Yes, they didn’t have algebra, so they essentially framed as many mathematical problems as possible as geometry problems.

That's probably right.  And the history of geometry in education probably goes all the way back to the Greeks.  That being said, I'm sure they were using geometry for their engineering back then too.

SimpleStacker

I fully agree with you on calculus but I think the purpose of geometry was different.

Geometry was the only course where formal logic was taught and I believe that was the case because applying it to familiar shapes and lines made it easier for students than if it were applied to unfamiliar topics like algebra.

math

AskSN

Is trigonometry a waste of time (for most of us)?

Scoresby

I fully agree with you on calculus but I think the purpose of geometry was different.

Geometry was the only course where formal logic was taught and I believe that was the case because applying it to familiar shapes and lines made it easier for students than if it were applied to unfamiliar topics like algebra.