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Euclid of Alexandria

From N.S. Gill's Ancient/Classical History Glossary, for About.com

Definition: Euclid (c. 325-265 B.C.) studied at Plato's Academy in Athens, then later moved to Alexandria, Egypt [see map] where he taught mathematics.

Euclid wrote Elements, a text book containing teachings on algebra, number theory, and especially geometry. Euclid proved his concepts logically, using definitions, axioms, and postulates. Proclus Diadochus wrote a commentary on Euclid's Elements that kept Euclid's works in circulation.

Other works by Euclid are: Division of Figures, Data, Phaenomena, Optics, and three works that have not survived: Porisms, Surface Loci, and Pseudaria.

Euclid is on the list of Most Important People to Know in Ancient History.

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