Answer to Question #157683 in Math for EUGINE HAWEZA

Question

Describe the invention of the time keeping devices in ancient Egypt and explain how each one of them was used. What element of these ancient time keeping systems do you see in the modern system?

Answer 1

The ancient Egyptians were one of the first cultures to widely divide days into generally agreed-upon equal parts, using early timekeeping devices such as sundials, shadow clocks, and merkhets (plumb-lines used by early astronomers). Obelisks are used by reading the shadow that it makes.

The 365-day calendar was invented by Pharaohs based on the Nile’s flood cycle to indicate when to expect a flood or a lower water level and to help farmers irrigate the land. It is used in the modern system too with adding 1 day per 4 years. Sundials and shadow cloks are also used nowadays, but mostly for entertainment.