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Deciphering the bone
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"The oldest mathematical object known to humankind...", an exaggerated claim ? It’s up to you to decide... here are two examples: Multiplication Three notches have been made at the top of the bone. This is followed by 6 notches, four then eight. This points to a knowledge of multiplication by 2 ! Totals Adding together the number of notches in each « column » gives the following totals : 60, 48 and 60. All multiples of 12. It is hard to believe this a pure coincidence. And don’t forget... this object is older than the Lascaux cave paintings...v © Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences |