Ancient pottery reveals early evidence of mathematical thinking

"Symmetrical arrangements of botanical motifs indicate a grasp of spatial division long before the advent of formal written numbers."

"The first unambiguous records of written numbers emerged in what is now Iraq around 3400 bc. But an analysis of ancient pottery indicates that people in the same region were engaging in structured mathematical thinking much earlier."

Symmetrical botanical motifs on ancient objects show knowledge of spatial division before formal numerical notation. The earliest clear written numbers appear in present-day Iraq around 3400 bc. Pottery design analysis from the same region reveals structured mathematical thinking that predates written numerals. The use of repeated, symmetric motifs implies intentional partitioning and counting concepts embedded in decorative practices. Such evidence pushes back timelines for the emergence of abstract mathematical ideas among prehistoric communities.

Read at Nature