Lightboxes
Cart
alb3820287

Ancient Egyptian Scales

Weights and measures were among the earliest tools invented by man. Early Babylonian and Egyptian records, and the Bible, indicate that length was first measured with the forearm, hand, or finger and that time was measured by the periods of the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies. When it was necessary to compare the capacities of containers such as gourds or clay or metal vessels, they were filled with plant seeds that were then counted to measure the volumes. With the development of scales as a means for weighing, seeds and stones served as standards. As societies evolved, measurements became more complex. The invention of numbering systems and the science of mathematics made it possible to create whole systems of measurement units suited to trade and commerce, land division, taxation, and scientific research. Illustration originally captioned: Ancient Egyptian scales from unidentified bas-relief.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox
add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image
Loading...
Title:
Ancient Egyptian Scales
Caption:
Weights and measures were among the earliest tools invented by man. Early Babylonian and Egyptian records, and the Bible, indicate that length was first measured with the forearm, hand, or finger and that time was measured by the periods of the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies. When it was necessary to compare the capacities of containers such as gourds or clay or metal vessels, they were filled with plant seeds that were then counted to measure the volumes. With the development of scales as a means for weighing, seeds and stones served as standards. As societies evolved, measurements became more complex. The invention of numbering systems and the science of mathematics made it possible to create whole systems of measurement units suited to trade and commerce, land division, taxation, and scientific research. Illustration originally captioned: Ancient Egyptian scales from unidentified bas-relief.
Credit:
Album / Science Source / New York Public Library
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
3780 x 3601 px | 38.9 MB
Print size:
32.0 x 30.5 cm | 12.6 x 12.0 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: