During a dedicated session at IBM France, HamidReza Vanaei, professor and researcher at ESILV, presented the book History of Artificial Intelligence: From the Mathematics of Ancient Civilisations to Thinking Machines, published by CRC Press – Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
The meeting brought together members of the technical community to exchange on the historical, scientific, and ethical dimensions that shape the development of Artificial Intelligence. This achievement reflects a shared commitment to advancing AI knowledge. HamidReza Vanaei, together with Abbas Tcharkhtchi and Sofiane Khelladi, continues to contribute to this collective effort through ongoing research and academic collaboration.
From Ancient Mathematical Concepts to Modern Intelligent Systems
This presentation offered an overview of the book’s approach: tracing the evolution of AI from the early calculation methods of ancient civilisations to current computational models.
The discussion highlighted how mathematics, logic and early forms of abstraction progressively enabled the emergence of modern intelligent systems.
The session also addressed the influence of these foundations on today’s applications, where AI supports multiple domains of engineering, research and industry.
A Collaborative Exchange with IBM France
The event was hosted at IBM Technology France. Xavier Vasques, Vice President and CTO, facilitated the session and supported the initiative, fostering dialogue between academic and industrial perspectives.
Vincent Perrin, IBM Technical Leader, contributed to the organisation and coordination of the meeting, which supported discussion around the future trajectories of AI and its societal implications.
Understanding AI Through a Long-Term Historical Lens
The book follows a chronological path, connecting innovations and milestones in mathematics, mechanics and computation. Readers gain insight into how conceptual advances across periods shaped the emergence of intelligent machines.
The narrative covers:
- The roots of logic, numeration systems and mechanical computation
- The transition towards programmable machines
- Milestones leading to contemporary AI models
- Current debates surrounding ethics, governance and societal impact
The final chapters address questions raised by the rapid integration of AI in professional and daily environments, underlining the need for informed understanding and responsible development.
HamidReza Vanaei and Abbas Tcharkhtchi during the presentation at IBM
Book Summary
History of Artificial Intelligence: From the Mathematics of Ancient Civilisations to Thinking Machines proposes an extensive overview of the scientific, cultural and technological milestones that shaped AI over several millennia.
The book traces the origins of computational thinking back to early numerical systems, logic structures and mechanical devices developed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Iran and other ancient societies. It then follows the progressive emergence of concepts that underpin modern AI, from Renaissance mathematics to the mechanical innovations of the Enlightenment, leading to the development of early calculators, programmable machines and the foundations of contemporary computational models.
Some copies of the book freshly unpacked
Through accessible explanations, each chapter connects historical advances with the theoretical principles that support today’s intelligent systems, offering a perspective that highlights both continuity and transformation in the field.
The final sections address the ethical and societal questions raised by current AI deployments, examining implications for governance, responsibility and everyday uses. This approach provides readers with a combined understanding of AI’s past trajectories, current dynamics and future challenges.
The book is intended for a broad readership, including students, researchers, and professionals in computer science, AI, mathematics, the history of science, engineering, and digital ethics, as well as general audiences interested in the long-term development of intelligent technologies.
Learn more about ESILV’s research strategy