He is said to have designed ingenious war machines to assist in the defense, including large catapults, cranes that could lift attacking ships out of the water, and mirrors that focused sunlight to set enemy ships ablaze (though the historical accuracy of the "burning mirrors" is debated). These devices made it difficult for the Romans to breach the city's defenses, and for a time, they were unsuccessful in their siege.
The Death of Archimedes
The fall of Syracuse in 212 BCE is marked by the eventual capture of the city by the Romans. According to historical accounts, Archimedes met his tragic end after the city was taken. The most widely accepted version of his death comes from the writings of the Roman historian Plutarch, who recorded the following story:
As the Romans entered Syracuse, Archimedes was reportedly deeply engrossed in solving a mathematical problem, drawing geometric shapes in the sand or a piece of paper. He was so absorbed in his work that he paid no attention to the soldiers around him. A Roman soldier, possibly unaware of who Archimedes was, approached the brilliant mathematician and ordered him to follow him to the general.
Archimedes, still lost in thought, allegedly replied, "Do not disturb my circles!" The soldier, angered by the perceived arrogance or disobedience, drew his sword and killed Archimedes on the spot.
This account suggests that Archimedes was murdered in a moment of intellectual absorption, with his brilliant mind consumed by his work even at the moment of his death. The story is tragic, not only because of the violent nature of his end but also because it seems to have occurred at the height of his intellectual activity. shutdown123