The sexagesimal system
About 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians, who lived in ancient Iraq, revolutionized how we perceive and measure time.
They developed a sophisticated numerical system based on the number 60, known as the sexagesimal system. This unique system divided the hour into 60 minutes and the minute into 60 seconds, concepts that are still in use today.
The Sumerians' need for precise timekeeping was driven by their agricultural society. Accurate calendars were essential for planting and harvesting crops. They also needed to coordinate their religious ceremonies and complex administrative activities.
To help keep time, the Sumerians made major advances in astronomy. They observed the movements of celestial bodies and used this knowledge to create a 12-month lunar calendar, which closely aligned with the agricultural seasons.
Dividing the day into 24 hours, every hour into 60 minutes, and every minute into 60 seconds was a tremendous achievement. These divisions were not arbitrary but were designed to be practical and easily divisible, reflecting the Sumerians' advanced understanding of mathematics.
This innovative approach to time had a profound influence on later civilizations, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, who adopted and developed the Sumerian system. The legacy of the Sumerians' timekeeping system is evident in our modern clocks and calendars, demonstrating the lasting influence of their ingenuity on our daily lives.
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