Timekeeping Methods Before Modern Clocks

Did you know that before the invention of modern clocks, ancient civilizations relied on ingenious methods to keep track of time?

One of the earliest and most fascinating timekeeping devices was the water clock, or “clepsydra,” used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks as early as 1500 BCE.

These devices measured time by the steady flow of water from one container to another, with markings indicating the passage of hours.

Water clocks were not only used in daily life but also played a critical role in regulating nighttime hours and astronomical observations, demonstrating the early human desire to understand and master the passage of time.

Another popular tool was the sundial, which utilized the sun’s position in the sky.

By casting a shadow on a flat surface marked with hour lines, sundials could accurately indicate the time of day, provided the sun was shining.

These ancient timekeeping methods highlight the creativity and innovation of early societies in their quest to navigate the rhythms of day and night.

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