The Babylonians and Egyptians also had approximations for pi in ancient times from "summary" of A History of [pi] (pi) by Petr Beckmann
The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians were able to approximate the value of pi in their own unique ways. In Babylon around 2000 BC, a clay tablet was discovered with a geometrical problem that involved a circle and its diameter. By calculating the area of the circle using a value of 3 for pi, the Babylonians were able to get an impressively accurate answer. The Egyptians, on the other hand, used a slightly different approach to approximate pi. They employed a formula that was based on a pyramid's volume, which involved dividing the circumference of a circle by half of its diameter. This method gave them an approximation of pi as 3.1605, a value that was quite close to the actual value of pi. While these approximations may seem rudimentary compared to the precise value of pi that we know today, it is important to recognize the ingenuity and mathematical prowess of these ancient civilizations. Their methods may have been simple, but they laid the foundation for the development of more sophisticated mathematical concepts in the future. By studying the ways in which the Babylonians and Egyptians calculated pi in ancient times, we gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of mathematical thought and the evolution of numerical reasoning. These early approximations for pi serve as a testament to the enduring curiosity and intellect of humanity throughout history.
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