Crest of the Peacock Introduction

Prior to doing the reading, I already knew that mathematics outside of Europe was advanced and that it was ignored and undervalued. I knew that Ancient China and India were both advanced civilizations with the Chinese being one of the first to use modular arithmetic and the Indians to invent the number 0 as well as the numberical system. What I found interesting from the reading were that some areas were isolated and still developed math (ex. Maya of Central America). This shows the use of math in every day life and its widespread importance across cultures. However, I believe that such countries develop mathematics at a slower growth rate than others? I'd assume that isolated (and perhaps more poverish) civilizations only developed what was necessary for every day life. 

Another thing that I found interesting to see is the overall evolution of mathematics. I did not know that there may have possibly been an exchange of ideas between ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. We often hear of all these famous western mathematicians, but rarely talk about how math has got there at the first place. What was the incluence that took place? How did the educational systems that taught mathematics come about? 

Lastly, I found it interesting how different civilizations were able to develop their own version of a numerical system, with all of them using the same ideas but being different. It was interesting to read that there were certain parallel developments in geometry and algebra. This simply alludes to the importance of math in our every day lives. It seems like mathematics back then was more than just numbers and formulas, but it seemed like it was also an essential means of communication.