You know the 3-4-5 triangle?
It’s that technique you used to use to find the square of a room before laser squares came out.
Well, the “official” name of this mathematical equation is the Pythagorean theorem and it was named after the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras.
But, there’s one problem…
Archaeologists have discovered a clay tablet, named Si.427, that has these trigonometric tables on it. Only this tablet was created by Babylonians 2000 years before Pythagoras came on the scene!
Babylonians used this math to figure out land boundaries. In fact, this particular tablet was being used to settle a boundary dispute between one high-profile individual and a wealthy female landowner.
Conclusion
What you know about the 3-4-5 triangle is still sound. But, if Pythagoras was alive today he’d have some ‘splaining to do.
Youtube link, if you’re interested.
What about the ancient Romans?
The ancient Romans weren’t without fault either. Although there is clear evidence that they were master fabricators there is also this mosaic that might require a little explaining.
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