The Backstory of the Clock

Full transcript

Have you ever wondered how humans learned to measure time? Before clocks existed, people watched the Sun, Moon, and stars to know when to work, travel, or sleep. One of the earliest timekeeping devices was the sundial, which used the Sun’s shadow to show the time. But sundials became useless at night or on cloudy days. So, around 3,500 years ago, ancient Egyptians developed water clocks, where the steady flow of water helped measure passing hours. Centuries later, mechanical clocks appeared in medieval Europe, using gears and weights to measure time more precisely. By the 14th century, large mechanical clocks were being installed in European towns, making it possible for entire communities to follow the same schedule. Over time, clocks became smaller, more accurate, and eventually portable—leading to the watches and digital clocks we use today. And that’s the backstory of the clock! If you enjoyed this story, like and subscribe to Backstory for more fascinating stories behind the things we use every day!