Hermione Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> 1. Whether or not the AE of the OK were capable
> of building circular constructions (and, following
> Lee's post yesterday, it seems that there were
> circular forts), there is no evidence that they
> realized the significance of the ratio 22/7 as the
> diameter-circumference ratio.

I agree there is no textual evidence.
However, this could be simply because the AEs did not see the ratio as at all significant.
That the perimeter of a square is always 4 times the length of a side is not mentioned (AFAIAA) in any of the Mathematical Papyri, so are we then to assume that the AEs did not know: Perimeter of square = 4 times length of a side?


> 2. It is difficult to understand what
> significance, if any, should be attributed to any
> alleged juxtapositions of dimensions of 22 and 7
> units in the GP.

But nobody – and certainly not me – is alleging “juxtapositions of dimensions of 22 and 7 units in the GP.

Yes, there is a clear occurrence of the number 7 in the number of corbellings in the Grand Gallery.
Yes, there is a dimension of 22 royal cubits in the vertical distance between the base of the Pyramid and the point at which the Scored Line intersects the Descending Passage floor.
But these are not at issue here, which causes me to suggest that you are misunderstanding what is meant by:
Dimension A = Dimension B multiplied by 3 1/7
and
Dimension A = Dimension B divided by 3 1/7.


> Given the lack of evidence for a
> recognition of the significance of the quantity
> 22/7 at this time, however, it seems unlikely that
> any such juxtaposition could be a covert or
> esoteric reference on the part of the GP
> architects to a diameter-circumference ratio.

But why should we expect any reference on the part of the Pyramid’s architect to a diameter-circumference ratio to be in any way covert or esoteric in the first place?

It is quite feasible that the AEs knew of but did not attach any significance to the diameter-to-circumference ratio, thus making its incorporation in the planning of the Pyramid’s dimensions a perfectly mundane affair.

Again, I think that seked 5½ is the key to Khufu’s architect using 3 1/7 extensively in his calculations of the Pyramid’s dimensions.
It is how we today generally look at it that is the root of the problem.

Person A: “Khufu’s architect used 3 1/7 in his calculations of the dimensions of the Great Pyramid and its interior.”

Person B: “What! But the AEs didn’t know pi! So, sorry ol’ chap, but you are quite simply wrong, wrong, wrong.

Person A: “Um, excuse me, who said anything about pi?

MJ



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/15/2008 02:57PM by MJ Thomas.