Archimedes was born in the Greek colony of Syracuse, Sicily. His father, Phidias, was an astronomer, which likely fostered an early interest in mathematics and astronomy. Syracuse, at the time, was a vibrant center of Greek culture and learning, providing a stimulating environment for the young Archimedes.

Archimedes likely traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, the intellectual capital of the Hellenistic world, to study at the Museum and Library. This institution, founded by Ptolemy I Soter, housed a vast collection of scrolls and attracted brilliant scholars from across the Mediterranean. Here, he would have studied under the successors of Euclid and likely formed lasting connections with other mathematicians and scientists, solidifying his foundations in advanced mathematical concepts.