Archaeological records show that obelisks in Egypt and Babylon were some of the earliest sundials. According to the historian, Herodotus, the Greeks developed sundial designs based on the Babylonian ones. With their knowledge of geometry, the Greeks advanced and refined the designs of sundials. The Romans were impressed by these Greek inventions and whole-heartedly adopted the use of Greek sundials. Among other cultures that readily accepted and developed the Greek dials were the Islamic Caliphate. An extensive array of new designs was introduced by the Europeans during the Renaissance. Even though the notion of measuring time by observing shadows has been inherited from ancient eras, we continue to be intrigued by the sundial’s functionality. We are also captivated by the broad array of artistic designs that have emerged.
Tags: brass sundials, bronze sundial, bronze sundials, garden sundials, sundial, sundial clock
