Al-Khwarizmi: The Father of Algebra! (c. 780–850)
Welcome to History with BMResearch! In this documentary, we explore the life and legacy of Al-Khwarizmi, the brilliant mind behind algebra and algorithms. As a key figure in the Islamic Golden Age, his work at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad revolutionized ancient mathematics. Discover how he introduced the decimal system, explained the concept of zero, and laid the foundations for modern mathematics, geography, and astronomy. From the origin of algorithms to his influence on European scholars, Al-Khwarizmi's journey shaped a universal language of logic that we still use today. Join us to witness how a humble scholar became the father of algebra and a timeless figure in scientific history.
0:00 - Introduction to Al-Khwarizmi and His Legacy
5:00 - Baghdad and the House of Wisdom
10:00 - Al-Khwarizmi’s Innovative Approach to Knowledge
15:00 - The Birth of Algebra
20:00 - Solving Real-World Problems with Algebra
25:00 - Algebra’s Practical Applications in Law and Commerce
30:00 - Al-Khwarizmi’s Contributions to Astronomy
35:00 - Advances in Geography and Mapmaking
40:00 - Decimal System and the Hindu-Arabic Numerals
45:00 - Spread of Al-Khwarizmi’s Ideas to Europe
50:00 - Influence on Renaissance Thinkers and Educators
55:00 - Cultural Impact and Symbolic Legacy
1:00:00 - Algebra as a Universal Language
1:05:00 - Enduring Relevance in the Digital Age
Sources
Berggren, J. L. (2003). Mathematics in Medieval Islam. In V. Katz (Ed.), The Mathematics of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, and Islam.
Toomer, G. J. (1990). Eastern Approaches to Greek Science: Al-Khwarizmi and Ptolemy.
Kennedy, E. S. (1956). A Survey of Islamic Astronomical Tables.
Rashed, R. (2009). Al-Khwarizmi: The Beginnings of Algebra.
Sabra, A. I. (1987). Science and Philosophy in Medieval Islamic Thought.
Hogendijk, J. P. (2001). Mathematics in Medieval Islam: A Forgotten Legacy.
Saliba, G. (2007). Islamic Science and the Making of the European Renaissance.
#AlKhwarizmi #FatherOfAlgebra #HistoryOfMathematics #IslamicGoldenAge #MathDocumentary
Image Credit
By Unknown author - http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?ArticleID=631, [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2652443
By Unknown author - Scanned Photo from a book entitled Sayr mulhimah : min al-Sharq wa-al-Gharb, first translated into Arabic and published in Egypt in 1381 AH = 1961 CE. Check OCLC, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110814019
By Zereshk - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2809505
By Unknown, 12th/13th century author - Chronicle of John Skylitzes, cod. Vitr. 26-2, Madrid National Library, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11445230
By Jusepe de Ribera - J. Paul Getty Museum, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48321203
By Domenico Fetti - http://archimedes2.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/archimedes_templates/popup.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146592
By Iraqi Post - Personal collection, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91832934
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1584697
By / Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16043714
By Ptolemy, Latin translation by Jacobus Angelus, maps by Claudius Clavus, scanned by the Library of Nancy, DJVU file made by Yann - http://bmn-renaissance.nancy.fr/items/show/1236, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29830564
By Al-Khwarizmi - Esposito, John L. , ed. (1999) The Oxford History of Islam, Oxford University Press ISBN: 0195107993. ; April 2006 (upload date) by Spm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=716423
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