History of Timekeeping Devices in Egypt - Water Clocks

Water Clocks

There is also evidence for the use of water clocks in anciet Egypt. An early Egyptian water clock dating to about 1500 BC was found among other items in the tomb of the pharaoh Amenhotep I; their creation is attributed to an inventor named Amenemhat. Early water clocks were usually bowl-shaped with a small hole at the bottom and markings on the inside at even intervals. The bowl was floated on water and allowed to fill such that the rising water indicated the passage of a set number of hours. Water clocks were useful for priests as they could accurately measure time in all seasons and independently of the sun, which was important for determining when to perform religious ceremonies and rituals.