Historical accounts of the Siege of Syracuse mention Archimedes' development of various war machines, including catapults and the 'Claw of Archimedes'. However, early accounts do not explicitly mention the use of burning mirrors.

In later antiquity, the story of Archimedes using mirrors to set Roman ships on fire begins to emerge. These accounts portray Archimedes as a brilliant and resourceful engineer capable of harnessing the power of the sun.

The legend of the burning mirrors becomes widely popular during the Renaissance and Early Modern period. Artists and writers depict Archimedes using mirrors to defend Syracuse, solidifying the image of him as a scientific hero.

In the modern era, scientists and historians have debated the feasibility of Archimedes using mirrors to set ships on fire. Experiments have shown that it is theoretically possible, but practically challenging to achieve the desired effect under battlefield conditions.

Despite the scientific debates, the legend of Archimedes and the burning mirrors continues to endure in popular culture. It serves as a testament to his ingenuity and his reputation as a brilliant inventor.