c. 428-350? B.C.

Greek Mathematician

His achievements as a mathematician by themselves give Archytas of Tarentum distinction: not only was he first to integrate mathematics and mechanics, but he formulated the harmonic mean as a method for solving the problem of doubling the cube. But Archytas's achievements went beyond the realm of mathematics: he was not only a philosopher, but a great statesman and military leader. As a man, too, Archytas gained admiration for his acts of kindness, one of which was destined quite literally to change history.

Probably born at Tarentum (now Taranto, Italy), Archytas grew up during a time when Greek states still dominated the Mediterranean. Among the most powerful of those was Syracuse in Sicily, whose leader, the tyrant Dionysius the Elder (c. 430-367 B.C.), had begun to conquer parts of mainland Italy. He had thus driven most Pythagoreans...