The Agile Daily Standup - AgileDad
How Did We Get 60 Seconds?
Jun 28, 2024
Explore the origins of timekeeping and the base 60 numbering system used by ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Babylonians, shaping our current time measurement practices.
05:09
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Quick takeaways
- The number 60's divisibility allowed for easier time divisions.
- Ancient numerical systems influence modern time measurement standards.
Deep dives
Ancient Timekeeping Bases on the Number 60
The ancient Babylonians and Sumerians developed a base 60 numbering system, influencing our current timekeeping methods. The number 60's divisibility by various key numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30 makes it highly convenient for dividing time into common intervals, such as quarters and halves. The versatility of this base 60 system allowed for easy time calculations and standardizations in ancient times, reflecting in our modern usage of phrases like 'I'll be there in 10 minutes'.
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