The Greatest Discoveries and Inventions of Archimedes

Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287 BCE – c. 212 BCE) was one of the most brilliant minds of the ancient world. As a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor, he made groundbreaking contributions to various scientific fields. His discoveries and inventions laid the foundation for modern mathematics, physics, and engineering. This article explores some of the most significant discoveries and inventions of Archimedes that continue to influence science and technology today.

The Archimedean Principle (Buoyancy Principle)


One of Archimedes’ most famous discoveries is the Principle of Buoyancy, also known as the Archimedean Principle. According to this principle:

"An object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces."

This discovery is said to have occurred when Archimedes was asked to determine whether a crown made for King Hiero II of Syracuse was pure gold or mixed with silver. Legend says that he realized the principle while taking a bath, noticing how the water level rose as he submerged his body. Excited by his discovery, he supposedly ran through the streets shouting "Eureka!" (meaning "I have found it!").

The principle of buoyancy remains fundamental in engineering and is applied in shipbuilding, submarines, and fluid mechanics.

Archimedes’ Screw


The Archimedean screw is a device used to raise water from a lower to a higher level. It consists of a rotating spiral inside a cylindrical tube. As the screw turns, water is lifted along the spiral and discharged at the top.

Originally designed for irrigation in ancient Egypt, the Archimedean screw is still in use today in water management, irrigation, and even some modern industrial applications. shutdown123

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *