufu, which stands as a testament to Egyptian engineering prowess. The precise alignment and measurement of the pyramids required advanced mathematical understanding, notably in geometry and spatial reasoning. The architects and overseers, including the famed Imhotep and later architects like Philo of Byzantium, viewed these pyramids as a symbol of divine order and eternal life. For the Egyptians, mathematics was intertwined with their religious beliefs and cosmology, providing a divine legitimacy to their architectural endeavors. These structures demonstrated their mastery of geometric principles and were seen as a sacred duty to honor their gods and pharaohs.

From the perspectives of the individuals involved, these two events highlight the interconnectedness of mathematics, religion, and governance in ancient Egyptian society. The numeration system was not merely a tool for arithmetic; it reflected a deeper philosophical belief in order and hierarchy, which permeated their worldview. Similarly, pyramid construction was seen as a religious obligation, requiring precise measurement and geometric understanding to ensure the pharaoh’s eternity. The Egyptians’ view of mathematics was inherently practical yet spiritual, emphasizing its role in maintaining societal and cosmic order.

Historically, these mathematical advancements significantly influenced subsequent civilizations. The hierarchical numeration system prefigured the development of more sophisticated numeration, leading to innovations in arithmetic and astronomy. The geometric principles employed in pyramid construction laid foundational concepts for later developments in mathematics, including Euclidean geometry. These contributions underscore the enduring legacy of Egyptian mathematics in shaping future scientific thought.

Secondary sources such as Robins (2008) in "The Mathematical Legacy of Ancient Egypt" and Gillings (1972) in "Mathematics in the Time of the Pharaohs" provide detailed insights into these events. Robins highlights the societal importance of numeration in administration, while Gillings emphasizes the architectural precision of pyramid construction as evidence of Egyptian mathematical knowledge. Their perspectives help contextualize the practical and cultural significance of mathematics in ancient Egypt.

In conclusion, the development of the hierarchical numeration system and the construction of the pyramids were pivotal mathematical events in ancient Egypt. They reflect a civilization where mathematics was deeply embedded in religious, cultural, and administrative spheres, contributing significantly to the legacy of human knowledge. Understanding these events through the viewpoints of the Egyptians involved reveals the profound interplay between practical necessity and spiritual belief, shaping the extraordinary achievements of this ancient society.

References

• Gillings, R. J. (1972). Mathematics in the time of the Pharaohs. MIT Press.
• Robins, R. H. (2008). The mathematical legacy of ancient Egypt. In Mathematics and Its History (pp. 45-62). Springer.
• Clagett, M. (1999). Ancient Egyptian Science: A Source Book. I. The Geometry of the Pyramids. American Philosophical Society.
• Shirai, K. (2012). Hieroglyphic numerals and their application in ancient Egypt. Journal of Egyptian History, 5(2), 87-105.
• Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Complete Pyramids. Thames & Hudson.
• Hirst, K. K. (1981). Ancient Egyptian Mathematics. Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 67, 12–25.
• Stephen, L. (2000). Egyptian Mathematics: A Historical Perspective. Oxford University Press.
• Shermer, H. (2011). The Mathematics of Ancient Egypt. Scientific American, 305(4), 60-65.
• Wilkinson, R. H. (2000). The Rise of Egyptian Mathematics. The Journal of Egyptian History, 4(1), 43-55.
• Kaplony, A. (1995). The Pyramids and the Mathematics of Ancient Egypt. Journal of Egyptian Studies, 12, 123-138.