Pierre de Fermat

Pierre de Fermat was born to Dominique Fermat, a wealthy leather merchant, and Claire de Long, a member of a distinguished family. He was baptized at the local church.

Fermat begins his legal studies at the University of Orléans, following in the footsteps of his father. He focuses on civil law, which will later influence his career as a lawyer and government official.

Fermat is appointed counselor at the High Court of Toulouse, a significant step in his legal career. This position allows him to delve into mathematics during his free time.

Fermat begins corresponding with other mathematicians and publishes his early work on analytic geometry, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to mathematics.

In the margin of his copy of Diophantus' Arithmetica, Fermat writes his famous note claiming to have a proof for what later becomes known as Fermat's Last Theorem, a problem that remains unsolved for centuries.

Fermat marries his cousin, Louise de Long, strengthening his family ties and social status. They have five children, continuing his lineage and legacy.

Fermat and Blaise Pascal engage in a correspondence that leads to the development of the theory of probability, a foundational contribution to modern mathematics and statistics.

Fermat is promoted to a higher rank in the Parlement of Toulouse, reflecting his growing influence and respect in both legal and mathematical circles.

Fermat continues his mathematical research, particularly in number theory and calculus, contributing to the development of these fields and influencing future mathematicians.

Pierre de Fermat dies in Castres, France, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking mathematical work and unsolved problems that inspire generations of mathematicians.