Howe: Ancient Arabic Mathematics
Ancient Arabic Mathematics
Delaney Howe
Fall 2019
MA 398, Dr. Molitierno
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Loth
Published by DigitalCommons@SHU, 2020 1
, Academic Festival, Event 64 [2020]
Abstract
Mathematics throughout history has been a continuous cycle of ideas
building upon each other, none is more true of this idea than the ancient
Arabic’s dating back to the 9th century. The ideology of the scientists
and culture of that time brought together great minds that were able to
uncover new ideas of how to solve quadratics and cubic equations. These
ideas continued to inspire mathematicians centuries later.
https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/acadfest/2020/all/64 2
, Howe: Ancient Arabic Mathematics
1
1 The World in the 9th Century
Towards the end of the 5th century the Roman Empire was weakening its
hold on the world and Western Europe was beginning its descent into the dark
ages. Much of the world lost its ability to uncover the sciences, with the rise of
Christianity the separation between culture and science grew. However, in one
corner of the world, religion and science grew together and new advancements
were being made everyday.
1.1 Ancient Arabic Culture
While Europe began the time of the dark ages, the Arabians began a period of
expansion and enlightenment. This came with the rise of Islam, but before Islam
rose, there were mainly nomadic Arab tribes inhabiting the land. As they began
to unite they created the rich cultural life that we know today as Arabia.
While the Arabic land began to develop into society, the city of Baghdad was
beginning to emerge. As society developed so did the religion of Islam and with
the rise of this religion the need for science and mathematics in the Arabic world
rose with it. Contrast to the spread of Christianity, Islam placed a heavy emphasis
on science. Not only was a it a requirement of Muslims to search for enlightenment
but the religion required mathematicians and astronomers to determine directions,
Published by DigitalCommons@SHU, 2020 3
Ancient Arabic Mathematics
Delaney Howe
Fall 2019
MA 398, Dr. Molitierno
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Loth
Published by DigitalCommons@SHU, 2020 1
, Academic Festival, Event 64 [2020]
Abstract
Mathematics throughout history has been a continuous cycle of ideas
building upon each other, none is more true of this idea than the ancient
Arabic’s dating back to the 9th century. The ideology of the scientists
and culture of that time brought together great minds that were able to
uncover new ideas of how to solve quadratics and cubic equations. These
ideas continued to inspire mathematicians centuries later.
https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/acadfest/2020/all/64 2
, Howe: Ancient Arabic Mathematics
1
1 The World in the 9th Century
Towards the end of the 5th century the Roman Empire was weakening its
hold on the world and Western Europe was beginning its descent into the dark
ages. Much of the world lost its ability to uncover the sciences, with the rise of
Christianity the separation between culture and science grew. However, in one
corner of the world, religion and science grew together and new advancements
were being made everyday.
1.1 Ancient Arabic Culture
While Europe began the time of the dark ages, the Arabians began a period of
expansion and enlightenment. This came with the rise of Islam, but before Islam
rose, there were mainly nomadic Arab tribes inhabiting the land. As they began
to unite they created the rich cultural life that we know today as Arabia.
While the Arabic land began to develop into society, the city of Baghdad was
beginning to emerge. As society developed so did the religion of Islam and with
the rise of this religion the need for science and mathematics in the Arabic world
rose with it. Contrast to the spread of Christianity, Islam placed a heavy emphasis
on science. Not only was a it a requirement of Muslims to search for enlightenment
but the religion required mathematicians and astronomers to determine directions,
Published by DigitalCommons@SHU, 2020 3
