How water-based clocks revolutionised the way we measure time | Aeon Videos
Briefly

Throughout history, timekeeping relied heavily on the Sun, which was often inconsistent. Ancient civilizations sought more reliable methods, leading to the emergence of water clocks. These devices remained the best timekeeping option for nearly 1,800 years. Ctesibius, a Greek inventor in Alexandria during the 3rd century BCE, significantly contributed to this technology by resolving numerous mechanical challenges that had hindered accurate measurements. His advancements not only enhanced the precision of water clocks but also marked the creation of one of the earliest automatically operating machines in the world.
Ctesibius's innovations in water clock technology solved mechanical riddles, significantly improving the precision of timekeeping in ancient civilizations.
For 1,800 years, water clocks remained the most reliable timekeeping mechanisms before the development of more advanced technologies.
The reliance on the Sun for measuring time proved unreliable as weather conditions affected its visibility, prompting the need for more accurate solutions.
Ctesibius is recognized for creating one of the first automatically operating machines through his advancements in water clock design.
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