This paper is divided into two parts. The first part traces (in details providing proofs and examples) the history of the solutions of polynomial equations(of the first, second, third, and fourth degree) by radicals from Babylonian times (2000 B.C.) through 20th century. Also it is shown that there is no solution by radicals for the quintic (fifth degree) and higher degree equations. The second part of this thesis illustrates both numerical and graphical solutions of the quintic and higher degree polynomial equations using modern technology such as graphics calculators (TI-85, and HP-48G) and software packages (Matlab, Mathematica, and Maple). / Graduation date: 1995