Found in Thebes on the 1850s, the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus dates back in its origins to the age of the great pyramid builders. The ancient Egyptians were superb arithmeticians, with enough understanding of geometry and trigonomentry to make their architectural triumphs possible. From the papyrus we can learn how young pupils were subjected to a rigorous training in the manipulation of numbers that enabled the fully-flegded scribe to control not only the design and construction of huge monuments, but also the more mundane activities of everyday life. Some of their methods are similar to those of today; others have been superseded, but nevertheless retain a fascination.