The Elements of Euclides: the Cornerstone of Modern Mathematics

Abstract

Greek mathematics occupies a central place in the History of Mathematics. Its relevance rests on its methods, more than on its mathematical results. In this text we try to give an idea how mathematics changed from a collection of problem solving algorithms into a building of knowledge, with special foundations and methods of validation. Euclid’s Elements embodies the new mathematical tradition and today, 2300 years after being written, it is still the paradigm of high quality mathematical writing.