Famous Egyptian Mathematicians

Diophantus of Alexandria was a Greek mathematician known for his works On Polygonal Numbers and Arithmetica. He introduced the concept of positive rational numbers and algebraic equations to solve arithmetical problems, contributing to the development of mathematical notation. His term παρισότης led to the technique of adequality used by Pierre de Fermat. The Arithmetica, with its use of algebraic notation, influenced later mathematicians in analysis and number theory. Diophantus' legacy includes Diophantine equations, Diophantine geometry, and Diophantine approximations in number theory.

Pappus of Alexandria was a Greek mathematician known for his work as a mathematics teacher in Alexandria. His best-known work, the Collection, is a compendium of mathematics in eight volumes covering topics such as geometry, astronomy, and mechanics. Pappus made significant contributions to projective geometry with his hexagon theorem. He was active during a period of mathematical stagnation but stood out as a remarkable exception, eventually gaining influence in the late Renaissance and Early Modern periods similar to Diophantus.

Ctesibius of Alexandria was a Greek inventor and mathematician during the Ptolemaic period in Egypt. He is believed to have been the first head of the Museum of Alexandria and is known for his pioneering work in the field of pneumatics. Ctesibius wrote treatises on compressed air and its applications in pumps and cannons. He is often referred to as the "father of pneumatics." One of his most famous inventions is the hydraulis, a type of pipe organ considered a precursor to the modern church organ.

Theon of Alexandria was a prominent Greek scholar and mathematician known for his significant contributions to the field of mathematics. He played a crucial role in editing and organizing Euclid's Elements, a foundational work in geometry. Additionally, Theon wrote insightful commentaries on the works of Euclid and Ptolemy, further advancing mathematical knowledge during his time. His expertise and dedication to mathematics influenced the academic community, and his daughter Hypatia also gained recognition for her achievements in the field.

Menelaus of Alexandria was a prominent Greek astronomer and mathematician known for his significant contributions to the field. His surviving work, Sphaerica, focused on the geometry of the sphere and notably introduced the concept of the spherical triangle. This influential book was translated into Arabic and later by Francesco Maurolico, a renowned mathematician and astronomer of the 16th century. Menelaus's work played a key role in advancing our understanding of spherical geometry and continues to be studied and referenced by scholars around the world.

Taher Elgamal is an influential figure in the field of computer security and cryptography. He has held key positions at notable companies such as Salesforce, Securify, RSA Security, and Netscape Communications. Elgamal is recognized for his pioneering work on the ElGamal discrete log cryptosystem and signature scheme, which laid the foundation for the widely used Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA). His expertise and contributions have significantly advanced the development of secure communications on the Internet, earning him the title of the "father of SSL."

Alam al-Din al-Hanafi was an Egyptian mathematician, astronomer, and engineer known for his significant contributions during the Ayyubid period. He wrote a treatise on Euclid's postulates, designed water mills and fortifications along the Orontes river, and constructed the second oldest Arab celestial globe. His works were instrumental in various fields including astronomy, engineering, and astrology. Al-Hanafi's water mills and fortifications are regarded as impressive hydraulic engineering feats in the Arab world, with many structures still standing today.