Statue of Archimedes in Syracuse: A Modern Tribute
At the entrance to the island of Ortigia, standing between the bridges connecting it to mainland Syracuse, is the commanding Statue of Archimedes. Inaugurated in 2016, this modern monument serves as a powerful tribute to one of antiquity's greatest minds, who was born and worked in this very city.
The Genius of Syracuse
Archimedes, born in Syracuse around 287 BC, was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor. His work left an indelible mark on science, from his famous "Eureka!" moment discovering the principle of buoyancy to his legendary defense of Syracuse during the Roman siege of 214-212 BC. Ancient accounts describe his ingenious war machines, including the famed burning mirrors, which reportedly used concentrated sunlight to set Roman ships ablaze.
Design and Symbolism
Created by Syracusan sculptor Pietro Marchese and Genoese architect Virginia Rossello, the bronze figure of Archimedes stands 2.60 meters tall. The entire monument reaches a height of 3.20 meters. The statue depicts the great thinker holding a compass in one hand and a burning mirror in the other, symbolizing both his contributions to geometry and his fabled military engineering.
The Stomachion Base
The statue rests on an 8x8 meter base made of Comiso stone, which is far more than a simple pedestal. It is designed to replicate the Stomachion, an ancient geometric puzzle. The base is composed of 14 distinct pieces, each engraved with a symbol representing one of Archimedes' key theories. These include engravings for Pi, the principle of floating bodies, the volume of the sphere, the Archimedes' screw, and the principle of levers, creating an educational layer to the monument.
A Modern Landmark
Today, the Statue of Archimedes is a significant landmark and a must-see attraction for visitors interested in history and science. It welcomes travelers to the historic island of Ortigia, anchoring the city to its profound Greek intellectual roots. In the evenings, the base illuminates, creating a striking visual against the lights of the port.
FAQ
When was the Statue of Archimedes in Syracuse built?
The modern bronze Statue of Archimedes is a recent addition to Syracuse, having been inaugurated in 2016.
What do the symbols on the base of the Archimedes statue mean?
The base is designed as a Stomachion puzzle. Each of its 14 stone pieces is engraved with a symbol representing one of Archimedes' significant theories, such as Pi, the principle of levers, and the Archimedes' screw.
What is Archimedes holding in the statue?
The statue depicts Archimedes holding a compass in one hand and a burning mirror in the other, referencing his scientific work and the legendary devices he used to defend Syracuse.
Who created the Statue of Archimedes?
The monument was created by the collaboration of Syracusan sculptor Pietro Marchese and Genoese architect Virginia Rossello.
