It turns out that even one of history’s most famous mathematicians may not have been the first to discover the theorem that carries his name. A newly analyzed ancient tablet suggests that the mathematical principle attributed to Pythagoras was actually known to the Babylonians nearly a millennium before he was even born.
A Discovery That Rewrites Mathematical History
If you’ve studied math in school, chances are you’ve encountered the Pythagorean Theorem—the fundamental equation for right-angled triangles: a² + b² = c². However, new evidence suggests that Pythagoras, the Greek scholar who lived from 570–490 BC, was not the true originator of this groundbreaking concept.
Instead, archaeologists and historians have identified an ancient Babylonian tablet, named IM 67118, which contains a form of the theorem and is estimated to date back to around 1770 BC—nearly 1,000 years before Pythagoras walked the earth. The text on this tablet appears to outline the relationship between the sides and diagonal of a rectangle, proving that the Babylonians understood this principle long before the Greek mathematician.
Clay tablet, IM 67118, mathematical, geometric-algebraic, similar to the Pythagorean theorem. From Tell al-Dhabba'i, Iraq. 2003-1595 BCE. Iraq Museum
Even more astonishingly, another tablet from 1800–1600 BC has been found depicting a square with labeled triangles, further suggesting that the Babylonians were working with advanced geometric principles long before they were formally documented by the Greeks.
The Babylonians’ Advanced Mathematical Knowledge
Historians and mathematicians alike are astounded by the implications of this discovery. According to researcher Bruce Ratner, "The conclusion is inescapable. The Babylonians knew the relation between the length of the diagonal of a square and its side…" This revelation sheds light on the remarkable mathematical abilities of Babylonian scholars, who appear to have had a sophisticated understanding of geometry well ahead of their time.
Babylonian mathematicians are already credited with creating some of the earliest known mathematical texts, including complex calculations involving algebra, fractions, and quadratic equations. Their use of base-60 mathematics (which still influences modern timekeeping and angles) is a testament to their ingenuity. The presence of Pythagorean-style calculations in their records further cements their reputation as advanced thinkers in the realm of mathematics.
How Did the Theorem Become Synonymous With Pythagoras?
If the Babylonians had discovered the theorem centuries before Pythagoras, how did his name become so closely associated with it? The answer lies in how knowledge was passed down in the ancient world.
Pythagoras established a school known as the Semicircle of Pythagoras, where he and his followers explored mathematics, astronomy, and music. However, much of the knowledge shared within this school was taught orally rather than through written texts. As a result, mathematical principles learned and refined by his students were often attributed directly to him.
Additionally, out of admiration and respect, many discoveries made by Pythagoras’ followers were credited to him personally. This, combined with the lack of written records from his time, likely led to the widespread belief that he was the original creator of the theorem.
Mathematician Bruce Ratner further explains, "…out of respect for their leader, many of the discoveries made by the Pythagoreans were attributed to Pythagoras himself; this would account for the term ‘Pythagoras’ Theorem.’"
A New Perspective on an Old Equation
While Pythagoras remains an iconic figure in mathematical history, this discovery serves as a reminder that knowledge often evolves across civilizations, rather than being the product of a single great mind. The Babylonians’ early grasp of the Pythagorean Theorem underscores their intellectual legacy and forces historians to reconsider how mathematical knowledge was developed and transmitted through the ages.
So the next time you find yourself struggling with a geometry problem in class, you might want to credit the Babylonians—after all, they were solving these equations long before Pythagoras ever did!
