A Minoan Geometry for Bisecting and Trisecting the Right Angle

8 Pages Posted: 25 Mar 2016 Last revised: 22 May 2016

See all articles by Amelia Carolina Sparavigna

Amelia Carolina Sparavigna

Polytechnic University of Turin - Department of Applied Science and Technology

Mauro Maria Baldi

Polytechnic University of Turin

Date Written: May 21, 2016

Abstract

In a recent paper we have shown that Egyptians of the New Kingdom were making drawings using compass and straightedge before creating the polychrome decorations of their artifact. Arguing that the use of such instruments had been previously consolidated in the eastern Mediterranean area, here we consider the possibility that the Minoan civilization had a geometry, which allowed its architects and skilled workers to bisect and trisect the right angle with compass and straightedge. To this purpose, we will analyse some decorations on artifacts and some frescoes found in the Knossos Palace of Crete and at Akrotiri, on the island of Santorini.

Keywords: Geometry, History of Science, Geometric Patterns, Compass and Straightedge Constructions, Archaeology, Minoan Civilization

Suggested Citation

Sparavigna, Amelia Carolina and Baldi, Mauro Maria, A Minoan Geometry for Bisecting and Trisecting the Right Angle (May 21, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2754536 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2754536

Amelia Carolina Sparavigna (Contact Author)

Polytechnic University of Turin - Department of Applied Science and Technology ( email )

Mauro Maria Baldi

Polytechnic University of Turin ( email )

Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24
Torino, Torino 10129
Italy

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