The Moscow Mathematical Papyrus, also named the Golenishchev Mathematical Papyrus after its first non-Egyptian owner, Egyptologist Vladimir Golenishchev, is an ancient Egyptian mathematical papyrus containing several problems in arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. Golenishchev bought the papyrus in 1892 or 1893 in Thebes. It later entered the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, where it remains today.
Based on the palaeography and orthography of the hieratic text, the text was most likely written down in the 13th Dynasty and based on older material probably dating to the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt, roughly 1850 BC. Approximately 5.5 m (18 ft) long and varying between 3.8 and 7.6 cm (1.5 and 3 in) wide, its format was divided by the Soviet Orientalist Vasily Vasilievich Struve in 1930 into 25 problems with solutions.
It is a well-known mathematical papyrus, usually referenced together with the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. The Moscow Mathematical Papyrus is older than the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, while the latter is the larger of the two
The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus (RMP; also designated as papyrus British Museum 10057, pBM 10058, and Brooklyn Museum 37.1784Ea-b) is one of the best known examples of ancient Egyptian mathematics.
It is one of two well-known mathematical papyri, along with the Moscow Mathematical Papyrus. The Rhind Papyrus is the larger, but younger, of the two.
In the papyrus’ opening paragraphs Ahmes presents the papyrus as giving “Accurate reckoning for inquiring into things, and the knowledge of all things, mysteries … all secrets”. He continues:
This book was copied in regnal year 33, month 4 of Akhet, under the majesty of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Awserre, given life, from an ancient copy made in the time of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt Nimaatre. The scribe Ahmose writes this copy.
Several books and articles about the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus have been published, and a handful of these stand out.[1] The Rhind Papyrus was published in 1923 by the English Egyptologist T. Eric Peet and contains a discussion of the text that followed Francis Llewellyn Griffith’s Book I, II and III outline.[3] Chace published a compendium in 1927–29 which included photographs of the text.[4] A more recent overview of the Rhind Papyrus was published in 1987 by Robins and Shute.
Wadi Al-Jarf papyrus that represents a lot of information about the construction of the Pyramid of the Teenagers, which is preferred to be the largest of the pyramids with a height of up to 481 people. This pyramid remained, until the Middle Ages, the largest structure made by man on the face of the Earth, according to what was published by the newspaper “ Sunday Express.
This papyrus was written by one of the supervisors of a team of 40 workers who participated in the construction of the Pyramid of Khufu. The papyrus explains that huge dams were built to divert the course of the Nile River into a canal leading to the pyramid construction site, from the Tari area to the Giza area. Special boats were used to transport stones across this channel.
Thousands of workers, with the help of elite architects and engineers, transported 170,000 tons of limestone across the river with wooden planks tied with ropes, navigating a network of canals to the base of the pyramid.
Tomb of the Royal Scribe “Thoth-em-hat”
The tomb was built in the form of a well ending in a burial chamber, containing hieroglyphic inscriptions. The burial chamber of “Djehuti-em-hat” is rich in texts and scenes. On the wall there is a long series of religious texts against snake bites, taken from the Pyramid Texts, inscriptions of ritual offerings, and a scene of the sun’s journey across the sky in its morning and evening boats accompanied by sunrise and sunset hymns.
A study of the skeletal remains of the tomb owner showed that Djehuti-Imhat died at the early age of 25 years, and evidence indicates that he suffered from some diseases due to his job, such as erosion of the spine as a result of sitting for long periods, and he also suffered from severe osteoporosis.
Astronomical Depictions in the Tomb of Senenmut
This remarkable image showcases the astronomical depictions found in the tomb of Senenmut, an influential official and architect during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty)
Senenmut’s tomb, located at Deir el-Bahri near Luxor, features some of the earliest known representations of the Egyptian constellations and celestial phenomena. The detailed artwork on the ceiling of his tomb includes.
Star Clusters and Constellations: The intricate patterns of stars and constellations are meticulously depicted, reflecting the ancient Egyptians’ advanced understanding of the night sky. These constellations were not only important for navigation and timekeeping but also held significant religious and mythological meanings.
Celestial Boats: Figures of gods and celestial boats traveling across the sky, symbolizing the journey of the sun god Ra through the underworld and the heavens. This journey was essential to the ancient Egyptian belief system, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Astronomical Diagrams: Detailed diagrams showing the movement of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and planets. These depictions illustrate the ancient Egyptians’ efforts to track and predict astronomical events, which were closely tied to their agricultural calendar and religious festivals.
Senenmut’s tomb is a testament to the sophistication of ancient Egyptian astronomy and its integration into their art, religion, and daily life. The astronomical ceiling provides valuable insights into how the Egyptian ancients viewed and understood the cosmos, highlighting their remarkable achievements in this field.