Archimedes

Archimedes formulated the principle that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. He reportedly discovered this while bathing and used it to determine the purity of a gold crown.

Archimedes mathematically explained the principle of the lever and invented the compound pulley system. He demonstrated its power by reportedly moving a fully laden ship single-handedly using a system of pulleys.

During the Roman siege of Syracuse, Archimedes designed defensive war machines, including large catapults and the Claw of Archimedes, a crane-like device that lifted and capsized Roman ships. These machines delayed the Roman capture of the city for two years.

Roman forces under General Marcellus captured Syracuse after a prolonged siege. Archimedes was killed by a Roman soldier, despite orders to spare him. He was reportedly engrossed in a mathematical diagram at the time.