Archimedes
Archimedes son of Phidias (287-212BC) was born in Syracuse, Sicily. ... Although he is known mostly for his mathematical works, Archimedes was also a physician, mechanical engineer and inventor, hence he has acquired the name “father of Geometry” for both his scientific mind and his many inventions. Unfortunately the story of Archimedes death is a sad one. During the second Punic War, when the Romans had invaded Sicily, a roman soldier approached Archimedes ordering him to follow him. Defiantly Archimedes refused to be moved until he had finished the geometry problem he was working on at the time, at this came Archimedes death when the soldier ran his sword through him. Archimedes was also a close friend and an apparent relative of King Heiro of Sicily and often donated his inventions to the Sicilian state for use in wars. ... Although in the case of the burning mirrors, Heiro requested Archimedes make him a weapon for use in the battle against the Romans. ... Although we now have more advanced lasers these are still primarily based on Archimedes invention.