The Story of Math is an excellent documentary series about the history of mathematics, presented by Oxford professor Marcus du Sautoy. After showing how fundamental mathematics is to our lives, du Sautoy explores the mathematics of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece. In Egypt, he uncovers use of a decimal system based on ten fingers of the hand, while in former Mesopotamia he discovers that the way we tell the time today is based on the Babylonian Base 60 number system. In Greece, he looks at the contributions of some of the giants of mathematics including Plato, Euclid, Archimedes and Pythagoras, who is credited with beginning the transformation of mathematics from a tool for counting into the analytical subject we know today. Segment 1 (9:50 min)
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on Nov 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
that was very informative and enjoyable! Looks like a great series. I hope that he talks more about the Golden Number in future episodes…
And wow, the new library in Alexandria is an amazing piece of architecture! I dont think I was aware of it before.
on Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Who would have thought math could be so interesting… It is a great way to look at history. The narrator, professor Marcus du Sautoy is also very entertaining.