infinity in history

- The symbol of  (∞) is considered one of the most important symbols representing the philosophical concept of infinity. It is widely used in mathematical sciences, whether applied or abstract, to express the pursuit of functions and sequences, similar to humans striving for the absolute.

- Ancient texts from various civilizations have revealed a common symbol representing infinity. This symbol is depicted as a serpent forming a circle and swallowing its tail, known by the Greeks as Ouroboros, as shown in the image.

- The word "Ouroboros" is derived from two Greek words, "oura" meaning tail, and "boros" meaning eating.

- But how does Ouroboros become synonymous with infinity (∞)? Let's analyze the symbol:

  The earliest known appearance of the concept of Ouroboros was in ancient Egypt, in a funerary text found in the tomb of Tutankhamun dating back to the 14th century BCE. It depicts the union of the god Ra with Osiris in the underworld.

  In Egyptian symbolism, Ouroboros symbolizes the integration of Ra and Osiris. This integration is evident in the symbol: Ra, representing the sun, is depicted by the circle, while Osiris, symbolized as the serpent, signifies renewal and emergence from the world of the dead.

- The Ouroboros symbolizes a complete circular curve, representing philosophical concepts of infinity, perfection, spirit, and eternity. The serpent, being a symbol of renewal and cyclic time, sheds its skin, symbolizing regeneration.

- Therefore, the serpent eating its tail in this symbol represents the cycle of life and death that the universe maintains.

- From Egyptian culture, this concept was transmitted to Phoenician culture due to their relationship. From the Phoenicians, it was passed on to Greek culture, where they named it Ouroboros in their language, as mentioned before. This name is still used today to refer to this symbol.

- We can trace the roots of this philosophical concept back to Greek philosophy, where it appears that the Greek philosopher Anaximander was the earliest to use the concept of infinity in a philosophical context. He proposed that the beginning of existence arose from an eternal and boundless principle beyond time and space, from which everything we see emerged. This eternal substance served as a precursor to the concept of the total entity.

- We see a similar idea in the deity Baal in Syrian culture, especially Phoenician culture. Besides being considered a deity of rain, lightning, and storms, Baal was also associated with the sun. Syrian mythology depicts a struggle between Baal and Mot, with Baal slaying the serpent-like twisted creature called Lotan. Thus, the use of this symbol by the Phoenicians before it was transferred to the Greeks immortalizes the battle between Baal and Lotan. The serpent's mouth connecting to its tail in a circle symbolizes the sun, represented by Baal, while the serpent signifies the god Mot. By uniting these opposites—death and life—the cycle of complete life is depicted, with eternal struggles where victory alternates. When death prevails, drought and famine prevail, and when Baal triumphs, he brings forth greenery and abundance.

- Therefore, many scholars believe that the symbol of infinity (∞) is derived from the original symbol of Ouroboros, as evidenced by numerous archaeological representations of Ouroboros resembling the shape of the infinity symbol found in Scandinavian civilization, as shown in the image.