The passage of time has always been a preoccupation of human beings, whether it be a question of satisfying basic needs such as when to eat and sleep, the importance of seasons for migratory and agricultural purposes or a more sophisticated measuring of time into defined periods of weeks, days and hours.
More about: Ancient Timekeeping7 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$12729 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
c. 1600 BCEEarliest Egyptian water clocks in use.
-
c. 450 BCEParapegma star calendar invented in Greece by Meton and Euctemon.
-
c. 450 BCEFirst klepsydra - water timekeeping device - used in Athens.
-
c. 275 BCECtesibius invents first sophisticated multi-cogged water-clock.
-
c. 159 BCEFirst water-clock set up in Rome.
-
c. 110 BCE - c. 50 BCETower of The Winds by Andronicus constructed in Athens.
-
c. 50 BCEAntikythera instrument invented, an astronomical measuring device.