In this expository paper we sketch some interrelations between several famous conjectures in number theory and algebraic geometry that have intrigued mathematicians for a long period of time. Starting from Fermat's Last Theorem one is naturally led to intro duce L-functions, the main motivation being the calculation of class numbers. In particular, Kummer showed that the class numbers of cyclotomic fields playa decisive role in the corroboration of Fermat's Last Theorem for a large class of exponents. Before Kummer, Dirich let had already successfully applied his L-functions to the proof of...

In this expository text we sketch some interrelations between several famous conjectures in number theory and algebraic geometry that have intrigued math ematicians for a long period of time. Starting from Fermat's Last Theorem one is naturally led to introduce L functions, the main, motivation being the calculation of class numbers. In partic ular, Kummer showed that the class numbers of cyclotomic fields play a decisive role in the corroboration of Fermat's Last Theorem for a large class of exponents. Before Kummer, Dirichlet had already successfully applied his L-functions to the proof of...