On the Origins of Riemann’s Hypothesis – David E Rowe 🧮📜
Much has been written about the Riemann hypothesis, which many consider to be the most important unsolved problem in mathematics today. It concerns the zeros of the Riemann zeta function, which Riemann introduced in his famous 8-page paper from 1859. This talk by David E. Rowe aims to explain the motivation behind that paper — which only incidentally mentioned the Riemann hypothesis — and the many sequels the story has produced. Part of the Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures, generously supported by XTX Markets.
What to expect:
📜 The story behind the 1859 paper — A historian’s perspective on why Riemann wrote his celebrated paper, and how the hypothesis emerged almost in passing
🧮 From a leading historian of mathematics — David E. Rowe is Professor Emeritus for History of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz
🎥 Attend in person or watch online — Email to register for the in-person lecture in Lecture Theatre 1; the talk is broadcast on the Oxford Mathematics YouTube Channel on Wednesday 18 November, 5–6pm, with no registration needed for the online version