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In addition to the equation 22 = 7 * π as a possible interpretation of what number 22 could symbolize, there are other alternatives. 11 can be understood as 'one more' (than 10), i.e. as a sign for when the basic 'cycle' of counting on the fingers is exceeded. 22 will then be twice as much. With two cycles in a year ('leaf' and 'straw'), 22 could be used to indicate that the 2nd half-year is completed. If the year is beginning at midsummer, then 22 can be read as the end of a year (where Polyphemus dwelt). Another alternative is based on the remarkable equation 22 * 29.5 = 648 + 1. We know that on both sides of the H tablet there are 648 glyphs. The parallel P text is somewhat shorter, only 599 + 559 = 1158 glyphs long. The end of the P text:
648 = 8 * 81, a suitable number to end the text with, because 8 is a picture of one cycle (the bottom 'zero') ending and another (the top 'zero') 'taking over', and 81 is the square of 9 (the 'last' number possible to indicate with a single digit). And 6 + 4 + 8 = 18 (as in 36 / 2). And 6 * 4 * 8 = 192 the total number in the text of K. Etc. In P, instead, the last glyph on side b can be counted as 11 * 60 = 360 + 300. It is saying 'one more' (11), because 1 (old) year is followed by 1 (newborn) year. And 11-59 can be read as 11 * 59 = 648 + 1, i.e. the change from one year to the next will happen after 22 lunar months. The idea of 11 = 10 + 1 can serve as a model for higher numbers, e.g. can 192 be read as 22 / 7 * (60 + 1). And 261 (= 260 + 1) indicates a dark day - equal to (8 + 1) * (28 + 1). Etc. |
