Archimedes was born in Sicily, studied in Alexandria, but returned to Syracuse in Italy where he spent the rest of his life.

As a mathematician he came close to invent the calculus, and as an inventor he made discoveries that had great practical value. He discovered the laws of the lever and of pulleys, he invented engines of war and the water screw, and he named the principle of buoyancy named after him.

When the Romans laid siege to Syracuse he designed catapults, and made mirrors that focused the sun's rays on attacking ships and set the ships on fire.

From the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. School of Mathematics
Biography