Rhind papyrus
An important record of ancient Egyptian mathematicsThe Rhind papyrus is a document that has been central to understanding ancient Egyptian mathematics. It is also represents one of the earliest documented references to puzzles, which take the form of dozens of math problems.
Rhind papyrus, ancient Egyptian scroll bearing mathematical tables and problems. This extensive document from ancient Egypt has been the source of much information about Egyptian mathematics. The papyrus was bought in 1858 in a Nile resort town by a Scottish antiquary, Alexander Henry Rhind, hence its name; less frequently, it is called the Ahmes papyrus in honor of the scribe who copied it about 1650 bce.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Rhind papyrus
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
10 October 2025
Access Date:
November 13, 2026