Time: 4:30 - 5:30 PM,
Dates: Tuesday Weekly
Location: MATH 215
Class Code: MA 598SMH
In this semester’s Math History Seminar, we feature the birth of various mathematical domains and topics, ranging from the ancient era to the modern age. Feel free to join if you are interested. We are also looking for speakers who want to share the beginnings of their mathematical fields!
Date: 9/2
Speaker: Stanley Gao
Abstract: Zero is one of humanity’s strangest and most powerful inventions. It’s not obvious that “nothing” should be represented by a mark, let alone that this mark would become a cornerstone of numeral system, algebra, and modern mathematics. This talk traces the earliest history of zero: from ancient counting systems about the idea, to the Babylonian placeholder, to the radical conceptual leap in India that treated zero as a number in its own right. We’ll also examine early appearances in Mayan civilization and the slow, reluctant adoption of zero in Europe. The goal is not just a historical survey but a deeper appreciation of how alien the idea once was—and how foundational it became.
Date: 9/9
Speaker: James Cumberbatch
Abstract: The question of how to communicate in secret dates back to ancient times, and the answer is continuously evolving. In this talk, I will cover both the beginnings of number theoretic cryptography and also its prehistory, the earlier studies of cryptography dating back to the 1800s.
Date: 9/16
Speaker: Geoffrey Baring
Abstract: Ancient Greek mathematics is well known for its compass and straightedge constructions, the most famous being the problem of squaring the circle, but there was also a lot of work done to produce certain geometric constructions which would not have been possible without extra tools. In this talk, I discuss the history of the problem of duplicating the cube, and present a solution of Archytas which relies on finding the intersection point of three surfaces of revolution. Bring your togas and be prepared to get versed in geometry!
Date: 9/23
Speaker: General Ozochiawaeze
Abstract: This talk explores how mathematics can survive—and even flourish—during times of crisis. Centering on Diophantus’s Arithmetica and Hypatia’s role in preserving Greek learning, we place algebra within the 3rd–5th century world of Neoplatonism, political turmoil, and shifting power. We also trace parallel advances in India and note how these traditions later shaped broader intellectual renewals. We will that algebra grew as a resilient project built at the crossroads of crisis, philosophy, and cultural exchange.
Date: 9/30
Date: 10/7
Speaker: Stanley Gao
Abstract: TBA
Date: 10/14
Date: 10/21
Speaker: Hoang Vo
Abstract: TBA
Date: 10/28
Speaker: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Date: 11/4
Speaker: Mansimar Singh
Abstract: TBA
Date: 11/11
Speaker: Chrisil Ouseph
Abstract: TBA
Date: 11/18
Speaker: TBA
Abstract: TBA
Date: 11/25
Speaker: TBA
Abstract: TBA