Clock is arguably one of the most important inventions in the history of the world. Now, this makes us wonder how did people keep a note of time when there were no clocks? This question was recently asked by a user on the social media platform, Quora. One user asked the question, “Where did the one who made the clock match the time?” According to another user, before clocks, they used to measure time with the help of the sun. Another user too testified that the sun was used to calculate time. According to reports, the earliest known devices that were used to measure time were found in Egypt and Mesopotamia, in around 3500 BCE. These early clocks were made up of sundials, and a vertical standing object called the gnomon. The time was measured through the shadow of the gnomon, with accuracy.
To measure the time at night they used a tool called merkhet. It was made up of two bars, which were placed at such an angle, that they would be in alignment with the pole star. Using the pole star’s position, it tracked the movement of constellations and other stars.
The History of Watch website says that Peter Henlein is considered as the father of modern clocks. He was a clockmaker from Nuremberg, which is in Germany. Born in 1485, not much is known about his early life. According to the website, he first appeared in history books for a brawl that happened on September 7, 1504, in which his friend was killed. The historical records say that he invented the first clock in 1510, and became a well known personality by 1541. He not only built small clocks, but is also credited with building the big tower clock at the Lichtenau castle. In no time, his inventions became a hit all over Europe. As per more information on the website, the first ever clock was used for religious purposes.
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