Contents
Omar Khayyam
Working on cubic equations and calendar reform, alongside a lasting poetic reputation.
Cubic equations · Jalali calendar
- Born
- 1048
- Birthplace
- Nishapur, Iran
- Died
- 1131
More people
Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam was a Persian scholar whose historical mathematical work and attributed poetry reached different audiences.
Early life
Nishapur
Grew up in a major centre of learning.
Scholarship
Developed expertise in mathematics and astronomy.
Career
- 11th century
Mathematical work
Studied algebra and geometric methods.
- 1070s
Calendar project
Worked with astronomers under Seljuk patronage.
- Later life
Scholarship
Continued writing on mathematical and philosophical questions.
Contributions
Cubic equations
Classified forms and used intersecting conic sections to solve them geometrically.
Jalali calendar
Contributed to a major calendar reform.
Rubaiyat
Quatrains attributed to him became internationally famous.
Historical context
Attribution
The authorship of many poems bearing his name is uncertain.
Translation
Edward FitzGerald’s adaptations shaped his English-language reputation.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Alireza Javaheri. CC BY 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
