Architas of Taranto, the inventor of Mechanics

Archytas of Taranto, who lived around 428 BC and died in 360 BC, is a figure of great importance in the intellectual landscape of ancient Greece. Philosopher, mathematician and politician, Archytas stood out for his deep connection with the Pythagorean tradition, which greatly influenced his thought and works. His school in Taranto became an important center of learning, where various fields of knowledge were integrated and explored, including mathematics, music, philosophy and natural sciences.

One of the most notable aspects of Archytas's contribution is his advances in mechanics. He developed theoretical and practical models that allowed us to understand the principles of motion and forces, demonstrating a remarkable ability to apply mathematics to concrete problems. Furthermore, his work in geometry is considered fundamental, with studies that sought to reveal the mathematical laws that govern the universe.

Archytas saw music not only as an art, but as a manifestation of cosmic harmony, a key concept in Pythagorean philosophy. For him, music was an essential means of understanding the structure and order of the world, leading students to explore the interconnectedness of different disciplines.

In addition to his academic achievements, Archytas was also actively involved in the political life of Taranto. He distinguished himself for his commitment to the management of the city, holding positions of responsibility and contributing to the well-being of the community. This dual role as a philosopher and politician gave him a unique position, allowing him to apply his theoretical ideas to practical life.

His influence extended far beyond his time, inspiring later thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, who recognized the value and importance of Pythagorean ideas in their own work. Although much of his original work has been lost over the centuries, Archytas' thought has been transmitted through the writings of other philosophers and historians, who have highlighted his importance in the philosophical and scientific context of antiquity.

La scuola tarantina

La scuola di Archita a Taranto rappresentava un importante centro di apprendimento filosofico e scientifico nella Magna Grecia, arricchendo la tradizione pitagorica con un approccio interdisciplinare. Archita, figura di spicco del IV secolo a.C., non solo si distinse come filosofo e matematico, ma anche come politico, integrando vari ambiti del sapere.

In questa scuola, la matematica e la geometria erano studiate come strumenti per comprendere l’armonia dell’universo, riflettendo la convinzione pitagorica che l’ordine matematico fosse alla base della realtà. La musica, considerata una forma di espressione di tale armonia, occupava un posto centrale nel curriculum. Gli studenti erano incoraggiati a esplorare anche temi etici e filosofici, come la giustizia e la virtù, che erano fondamentali per lo sviluppo del carattere e dell’anima.

Le fonti storiche che menzionano Archita e la sua scuola, come quelle di Diogene Laertius e Iamblichus, offrono uno sguardo sul valore della sua opera, sottolineando la continua rilevanza della tradizione pitagorica nel pensiero occidentale.