At Abydos and at Karnak, stone carvings appear to display mathematical lessons by ancient Egyptians, and their method of calculating pi is equal to an accuracy of the 22/7 ratio commonly used as an approximation today. Evidence is presented that the ancient Egyptians had attained a sophisticated understanding of pi over 1,000 years before Archimedes and the Greeks. Readers are provided with several hands-on exercises that demonstrate mathematical and geometric concepts via folding paper disks and string. Pentagons, heptagons, rectangles, pyramids, and a humorous character named Cubit Forearm make their appearances as the author explores the practical significance of a discovery that will revise our understanding of the origins of mathematics in the ancient world. Appropriate for all ages, general readers, historians, mathematicians, and those with an interest in ancient Egypt.

Scholars of the Hebrew Bible have in the last decade begun to question the historical accuracy of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus. The reason for the rejection of the exodus tradition is said to be the lack of historical and archaeological evidence in Egypt. Those advancing these claims, however, are not specialists in the study of Egyptian history, culture, and archaeology. In this pioneering book, James Hoffmeier examines the most current Egyptological evidence and argues that it supports the biblical record concerning Israel in Egypt.

Documents the calculation, numerical value, and use of the ratio from 2000 B.C. to the modern computer age, detailing social conditions in eras when progress was made.