The Stomachion or Ostomachion – Worlds Oldest Puzzle by Archemedes – Made in USA by Creative Crafthouse

Price: $32.00
(as of Jul 16, 2023 19:07:38 UTC – Details)

The Stomachion is perhaps the world’s oldest puzzle and it is very difficult to solve. It is associated with Archimedes of Greece (287 BC – 212 BC) who did mathematical analysis of the shape. The 14 acrylic precision cut pieces ,1/4″ thick, will make a square and also many other interesting shapes, with each shape requiring all the pieces. It comes with 19 other shapes that can be made beyond the square. The square measures 6″ x 6″ when completed in the frame. The puzzle in the wood frame and cover measures about 7″ x 7″. Stomachion is also known as loculus Archimedius and Syntomachion and Ostomachion It has been shown that each of the pieces has an area that is a rational fraction (a multiple of 1/48th) of the total area of the dissected parallelogram. It is believed that Archimedes anticipated aspects of combinatorics. Combinatorics involves finding the number of ways a given problem can be solved, subject to well-defined constraints. Mathematician Bill Cutler determined in 2003 that there are 536 unique ways to assemble the square shape. Note, all other claimed solutions are just rotations or flips of these 536. See how many you can find. Finding even one beyond the one packaged with the set is a good accomplishment. There is an amazing story about Archimedes’ scrolls, the Palimpsest, which was cut up, written over and eventually recovered through a journey of more than two thousand years. The Stomachion puzzle was found on these scrolls. Note, colors may vary, We use up to 11 different colors and each puzzle may be different. Color pattern will of course change if you find one of the different solutions.
PRECISION CUT PIECES — 14 acrylic pieces that make a square and many other shapes, with each shape requiring all the pieces. Acrylic colors used may vary
EXPAND YOUR BRAINPOWER — Comes with 19 additional shapes that can be made beyond the square, stimulating spatial awareness
PORTABLE AND DURABLE — Lightweight and compact design in a 7″ square in the frame. makes it perfect for on-the-go puzzling, and made from high-quality acrylic material
FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS — Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced puzzler, this retro puzzle will provide hours of fun