Pythagorean Theorem Found on Ancient Babylonian Clay Tablets Predating Pythagoras by 1,000 Years
The IM67118 tablet presents a geometric-algebraic approach to solving mathematical problems, with a conclusion reminiscent of the Pythagorean theorem. Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg)
It’s noteworthy that the Pythagorean theorem had early recognition in ancient India, emerging in the eighth century BC in the Vedic Sanskrit text Sulbasutra, authored by Baudhāyana. The theorem, also identified in China as GouGu, may have roots predating common understanding, potentially transmitted through oral tradition as far back as 2000 BC, according to some scholars.
But then, why is Pythagoras credited with the Pythagorean theorem? Pythagoras, born around 570 BC, lived over 1000 years after the creation of the tablets described above. His teachings are derived from fragments of works attributed to Eudemus of Rhodes, Philolaus of Croton, and archivists from Tarentum in Italy.
Since no original writings of Pythagoras have survived, information was orally transmitted within the Pythagorean school, primarily by its members in the southern territories of present-day Italy. Many discoveries made by the Pythagoreans were attributed to Pythagoras out of reverence for their teacher.
It’s noteworthy that the Pythagorean theorem had early recognition in ancient India, emerging in the eighth century BC in the Vedic Sanskrit text Sulbasutra, authored by Baudhāyana. The theorem, also identified in China as GouGu, may have roots predating common understanding, potentially transmitted through oral tradition as far back as 2000 BC, according to some scholars.
But then, why is Pythagoras credited with the Pythagorean theorem? Pythagoras, born around 570 BC, lived over 1000 years after the creation of the tablets described above. His teachings are derived from fragments of works attributed to Eudemus of Rhodes, Philolaus of Croton, and archivists from Tarentum in Italy.
Since no original writings of Pythagoras have survived, information was orally transmitted within the Pythagorean school, primarily by its members in the southern territories of present-day Italy. Many discoveries made by the Pythagoreans were attributed to Pythagoras out of reverence for their teacher.
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18 April 2024
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