A Brief History of Clocks
The Evolution of Timekeeping: A Comprehensive History of Clocks from Ancient to Modern Times Explore the fascinating evolution of timekeeping, from ancient sundials and water clocks to modern quartz, atomic, and quantum clocks. Learn how time measurement has advanced through history. Sundials and Water Clocks The journey of timekeeping devices dates back to ancient civilizations, starting with sundials and water clocks. Sundials, first used by the Egyptians around 1500 BC, relied on the shadow cast by the sun to divide the day into 12 hours. Water clocks, or clepsydras, measured time by controlling the flow of water into or out of a vessel. These were employed by various cultures including the Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians, Persians, Indians, and Chinese, with some evidence suggesting they may have existed as early as 4000 BC in China. Candle clocks Candle clocks, with a consistent burn rate, were used for time measurement indoors or during the night, although their exact origin remai...