Water Clock
A water clock is a timekeeping device that measures time by the regulated flow of water. It is one of the oldest timekeeping methods, along with sundials. Its invention is unknown, but it is known to have been used in Ancient Egypt and Babylonia as early as the 16th century BC.
Water clocks work by measuring the flow of water into or out of a container. The simplest type of water clock is a bowl with a small hole near the bottom. Water drips out of this hole at a steady rate, and the time is measured by the amount of water that has collected in the container. More complex water clocks use wheels, gears, and other mechanisms to regulate the flow of water.
Water clocks were not as accurate as modern clocks, but they were a reliable way to measure time for centuries. They were less affected by weather conditions than sundials and could also be used at night.
Water clocks were used in many different cultures throughout history. The ancient Greeks and Romans used water clocks to tell time in public places. The Chinese used water clocks to make astronomical observations and control irrigation systems. The Arabs and Persians used water clocks to design complex water features and fountains.
