The division of the hour into 60 minutes and of the minute into 60 seconds is a concept that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated with the Babylonians, who used a sexagesimal (counting in 60s) system for mathematics and astronomy. This system was derived from the Sumerians, who were using it as early as 3500 BC.
The Babylonians used a base-60 system for their calculations, which was much easier to use than the base-10 system used by the Sumerians. This system was adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who continued to use it until the Middle Ages. During this time, the hour was divided into 60 minutes and the minute was divided into 60 seconds.
The Babylonians used a base-60 system because it was more convenient than the base-10 system. This system was based on the fact that 60 is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30. This made it easier to divide time into smaller units. For example, it was easier to divide an hour into 60 minutes than it was to divide it into 100 minutes.
The Babylonians also used a base-60 system because it was more accurate than the base-10 system. The base-60 system allowed for more precise calculations of time, which was important for astronomical calculations. This system was adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who continued to use it until the Middle Ages.
The use of the base-60 system for time measurement was also adopted by other cultures, such as the Chinese and the Mayans. The Chinese used a base-60 system for their calendars, while the Mayans used a base-20 system.
The use of the base-60 system for time measurement is still used today. We use it to measure time in seconds, minutes, and hours. We also use it to measure angles in degrees, with each degree being divided into 60 minutes and each minute being divided into 60 seconds.
The use of the base-60 system for time measurement has been around for centuries and is still used today. It is believed to have originated with the Babylonians, who used a sexagesimal system for mathematics and astronomy. This system was adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who continued to use it until the Middle Ages. During this time, the hour was divided into 60 minutes and the minute was divided into 60 seconds. This system was adopted by other cultures, such as the Chinese and the Mayans, and is still used today to measure time in seconds, minutes, and hours. The use of the base-60 system for time measurement has been around for centuries and is still used today. It is a testament to the ingenuity of the Babylonians and the cultures that adopted their system.