Greece, Ancient Greek Technology

Portable rod-like sundial . Photo : Augusta Stylianou Artist


Portable rod-like sundial
Simple ancientest clock for which the most precocious testimonies of its use exist, derived from the Egyptians.

A horizontal gnomon placed vertically above a scale with 5 incisions horizontal bar indicates the 5 ante meridian daily hours (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th) if the device is turned to the West and the 5 post meridian daily hours (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th) if it is turned to the East. The indication of midday (6th) coincides with the base of the gnomon. It is not possible for the sunrise and the sunset to be indicated with this device