Archimedes was a renowned Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer who lived during the Hellenistic period. Born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 287 BC, Archimedes made significant contributions to mathematics, including his work on geometry and the principles of buoyancy. He is most famous for discovering the principles of displacement and the Archimedes' screw, a device still used today in various applications. Archimedes is also credited with developing innovative war machines that helped defend Syracuse against the Romans during the Siege of Syracuse.