Describe measurement of time in history

By centreforelites / October 18, 2023

In the vast expanse of human history, the measurement of time has been an ever-evolving concept. Since the very early days of civilization, various cultures and civilizations have developed their own unique methods of tracking and understanding the passage of time.

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The concept of the Historical measurement of time

One of the oldest known systems of measuring time comes from ancient Egypt, where the Egyptians divided the day into two equal halves: one for daylight and the other for night. They further divided each half into 12 parts, resulting in 24 hours, although the length of an hour varied depending on the time of year.

The Babylonians, on the other hand, employed a sexagesimal system, meaning they based their measurements on the number 60. This system is still in use today in the form of minutes and seconds. The Babylonians also divided the day and night into 12 separate hours each.

The ancient Greeks, known for their contributions to various fields of knowledge, developed a system of measuring time based on sundials. They further divided the daylight portion into 12 equal hours, but since this method relied on the position of the sun, the length of an hour varied depending on the time of year.

The Romans, influenced by the Greeks, adopted a similar system to measure time, although their hours were not always equal in length. The Romans are also responsible for the introduction of the modern concept of a seven-day week, with the days named after celestial bodies.

With the advent of more advanced technology, the measurement of time became more precise and standardized. The development of mechanical clocks in medieval Europe allowed for more accurate timekeeping, which eventually led to the establishment of time zones and the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

In the modern era, time is primarily measured using highly precise atomic clocks, which are based on the vibrations of atoms. These atomic clocks serve as the foundation for international timekeeping standards, ensuring that time remains constant and consistent across the globe.

Thus, the measurement of time has undergone a remarkable journey throughout history, shaped by the ingenuity and cultural influences of different societies. From sundials and water clocks to atomic precision, it is a testament to human curiosity and our relentless pursuit to comprehend the passage of time.

Before Christ (BC)

The birth of Jesus Christ as measurement of time is used as a starting point to count years that came before he was born.

Anno Domini (AD)

Anno Domini (AD) is the measurement of time used to count the years that came after Jesus Christ was born. Anno Domini is a Greek word which means “the year of our Lord” Anno Domini is sometimes referred to as the Common Era, Christian Era or Current Era

Decade is a period of ten years.

The word is derived from a Greek word dekas which means ten. For example the period from 1990 to 2000. Generation is an interval of time between the birth of parents and the birth of their offspring. This is usually taken to be about 30 years.

Century

Measurement of time in history. Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

In the Gregorian calendar, a century is defined as a span of 100 years, commencing from either a year ending with 00 or a year numbered as 1. This methodology has been widely accepted and implemented worldwide, providing a convenient way to reference significant periods of time throughout history.

The concept of a century allows us to reflect upon the accomplishments, advancements, and transformations that occur within each century, encapsulating the achievements and developments of societies, cultures, and civilizations over time. From the exploration and colonization of new lands, to scientific discoveries and technological innovations, to social and political upheavals, each century represents a unique tapestry of human history.

It is through the lens of the century that we can grasp the profound changes that have shaped our world and appreciate the progress and evolution humankind has undergone. Whether contemplating the Renaissance and Enlightenment of the 15th and 18th centuries respectively, or pondering the industrial and digital revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries, the concept of a century serves as a valuable marker enabling us to analyze and comprehend the ebbs and flows, the rise and fall, and the ebullient spirit of the epochs that have defined our shared human experience.

How to calculate a Century?

The first century is from year 0 to 99. The second century extended from AD 100 to 199.

For example; what century is 2018? Let’s do it together. You divide the given year by 100 and add 1 to the answer you get. This should give you the century for the year under consideration.

2018/100 = 20 + 1 = 21^st Century.

For the event Before Christ, for example, how many years ago is BC 217?

Take the year now: a) 2018 (2,018 years After Christ)

Year then b) + 217 (217 years Before Christ)

Add (a) and (b): 2235

The answer is 2235 years ago.

Now try this activity Activity

What Centuries are the following years: A. 2004 B. 1988 C.1244 D. 1098

Millennium is a period of 1,000 years. The word millennium comes from the Latin mill which means thousands.

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