The mathematical work of Anania Shirakatsi

TL;DR

This paper explores the 7th-century Armenian polymath Anania Shirakatsi's mathematical work, focusing on his arithmetic problems, solutions, and puzzles, revealing his advanced proficiency and geographical context.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Anania Shirakatsi's 'Book of Arithmetic,' highlighting the structure and sophistication of his mathematical problems and their geographical references.

Findings

Anania's problems show advanced arithmetic skills.

The problems are geographically contextualized.

His mathematical proficiency exceeds initial impressions.

Abstract

This paper aims to give a brief account of the mathematical work of the 7th-century Armenian polymath and natural philosopher Anania Shirakatsi. The three sections of Anania's ``Book of Arithmetic'' -- tables of arithmetic operations, a list of problems and their answers, and a collection of entertaining puzzles -- are presented and discussed, the focus being on the problems and solutions. A close examination of the structure of these problems reveals that Anania's proficiency in arithmetic was considerably more sophisticated than their mathematical contents might suggest. The geography of Anania's problems is illustrated through two maps highlighting the locations referenced within these problems.