The Story of Maths

"The Story of Maths" is a mesmerizing four-part British TV series that delves into the rich history of mathematics. It first aired in October 2008 on BBC Four, a joint production between the Open University and the BBC. The series is both written and presented by Marcus du Sautoy, a distinguished professor at the University of Oxford.

In this series, Du Sautoy examines a vast array of mathematical concepts, ranging from the invention of zero to the still-unproven Riemann Hypothesis. He traverses different epochs and regions, illuminating how pivotal mathematical ideas have shaped science, technology, and culture.

The series is segmented into four episodes:

1. "The Language of the Universe"

2. "The Genius of the East"

3. "The Frontiers of Space"

4. "To Infinity and Beyond"

Each episode transports viewers to various parts of the globe and different historical periods. From ancient Egypt and Greece to China, India, and the Middle East, Du Sautoy highlights the contributions of renowned mathematicians such as Pythagoras, Euclid, and Leonardo Fibonacci. He also elucidates the development of fundamental mathematical concepts like algebra, calculus, and topology.

The final episode, "To Infinity and Beyond" tackles some of the most formidable mathematical problems of the 20th century. Du Sautoy discusses David Hilbert's famous 23 problems and explores perplexing concepts like infinity, topology, and algebraic geometry. He also covers the pioneering work of mathematicians including Georg Cantor, Henri Poincaré, and Grigori Perelman.