Sundials: Ancient Time Indicators
Sundials, one of the oldest time-measuring instruments, used a gnomon's shadow to indicate time. Their accuracy varied with seasons, as the sun's path changes throughout the year.
Egyptian Obelisks: Solar Clocks
Ancient Egyptians used obelisks as sundials. The monolithic pillars' shadows helped divide the day, not just symbolizing sun deity Ra's rays but also marking time for daily activities.
Water Clocks: Flowing Time
Water clocks, or clepsydras, measured time's passage by water's regulated flow. Greeks and Chinese refined them, enabling more precise timekeeping, independent of sunlight.
Incense Clocks: Fragrant Hours
In ancient China, time was also measured by burning incense. Incense clocks used different scents and burning rates to indicate hours, embedding timekeeping in sensory experience.
Astronomical Observatories: Celestial Time
Megalithic structures like Stonehenge served as ancient observatories, aligning with celestial events. They marked seasons and even predicted eclipses, intertwining timekeeping with astronomy.
Naval Hourglasses: Nautical Precision
Hourglasses became vital aboard ships for navigation. Their consistent flow allowed for precise time measurements, crucial for determining longitude at sea before the invention of accurate clocks.
Medieval Mechanical Clocks
The transition to mechanical clocks in the 14th century revolutionized timekeeping. Initially installed in towers, they brought about the concept of hourly chimes and public time.
What varied sundials' accuracy?
Gnomon size
Sun's yearly path
Shadow length
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