Babylonian Mathematical Texts

Course Description

Course Description: Babylonian mathematics may seem esoteric, building on a sexagesimal (base-60) number system that feels very different from many modern ones. However, these procedures present very approachable mathematics, often in a prose-heavy style that modern learners can easily follow. In this class, we'll take a look at a number of different mathematical tablets, covering Old Babylonian to Late Babylonian mathematics and including famous tablets, like those presenting a square root of two and Pythagorean triples (from before Pythagoras!). Join this class if you are interested in seeing what mathematics looked like in Babylonian cultures, how mathematical knowledge was shared and circulated, and what changes we can identify in the millennia of this tradition. Some knowledge of basic cuneiform transliteration/Akkadian translation will be assumed. DETAILS Level: Intermediate. Intermediate. Some knowledge of basic cuneiform/Akkadian grammar will be helpful (and assumed). No previous mathematical knowledge is necessary! Textbook: Instructor will provide some materials; others are part of the ORACC project (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/projectlist.html). Sections capped at: 5 students. If the course is sold-out, please fill out this waiting-list form.

Details

• Semester: Fall 2026
• Day: Wednesday
• Time: 11:30 AM ET
• First class: September 30, 2026
• Duration: 60 minutes per session

Tuition

$250 per course

Availability

7 spots remaining out of 7

Cancellation Policy

Telepaideia tuition is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your enrollment or withdraw from your class, you may be eligible for a 50% credit to be used toward a future Telepaideia course. In order to be eligible for this credit, you must notify info@paideiainstitute.org of your withdrawal before the second class meeting has taken place.