Why was Euclid's Elements so significant?

Answer 1

Euclid's "Elements" is significant because it systematically compiled and organized the knowledge of geometry in ancient Greece, laying the groundwork for the subject as a formal mathematical discipline. Its logical structure, starting from a small set of axioms and postulates, demonstrated how complex geometric truths could be derived through deductive reasoning. This work not only influenced mathematics for centuries but also impacted philosophy, teaching methods, and the development of logical reasoning across various fields. The Elements remained a primary textbook for teaching mathematics until the late 19th century, highlighting its enduring legacy.