The idea of measuring time probably appeared 5000 to 6000 years ago. And many devices have been used to measure and keep track of time for thousands of years. Merkhet, obelisks, hourglass, mechanical clock, quartz clock, atomic clock and calendar are named as the most notable devices used to measure time in history.
The Ancient Egyptians are known as the first group of people to use the sun to measure the time. They divided the day into two 12-hour periods and used large obelisks to track the movement of the Sun. Of course, this way couldn’t work in cloudy weather or at night.
Ancient Egyptians used the sun to measure the time
The hourglass was also one among the oldest device to measure the time. It is believed that the hourglass is an invention of the ancient Egyptians. The hourglass features two glass chambers connected by a small opening.
Hourglass was one of the oldest devices to measure the time
Another Egyptian method of measuring the time is based on stars. They used a pair of merkhet, the oldest known astronomical tool, to establish a North-South line by lining them up with the Pole Star. By observing certain stars as they crossed the line created with the merkhets, Egyptians could measure the time.
Merkhet – the oldest known astronomical tool
Water clocks accompanied with sundials are likely to be the oldest time-measuring devices. It is not clear about when and where they were invented
The quartz clock dominated the market thanks to the accuracy and reliability of their performance as well as their low cost when produced in mass quantities
Calendar may have been used as a device to measure the time during the last glacial period by using tools such as sticks and bones to track the phrases of the moon or seasons
The mechanical clocks was said to be invented in medieval Europe. With three dials which show the hours, the minutes and the seconds, the mechanical clock was considered as one of the most important innovation in 16th century.
The mechanical clock was commonly used in churches in order to gather regular prayers
Atomic clock is the most accurate device to tell the time known to date. They are used to calibrate other clocks and timekeeping devices
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