Ancient Calendars and Timekeeping

Tap or click on cards to flip them and reveal the answers. You can use arrow keys as well.

  • Loading folders...
1/15 cards
What was the primary purpose of early calendars?
Click to flip
To track agricultural cycles and religious events.
Click to flip
Which ancient civilization is credited with inventing the 365-day calendar?
Click to flip
The Egyptians.
Click to flip
What tool did ancient Egyptians use to measure time during the day?
Click to flip
Sundials.
Click to flip
What was a water clock or 'clepsydra' used for in ancient times?
Click to flip
To measure time intervals, especially at night or on cloudy days.
Click to flip
Which civilization developed the lunar calendar based on moon phases?
Click to flip
The Mesopotamians.
Click to flip
How did ancient Chinese calendar systems differ from the Roman ones?
Click to flip
They were lunisolar, combining lunar and solar elements.
Click to flip
What was the ancient Roman calendar originally based on?
Click to flip
A lunar calendar.
Click to flip
Why did Julius Caesar reform the Roman calendar in 45 BCE?
Click to flip
To correct inaccuracies caused by the lunar system, leading to the Julian calendar.
Click to flip
In ancient Greece, what was the dial system used to indicate time?
Click to flip
The merkhet.
Click to flip
What is a major difference between the Egyptian and Mayan calendars?
Click to flip
The Mayan calendar included a Long Count to track longer periods.
Click to flip
Which ancient European structure was used for astronomical observations and possibly timekeeping?
Click to flip
Stonehenge.
Click to flip
How did the Inca keep track of time without a written calendar?
Click to flip
Through a sophisticated sundial system known as the 'Intihuatana.'
Click to flip
What did the ancient Babylonians contribute to timekeeping?
Click to flip
They divided the day into 24 hours and the hour into 60 minutes.
Click to flip
What were 'temple clocks' used for in ancient Persia?
Click to flip
To signal prayer times.
Click to flip
How did the ancient Indian Vedic culture track time?
Click to flip
Using a calendar system based on lunar months and solar years.
Click to flip

Need More Study Materials?

Go back to the chat to generate additional resources.

Create More Resources