Mathematics in the Ancient World

Mathematics is often touted as a “universal language,” but despite this supposed universality, mathematics takes different forms in different cultures and times. This class will look at mathematics in the ancient world, with a focus on how mathematical knowledge has been studied in and understood by modern scholars and how they can and do talk about it today. It will also dive into different applications of mathematics, including astronomy, statecraft, poetry, and more in order to better understand the wide impact of mathematical understanding on these disparate fields.