Fragments of Rhind Mathematical Papyrus
ca. 1493–1481 B.C.E.
1 of 4
Object Label
This papyrus was most likely a mathematical reference textbook for the use of scribes. These fragments became separated from the main papyrus when the roll was broken into two parts, probably at the time of its discovery in the mid-nineteenth century.
The fragments seen in the upper register, and those few on the right, are from the end of a section that dealt with the simplification of fractions. The fragments in the five lower registers on the left come from the beginning of the section that demonstrated the equitable division of one, two, six, seven, eight, and nine loaves of bread among ten men.
The fragments seen in the upper register, and those few on the right, are from the end of a section that dealt with the simplification of fractions. The fragments in the five lower registers on the left come from the beginning of the section that demonstrated the equitable division of one, two, six, seven, eight, and nine loaves of bread among ten men.
Caption
Fragments of Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, ca. 1493–1481 B.C.E.. Papyrus, ink, Largest Fragment: 6 5/16 x 3 3/8 in. (16 x 8.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1784Ea-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Fragments of Rhind Mathematical Papyrus
Date
ca. 1493–1481 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Reportedly from: Thebes, Egypt
Medium
Papyrus, ink
Classification
Dimensions
Largest Fragment: 6 5/16 x 3 3/8 in. (16 x 8.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.1784Ea-b
Frequent Art Questions
How can they figure out where the fragments fit in relation to each other where the writings aren't continuous?
That's a good question! Of course the writing on the papyrus is the easiest way to put the pieces back together, but the grain of the material itself also helps a great deal.It's exactly like a jigsaw puzzle!What is this?
These are a few fragments that have been determined to have broken off a well-known papyrus document known as the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. Most of the document is in the British Museum in London.Scholars believe that the document served as a textbook for scribes learning arithmetic. At least 84 example math problems have been identified in the document.Thank you!I don't have a question but the papyrus fragment is really cool!
I'm glad you liked it! The rest of it is in the collection of the British Museum. If you though this was cool be sure to check out our Book of the Dead scroll in the Mummy Chamber. It's incredibly well preserved!
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at