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Mathematics Timeline

(Ancient times - Present)

This timeline showcases the significant milestones and developments in the history of Mathematics, from ancient civilizations to modern times. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Ancient Mathematics

Oldest Known Mathematics Textbook

1650 BCE

The Rhind papyrus, dated from around 1650 BCE, is the oldest known mathematics textbook, providing valuable insights into ancient mathematical practices.

Image source: Rhind Mathematical Papyrus

Oldest Known Mathematics Textbook

Greek Mathematics Emerges

600 BC - 599 BC

Greek mathematics began to emerge as a distinct discipline, with achievements in conic sections, trigonometry, and the beginnings of algebra.

Image source: Greek mathematics

Greek Mathematics Emerges

Diophantus and al-Khwarizmi

200 - 299

Diophantus and al-Khwarizmi made significant contributions to the development of algebra, laying the groundwork for future advancements in the field.

Image source: Diophantus

Diophantus and al-Khwarizmi

Development of Combinatorics

1600 - 1699

Combinatorics, a branch of mathematics, was studied for much of recorded history before becoming a separate area in the seventeenth century.

Renaissance Mathematics

Introduction of Projective Geometry

1500 - 1599

Girard Desargues introduced projective geometry, expanding upon Euclidean geometry and adding points at infinity, leading to new insights and applications in mathematics.

Image source: Projective geometry

Introduction of Projective Geometry

Emergence of Algebra

1500 - 1599

Algebra became a distinct area with François Viète's introduction of variables for representing unknown or unspecified numbers.

Image source: History of algebra

Emergence of Algebra

Introduction of Cartesian Coordinates

1600 - 1699

René Descartes introduced Cartesian coordinates, revolutionizing the field of geometry and paving the way for modern algebraic methods.

Image source: Cartesian coordinate system

Introduction of Cartesian Coordinates

Introduction of Infinitesimal Calculus

1600 - 1699

The introduction of infinitesimal calculus by Newton and Leibniz marked a major breakthrough in mathematics, leading to revolutionary developments in various scientific disciplines.

Introduction of Calculus

1600 - 1699

The introduction of calculus by Newton and Leibniz revolutionized mathematical analysis and provided powerful tools for solving a wide range of scientific problems.

Modern Mathematics

Unproven Goldbach Conjecture

1742

The Goldbach Conjecture, stated in 1742 by Christian Goldbach, remains unproven despite extensive efforts by mathematicians.

Image source: Goldbach's conjecture

Unproven Goldbach Conjecture

Discovery of Non-Euclidean Geometries

1800 - 1899

Mathematicians discovered non-Euclidean geometries, challenging the traditional Euclidean framework and leading to new insights into the nature of space and geometry.

Image source: Non-Euclidean geometry

Discovery of Non-Euclidean Geometries

Development of Modern Pedagogy

1800 - 1899

Mathematical curriculum flourished in France and Germany in the 19th century, leading to the development of modern pedagogical methods in mathematics.

Image source: Mathematics education

Development of Modern Pedagogy

Geopolitical Analysis

1800 - 1899

Nicolas-Remi Brück and Charles Henri Lagrange extended mathematical analysis into geopolitics, demonstrating the broad applicability of mathematical concepts in diverse fields.

Introduction of Mathematical Logic

1900 - 1999

Mathematical logic emerged as a distinct field, challenging traditional approaches and leading to the development of new foundational concepts in mathematics.

Development of Mathematical Abstraction

1900 - 1999

Mathematicians began to explore mathematical abstraction from reality, leading to the development of formalism and new philosophical perspectives on the nature of mathematical objects.

Challenge to Mathematical Foundations

1900 - 1999

Mathematicians led by Brouwer challenged the foundations of mathematics, promoting intuitionistic logic and questioning the law of excluded middle.

Hilbert's Problems

1900

The famous list of 23 open problems, known as Hilbert's problems, was compiled by David Hilbert in 1900, with several of the problems being solved by 2022.

Image source: Hilbert's problems

Hilbert's Problems

Mathematics in Chemistry and Computing

1900 - 1999

Mathematics has played a crucial role in chemistry and computing, with applications in modeling molecules and historical movements using formulas.

Image source: Computational chemistry

Mathematics in Chemistry and Computing

Introduction of Mathematical Formalism

1910

David Hilbert founded the modern philosophy of formalism, which emphasized rigorous proof and abstraction from the philosophical nature of mathematical objects.

Kondratiev Cycle

1922

Nikolai Kondratiev discerned the ~50-year-long Kondratiev cycle, explaining phases of economic growth or crisis, highlighting the intersection of mathematics and economics.

Image source: Kondratiev wave

Kondratiev Cycle

Introduction of Fields Medal

1936

The Fields Medal, established in 1936, is the most prestigious award in mathematics, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.

Image source: Fields Medal

Introduction of Fields Medal

Mathematical Reviews Database

1940

The number of papers and books included in the Mathematical Reviews database has surpassed 1.9 million, with over 75 thousand items added annually since 1940.

Proof of Fermat's Last Theorem

1994

Andrew Wiles proved Fermat's Last Theorem, a conjecture stated by Pierre de Fermat in 1637, using advanced mathematical tools and theories.

Image source: Andrew Wiles

Proof of Fermat's Last Theorem

Fashionable Nonsense Controversy

1997

The controversial book 'Fashionable Nonsense' denounced the unfounded use of scientific terminology from mathematics and physics in the social sciences, sparking debates about the misuse of mathematical concepts.

Image source: Fashionable Nonsense

Fashionable Nonsense Controversy

Millennium Prize Problems

2000

A new list of seven important problems, titled the 'Millennium Prize Problems', was published in 2000, presenting significant challenges in contemporary mathematics.

Formal Proof of Kepler Conjecture

2015

An international team completed and verified a formal proof of the Kepler conjecture in 2015, showcasing the importance of rigorous mathematical verification using technology.

Image source: Kepler conjecture

Formal Proof of Kepler Conjecture

Key Facts

  1. Mathematics has its roots in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.
  2. The concept of zero and the decimal system were developed by ancient Indian mathematicians.
  3. Leonhard Euler made significant contributions to the study of calculus and graph theory in the 18th century.
  4. The 20th century saw the rise of new branches of mathematics such as game theory, chaos theory, and cryptography.
  5. Mathematics plays a crucial role in various scientific and technological advancements, including computer programming, engineering, and economics.

Source

This Mathematics timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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