The Historical Development of the 24-Hour Day

The 24-hour day originated in ancient Egypt. Egyptians divided day and night into 12-hour periods using sundials and water clocks. This division was influenced by their base-12 counting system, likely stemming from counting finger joints.

Babylonians, using a base-60 system, influenced Greek astronomers. Greeks adopted a 24-hour system for both civil and astronomical purposes. This synthesis of Egyptian and Babylonian timekeeping methods solidified the 24-hour day in Western civilization.

Romans initially used a 12-hour system, but later adopted the 24-hour day for more precise military and civic scheduling. Roman sundials and water clocks were crucial in spreading this timekeeping method throughout the empire.

Medieval European monasteries played a key role in standardizing the 24-hour day. Monks needed precise timekeeping for prayers, leading to the development of mechanical clocks that reinforced the 24-hour structure in daily life.

The invention of accurate mechanical clocks in the 14th century and later, the introduction of the atomic clock in the 20th century, ensured the widespread and precise use of the 24-hour day in global society.

Ancient Egyptians also used star clocks, aligning stars with temple walls to measure time at night, showcasing their astronomical prowess.