Why is Pappus's life considered mysterious?
His works were written under a pseudonym
His birthplace is unknown
Little is known outside of his writings
His works were discovered in a hidden library
Answer
Pappus's life is considered mysterious because little is known outside of his writings. The only surviving records of his life come from his own writings and from the works of later scholars. This makes it difficult to know for sure what his life was like, and there is some disagreement among scholars about his origins and his exact dates of birth and death.
The Hidden Gems of Pappus: Unveiling the Mathematical Marvels!
More Questions
Did all ancient mathematicians create large works like Pappus's Mathematicae Collectiones?
What makes Pappus's Mathematical Collections valuable for today's scholars?
Was Pappus of Alexandria associated with any famous students?
Are there statues or monuments dedicated to Pappus in Alexandria?
Why did Pappus focus on geometry in his works?
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