The ABCs of Time: Why are there 60 Seconds in a Minute, 60 Minutes in an Hour, and 24 Hours in a Day?
The measurement of time, including why there are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 24 hours in a day, is rooted in historical conventions rather than purely astronomical observations. The Sumerians developed a sexagesimal numeral system around 3500 BC, using the number 60 due to its numerous divisors, which facilitated calculations. This system was further refined by the Babylonians, who established the 60-minute hour and 60-second minute. The 24-hour day originated from the Egyptians, who utilized sundials to divide the day into 12-hour segments, both day and night, while the solar calendar later introduced by the Egyptians laid the groundwork for the 365-day year. Different calendar systems also evolved, with the Gregorian calendar being the most widely adopted today, correcting inaccuracies of the Julian calendar. Lunar calendars, which rely on the moon's phases, predate solar calendars and have been used for tracking religious events and agricultural seasons. The intricate history of time measurement reflects humanity's efforts to create a structured understanding of the universe, culminating in modern timepieces, such as perpetual calendar watches, which elegantly incorporate these ancient practices into their design and function.
