I think so. We had an abacus at my old school. The gifted kids got to play with it and learn about the asian history for like a month or so. We got a field trip out of it, so that was pretty neat.
I have those little chips found in the Scorpian King's chamber that is a pre-Dynasty 1 Ancient Egyptian King! Those little chips with the oldest form of writing anywhere... I'd be rich if I did have those.