Euclid of Alexandria

Greek mathematician active in Alexandria c.300 BC whose 'Elements' organised all known geometry into 13 books from five postulates. 'Elements' remained the primary geometry textbook for over 2,000 years, introducing the axiomatic method — starting from self-evident truths and proving everything else by logical deduction — that underlies all modern mathematics. His name is synonymous with classical geometry.

• Lived: 325 BCE – 265 BCE
• Nationality: greek
• Roles: mathematician, geometer