CubitEgyptian cubit rod in the Liverpool World MuseumCubit rod of Maya, 52.3 cm long, 1336–1327 BC (Eighteenth Dynasty)The cubit is an ancient unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. It was primarily associated with the Sumerians and the Egyptians. The term cubit is found in the Bible regarding Noah's Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, the gallows of the Book of Esther, the Miraculous catch of fish and Solomon's Temple.
Ancient Egyptian units of measurementThe ancient Egyptian units of measurement are those used by the dynasties of ancient Egypt prior to its incorporation in the Roman Empire and general adoption of Roman, Greek, and Byzantine units of measurement. The units of length seem to have originally been anthropic, based on various parts of the human body, although these were standardized using cubit rods, strands of rope, and official measures maintained at some temples.
Ancient Greek units of measurementAncient Greek units of measurement varied according to location and epoch. Systems of ancient weights and measures evolved as needs changed; Solon and other lawgivers also reformed them en bloc. Some units of measurement were found to be convenient for trade within the Mediterranean region and these units became increasingly common to different city states. The calibration and use of measuring devices became more sophisticated.
Palm (unit)The palm is an obsolete anthropic unit of length, originally based on the width of the human palm and then variously standardized. The same name is also used for a second, rather larger unit based on the length of the human hand. The width of the palm was a traditional unit in Ancient Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome and in medieval England, where it was also known as the hand, handbreadth, or handsbreadth.
Biblical and Talmudic units of measurementBiblical and Talmudic units of measurement were used primarily by ancient Israelites and appear frequently within the Hebrew Bible as well as in later rabbinic writings, such as the Mishnah and Talmud. These units of measurement continue to be used in functions regulating Orthodox Jewish contemporary life, based on halacha.
Ancient Mesopotamian units of measurementAncient Mesopotamian units of measurement originated in the loosely organized city-states of Early Dynastic Sumer. Each city, kingdom and trade guild had its own standards until the formation of the Akkadian Empire when Sargon of Akkad issued a common standard. This standard was improved by Naram-Sin, but fell into disuse after the Akkadian Empire dissolved.
Ancient Roman units of measurementThe units of measurement of ancient Rome were generally consistent and well documented. LengthThe basic unit of Roman linear measurement was the pes (plural: pedes) or Roman foot. Investigation of its relation to the English foot goes back at least to 1647, when John Greaves published his Discourse on the Romane foot.
LengthLength is a measure of distance. In the International System of Quantities, length is a quantity with dimension distance. In most systems of measurement a base unit for length is chosen, from which all other units are derived. In the International System of Units (SI) system, the base unit for length is the metre. Length is commonly understood to mean the most extended dimension of a fixed object.
Measuring rodA measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned; however, they can also be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.
Akkadian EmpireToday part ofIraqIranSyriaTurkeyKuwaitThe Akkadian Empire () or the Kingdom of Akkad/Agade was an ancient kingdom established around 2334 BCE, and the first empire in world history, succeeding the long-lived city-states of Sumer.
Unit of measurementA unit of measurement, or unit of measure, is a definite magnitude of a quantity, defined and adopted by convention or by law, that is used as a standard for measurement of the same kind of quantity. Any other quantity of that kind can be expressed as a multiple of the unit of measurement, For example, a length is a physical quantity. The metre (symbol: m) is a unit of length that represents a definite predetermined length.
International System of UnitsThe International System of Units, internationally known by the abbreviation SI (from its official French name, Système international d'unités), is the modern form of the metric system and the world's most widely used system of measurement. It is the only system of measurement with official status in nearly every country in the world, employed in science, technology, industry, and everyday commerce.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.