**Ancient Mathematics: Pioneers in Today's Foundations of Science**

The power of the mathematical language is the key to the tuning of the universe and got solidified about a thousand years ago. This language, quite clear and simple in ancient history (especially from the local people of near-helpless Mesopotamia), on application, assumed real forms in the process of cognizing reality—copper and architecture with astronomy and engineering, and now, after all these ages, shows itself to have one small influence upon the living sciences.

**Mathematics from the Cradle of the Ancient Near East: Mesopotamia**

This first extant record of mathematics found anywhere shows its traces of development in the land of Mesopotamia (Iraq today) around 3000 BCE. The Sumerians and Babylonians conceived of a base-60 numeral system. Just what they had begun there that helped discover and experiment with this invention of telling time and space remains a matter of primarily advanced mathematical genius: the most obvious demonstrations they performed were of multiplication, division, and geometry. While Babylonian mathematicians were nudged into linear mathematics, they were among the first to study algebraic methods for solving systems of linear and quadratic equations and the construction of tables of squares and cubes.

 **Mathematics of Egypt: Managed and Numerical**

Egyptian math might be considered in meaning any commerce relative to the measurement of areas of land, assembly of buildings, or two-sided trade. The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus-the Egyptian standard of mathematics-bore a silhouette of their numerical concepts and concerning their notions on fractions, linear equations, and possibly on rather elementary thought geometry which was useful for day-to-day works. Through a simple decimal system accompanied by hieroglyphic notation to provide an approximate value for Pi for the computation of areas of circular forms.

 **Greek Mathematics: The Birth of Abstract Thought**

The Greeks further enhanced mathematics by taking on a more abstract level and detaching it from purely computational exercises to the creation of reasoning and proofs. At the empire development of actual abstract theory, some of the greatest minds existed; namely, Thales, Pythagoras, and Euclid. Around 300 BCE, Euclid produced the *Elements,* which is one of the most important works ever to affect the realm of mathematics, inspiring and constraining the realms of geometry, without which there would have been no mathematics today. However, Archimedes, whose mind would have been the genius to ultimate this era, was noteworthy in calculus, physics, and geometry, and did an incredible job on approximating pi on an accuracy-rare basis.

**Indian Mathematics: From Zero to Infinity**

Indian mathematics was among the first to learn the decimal place-value system and zero-an idea that later was taught by the Arabs to the rest of the world. Early geometrical ideas, particularly the Pythagorean conception, were largely underscored by the digital theater of operations with the *Sulba Sutras* (circa 800 BC). Accounts contain numerous trigonometry theories, algebra, moon, and atmospheric phenomena, all of which were expounded upon by famous scholars like Aryabhata (5th century CE) and Brahmagupta (7th century CE).

 **Mayan and Islamic Mathematics: Astronomy and Innovation**

The Mayan calendar is the most advanced one in history, created by a civilization that knew much about astronomy and adopted elements such as a vigesimal (20-based) quadratic system in counting. Simultaneously, Islamic scholars from the Middle Ages included practical knowledge, maintaining and improving ancient Greek, Indian, and Persian mathematics. Certainly, the contributions of Al-Khwarizmi in algebra derive from the very process that has led to the evolution of most modern mathematics, and the scholars Omar Khayyam has given in to their methods of solving the equations of higher order.

 **Legacy and Impact**  

The legacy of these ancient mathematicians has had a lasting impact on the world. From architectural designs built with engineering principles to current physics experiments and computer science, an understanding into meaning emerges that shows how far those "earliest civilizations managed with the science."

Ancient mathematics is not past; it lays the foundation of virtually all modern science and technology. The brilliance of these early mathematicians continues to inspire and challenge us as we search for higher mathematical altitudes.