Savarsorda the Mathematician: The tale of Abraham Bar Hiyya

Aug 30, 2021 | Blog, Jewish History

Bar Ḥiyya’s theorem in a copy of the Talmud. | (c) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_bar_Hiyya

Knowledge is meant to be shared. A deeper understanding of the world is something that can benefit many, not just a few. In the course of human history, there were many advancements in science, infrastructure and technology that have made life easier. Such advancements weren’t created in a vacuum. The knowledge to create and proliferate such technology often comes in the form of equations, the fruit of many centuries of trial and error. On our previous glatt kosher tours, we have explored the lives and historical contexts of many influential Jewish figures. One of them, Abraham bar Hiyya, is responsible for the proliferation of Arabic algebra in Europe.

Of Numbers and the Stars

The exact details of Abraham bar Hiyya’s life are not well documented. While some scholars said that he was the student of Moshe haDarshan of Narbonne, this fact was contested. What’s certain is he lived in Barcelona, and may have even held a position as a civic official there, hence his title Savarsorda (taken from the Arabic word “ṣāḥib-al-shurṭa.”) Before his death circa 1136, Abraham bar Hiyya wrote many works on mathematics, philosophy and astronomy. Along with other scholars, he helped bridge the gap between the scientific traditions of the Arab world with the rest of Europe, providing the latter with knowledge that kickstarted its own scientific development in the future. Ḥibbur ha-Meshiḥah ve-ha-Tishboret, or Liber embadorum, as it was translated in Latin, was a work of his that inspired Fibonacci himself.

An Equation Across the Centuries

Aside from providing Europe with the quadratic equation x2 – ax + b = 0, Abraham bar Hiyya was also conscious about his responsibilities for his people. He would translate Arabic and Judeo-Arabic scientific works into Hebrew so that such enlightening knowledge could be accessed by Jewish readers who were not already familiar with such things. His treatises on geometry and philosophy would embolden and influence the efforts of others, long after his time on Earth.

Knowledge is meant to be shared. A deeper understanding of the world can be gained by the exchanging of wisdom across borders, across cultures. Our kosher tours have explored such exchanges in the past, and even today, we can see the influence of Abraham bar Hiyya’s research in modern-day mathematical studies.

 

Related Articles

Cambodian Lok Lak

Cambodian Lok Lak

Another recipe from our recent great cruise on the Mekong. The next cruise on this beautiful river will be in 2027. Full booking details will be made available shortly. As we were fully booked 6 months before our latest cruise, make sure to book early for 2027. Lok...

read more
Rice Pudding

Rice Pudding

Once I am onboard one of our riverboats or expedition ships, my most important tool is a teaspoon. With that teaspoon (which is constantly washed a sterilized), I taste every stage of every item of food that leaves the galley.  One of the items on our recent...

read more
Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo

According to a popular myth, the dish was first made after Napoleon defeated the Austrian army at the Battle of Marengo at Marengo south of Alessandria, Italy, when his chef Dunard foraged in the town for ingredients (because the supply wagons were too distant) and...

read more

BEYOND our expectations

We could not believe what we were served. Chef Malcom is a GENIUS!!! Please tell the directors that we do not have words to express how pleased we were. I suppose that we will be recommending you to every friend we know.

Jose T, Miami FL

Rhone River Cruise 2019

Fabulous & flawless service

I have been totally spoiled for future vacations. Riverboat is the way to go. I’ve met such nice people, staff was great, food fantastic. A really well run and well thought out trip

Harriet S

Another successful experience

Our experience was unique in that we were able to tour a lot of territory and a variety of places with minimal inconvenience. The fact that our boat was always with us and there were no long bus rides or waits made this mode of travel extremely enjoyable.

Micheol R