Drawing on Sappho's poem, this article explores the history of time measurement, from ancient astronomical principles to modern atomic clocks. It examines the evolution of the term 'hour,' different timekeeping systems (Babylonic, Italic, canonical, equal), and how celestial phenomena like moon phases and the Pleiades were interpreted to determine time and seasons.
How Sundials Work,
Historical Dials,
Dials: Nocturnals