Horizon Season 2002 Episode 9 Archimedes' Secret

Archimedes' Secret, the ninth episode of the 2002 season of Horizon, explores the life and work of the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes, and the ongoing efforts to unravel the secrets of his many achievements, including his famous quest to determine the density of the crown of King Hiero II. The program delves into the history of Archimedes and his contemporaries, examining the cultural and scientific achievements of ancient Greece and the legacy that has been handed down through the ages.

Viewers are taken on a journey through time, exploring the ancient city of Syracuse, where Archimedes lived and worked. We also visit modern-day archaeological digs and scientific laboratories, where researchers are uncovering new information about Archimedes' contributions to fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering. Along the way, we meet scholars and experts who are working tirelessly to solve the mysteries that surround this enigmatic genius, including the strange symbols and diagrams that he left behind in his writings.

One of the focal points of the episode is Archimedes' famous "Eureka!" moment, when he supposedly discovered the principles of buoyancy while taking a bath. The program explores the historical accuracy of this myth, as well as the broader implications of Archimedes' work on buoyancy and hydrostatics. We see demonstrations of some of the devices that he invented, such as the Archimedes screw, which is still used today in various forms, and learn about his contributions to the development of war machines, such as the famous "claw of Archimedes" that was used to repel enemy ships.

The heart of the program, however, is the story of how Archimedes attempted to solve the mystery of the density of the crown of King Hiero II. According to legend, the king suspected that his goldsmith had cheated him by substituting some of the gold in the crown with a cheaper metal like silver. But how could he prove it without damaging the crown? This is where Archimedes came in. Using his knowledge of buoyancy and displacement, he developed a method for determining the density of an irregular object without destroying it.

The program follows the efforts of modern-day scientists and historians to reconstruct Archimedes' experiments and to decipher the many cryptic symbols and equations that he used to describe his methods. We learn about the techniques that they have used to study the famous "Archimedes Palimpsest," a manuscript that contains the only surviving copies of many of Archimedes' works, which had been erased and overwritten by later scribes. By using advanced imaging technology, researchers have been able to recover many of the original writings and to gain new insights into Archimedes' methods and thought processes.

Throughout the program, we are treated to beautiful images of ancient Greek architecture, artifacts, and landscapes, along with computer-generated graphics and animations that help to bring Archimedes' inventions and experiments to life. We hear from a range of experts, including historians, archaeologists, physicists, mathematicians, and engineers, who all offer their unique perspectives on this fascinating figure from history. And we come away with a renewed appreciation for the incredible intellect and creativity of Archimedes, whose works continue to inspire and challenge us to this day.

Overall, Archimedes' Secret is a fascinating and engaging exploration of one of the most brilliant minds of the ancient world. It offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and scientific achievements of ancient Greece, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the secrets of one of its greatest thinkers. Whether you are a student of history, mathematics, science, or engineering, this program is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and curiosity of the human mind.