Determination of the Mathematical Theorems on Ancient Mosaics

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine and evaluate the reflection of mathematical knowledge on examples of ancient mosaic art. As a result of the comparison between history of mathematics and art of mosaics, a connection has been made between the well-known theorems and patterns through the nature of the forms. For this purpose, patterns like swastika, meander, spiral and cube forms, as well as the forms that can be produced from the graph related to the lunar area calculation of Hippocrates of Chios have been analyzed. In addition, analyzes, discussions and evaluations on the identification of the forms similar to the semi-regular solids of Archimedes and the hexagons of Pappus of Alexandria have been presented. It is thought that the methods used and the information obtained in this study will contribute to the research of mosaic art and history of mathematics, the documentation and evaluation of archaeological artifacts, the museology practices and conservation studies.