Back to: Ancient Timekeeping: Astronomical Origins and the Innovations of Kemet

The astronomical basis for defining fundamental units of time like years, months, and days. • The development of early timekeeping devices with a particular focus on the contributions and methods used in ancient Kemet (Egypt), including sloping sundials, flat sundials, water clocks, and star clocks.

In this class Baba Metu delves into the ancient Kemetic understanding and measurement of time, contrasting it with modern and Western approaches.

Baba Metu explains how natural astronomical phenomena, such as the sun’s movement (for days and years) and the lunar cycle (for months), served as the original basis for timekeeping.

Baba Metu highlights that even the concept of a day-night cycle is rooted in observable astrological events.

Furthermore, Baba Metu explores how longer time periods, like eras, were often linked to political reigns, and it distinguishes natural time units (days, months, years) from artificial constructs like the week.

Finally, Baba Metu details the Kemetic methods for dividing the day and night into smaller units, including sundials (using the sun’s shadow), water clocks, and star clocks, emphasizing their ingenious design and astronomical basis, predating later developments.