Re: Strange Maths (was Re: Why not 13 months?)
SrA Tim Miller (tjm@hrlib.brooks.af.mil)
24 Jul 1995 11:42:25 -0500
On 21 Jul 1995 00:20:15 GMT, Whittet@shore.net (Whittet) said:
W> Wouldn't it be easier for a society which had invented writing to
W> just send a note instead of a man?
No. You neglect the fact that there was a transaction of real
goods taking place here; the Pharoh's agent would be expected to *PAY*
for the order. Thus, it is easier to send an agent with orders to get
material meeting certain specifications he carries with him, than to
rely on the dubious measurment standards of a foreign people who are
likely to try to cheat you anyway...
Look at it from an Egyptian's point a view, and sending an envoy
makes more sense. Considering the Egyptian mania for accuracy in
measurement, and I think you'd agree that it would make psychological
sense for them to even send their own workmen to harvest the material
for themselves.
--
Cerebus <tjm@hrlib.brooks.af.mil>
"Especially if you think the barbarians can't do math... 8)"
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