Archytas of Tarentum
ancientPythagoreanism-428 – -347
Archytas of Tarentum was a Greek Pythagorean philosopher, mathematician, statesman, and general active in the 4th century BCE. He made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in geometry and number theory, and is credited with solving the problem of doubling the cube. A close friend of Plato, he governed Tarentum for seven consecutive terms and is considered one of the founders of mathematical mechanics.
Notable Achievements
1
Solved the problem of doubling the cube using a three-dimensional geometric construction
2
Founded mathematical mechanics and is credited with creating the first self-propelled flying device (the wooden dove)
3
Developed early work in the mathematical theory of music and acoustics
4
Served seven consecutive terms as strategos (general) of Tarentum
5
Distinguished arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music as the four branches of mathematical science (the quadrivium)