ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to expand our understanding of the relationship between accounting and order by exploring yet another domain of the economy; that of mining. Mining was an important activity throughout the history of ancient Egypt. While mining took place mainly within what were then considered the legitimate borders of Egypt, security was a major issue once expeditions ventured away from populated areas into the desert. Moreover, mining represented a major problem of control given the vast geographical distances that separated the location of the mines from population centres and the length of time it took for an expedition to complete its tasks. Concern was paramount for order from without, in terms of the safe passage of the expedition through its travels, and for order from within, that is, securing high levels of work discipline and harmony among expedition members. The need to appoint competent and loyal expedition leaders meant that they were typically individuals of high rank in the Pharaoh's administration who were highly trusted and were held responsible directly to the Pharaoh. Naturally, this was a necessary, but not a suff1cient condition, for the success of the expedition; employing appropriate accounting and administrative technologies was just as essential hence the important roles of the scribes and their craft in mining activities.
