Historical Events tagged with "timekeeping"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Pope Gregory XIII Reforms the Calendar
Pope Gregory XIII issued the papal bull 'Inter gravissimas' to reform the calendar used in the Catholic Church, marking the introduction of the Gregorian calendar. This reform addressed inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, specifically regarding the calculation of leap years and the timing of Easter. The new calendar aimed to realign the dates with the vernal equinox and ensure that important Christian events were celebrated at the correct time. The reformation was crucial for the Church, which sought to correct the drifting of the calendar due to the Julian system's shortcomings.
Continue ReadingFirst Mention of the Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague astronomical clock, known as the Prague Orloj, was first documented. This remarkable piece of medieval engineering was installed on the Old Town Hall in Prague and quickly became a symbol of the city. Constructed by the clockmaker Mikuláš de Kadaně, the clock displays astronomical details and features moving figures that depict various legends, attracting many visitors who witness its hourly display.
Continue ReadingEmperor Tenji Introduces Water Clock in Japan
Emperor Tenji of Japan introduced the clepsydra, named Rokoku, which was a significant advancement in timekeeping. This water clock functioned by measuring the flow of water to indicate the hours of the day. It was strategically placed in the capital city of Ōtsu, reflecting the Emperor's interest in scientific innovation. The clepsydra represented a blend of art and technology that played an important role in governance and daily life.
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