The most precise timekeeping device of the ancient world was the water clock, or clepsydra, one of which was found in the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep I (1525–1504 BC). They could be used to measure the hours even at night, but required manual upkeep to replenish the flow of water. The Ancient Greeks and the people from Chaldea (southeastern Mesopotamia) regularly maintained timekeeping records as an essential part of their astronomical observations. Arab inventors and engineers in particular made improvements on the use of water clocks up to the Middle Ages. In the 11th century, Chinese inventors and engineers invented the first mechanical clocks driven by an escapement mechanism. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was the most accurate clock-like device in the ancient world? ANS1 the water clock, or clepsydra QSN2 A clepsyrda was found in the tomb of which Pharaoh? ANS2 Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep QSN3 Which inventors made significant improvements on the water clock up until the Middle Ages? ANS3 Arab inventors QSN4 Which engineers came up with the first mechanical clocks? ANS4 Chinese QSN5 When were the first mechanical clocks created? ANS5 the 11th century