The Geometry of the Euclidean Plane

Abstract

We know very little about Euclid, who wrote theElements of Geometryone of the most famous and influential books of mathematics ever. Most of what we know is due to Proclus (AD 410-485). He wrote, “This man lived at the time of the first Ptolemy, aGreek King.For Archimedes, who came immediately after the first, makes mention of Euclid: and, further, they say that Ptolemy once asked him if there was in geometry any shorter way than that of the elements, and he answered that there was no royal road to geometry.”

Let no one come to our school, who has not first learned the elements of Euclid. Notice on the door of Greek Philosophical Schools