Euclid was born around 325 BC, though his exact birthplace is unknown. Ancient sources suggest he may have been born in Greece or studied there before coming to Alexandria during Ptolemy I's reign.

Euclid likely studied at Plato's Academy in Athens, where he learned the mathematical traditions of Plato's school. This education shaped his rigorous approach to geometric proofs.

Euclid arrived in Alexandria during the reign of Ptolemy I Soter. He was among the first scholars invited to the newly founded Library and Museum of Alexandria.

Euclid established a school of mathematics in Alexandria. He gathered students and began systematizing the mathematical knowledge accumulated by Greek mathematicians over centuries.

Euclid began composing his masterwork 'Elements' (Stoicheia), synthesizing and organizing all known Greek mathematics into a coherent system based on definitions, postulates, and logical proofs.

Euclid completed his thirteen-book treatise 'Elements,' covering plane geometry, number theory, and solid geometry. The work would become the most influential mathematics textbook in history.

When Ptolemy I asked if there was a shorter way to learn geometry, Euclid famously replied: 'There is no royal road to geometry.' This became one of the most quoted sayings in mathematical history.

Euclid wrote 'Data' (Dedomena), a work on geometric analysis. It presented propositions about what can be deduced when certain geometric elements are given or known.

Euclid composed 'Optics,' the earliest surviving Greek treatise on perspective and the geometry of vision. He treated vision geometrically, with visual rays emanating from the eye.

Euclid wrote 'Phaenomena,' applying spherical geometry to astronomy. The work treated the geometry of the celestial sphere and was used by astronomers for centuries.

Euclid trained many students who became notable mathematicians. Apollonius of Perga, who later wrote on conic sections, may have studied under Euclid's successors at Alexandria.

Euclid composed 'On Divisions of Figures,' dealing with the division of geometric figures into parts with given ratios. The work survives only in Arabic translation.

The Elements began to be widely copied and distributed throughout the Greek world. It became the standard textbook for teaching geometry in Alexandria's famous schools.

Euclid continued teaching and writing in Alexandria. His school became the foundation for Alexandrian mathematics, influencing scholars like Archimedes and Apollonius.

Euclid died around 265 BC in Alexandria. His Elements remained the primary geometry textbook for over 2,000 years, with more editions published than any book except the Bible.