Leonardo of Pisa, nicknamed Fibonacci, had learned the Hindu-Arabic numerals from Arab merchants in Bejaia, in Algeria, where his father was a customs official. In 1202 he published the Liber Abaci, 'Book of Calculation', explaining the nine digits and zero, the place-value system, methods for calculating, and applications to commerce such as currency conversion and interest. Despite resistance from those who thought the new numerals were open to fraud, they gradually replaced Roman numerals. The book also contains a rabbit-breeding problem that produces the sequence now named after him.
Before and after
- 13th centuryConstruction of Konark Sun Temple
- 13th centuryOrigins of Coricancha
- 13th centuryConstruction of Toompea Castle
- from 1202 to 1204Fourth Crusade
- 1202Fibonacci introduces Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe
- from 10 November 1202 to 24 November 1202Siege of Zara
- from 1204 to 1261Latin Empire
- from 1204 to 1461Empire of Trebizond
- from 1204 to 1261Empire of Nicaea
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The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 13th century.