Babylonian Innovations in Mathematics

Over history's many ages, Babylonian mathematics techniques have proven themselves not only inveterate, but also indelible contributions to the modern math world. The Babylonians of the Mesopotamian area were algebraic and linear thinkers, and their insight into the algebraic realms of construction, astronomy, time, and equations has been instrumental in the development of the science of mathematics around the world.

The knowledge of mathematics was a key part in Babylonian society. Algebra and arithmetic were in constant use in commerce, calculating both simple and compound interest, tax dividends, harvest and surplus accommodations, calendars used for planting productivity, and the construction of canals and granaries, to name a few. Likewise, the Babylonian contributions have proved essential in modern era living. It was the Babylonians who, featuring a unique base system of 60, first divided time into increments, as we know it. The Babylonian model had days comprised of 24 hours, hours comprised of 60 minutes, and minutes comprised of 60 seconds, a tradition lasting over 4,000 years.