Origin of length measurements from "summary" of The Long and the Short of It by Graeme Donald
The concept of measuring length is one that has evolved over time, with different civilizations coming up with their own systems and standards. The origins of length measurements can be traced back to early human history, where people used body parts such as the hand, foot, and cubit to measure length. These measurements were not standardized and varied from person to person, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in trade and construction. As civilizations developed and trade became more widespread, there was a need for a standardized system of measurement. This led to the creation of units such as the inch, foot, and yard, which were based on the dimensions of the human body. These units were later standardized by rulers and governments to ensure consistency and accuracy in measurements. One of the earliest known standardized systems of measurement was the Egyptian cubit, which was based on the length of the Pharaoh's arm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. This unit was used in construction and surveying during the construction of the pyramids and other ancient Egyptian monuments. In ancient Greece, the stadion was used as a unit of length for measuring distances in races and other athletic events. The stadion was based on the length of a typical athletic track and varied in length from one city-state to another. This lack of standardization led to confusion and inconsistencies in measurements. The Roman Empire also had its own system of measurement, with units such as the pes (foot), cubitum (cubit), and passus (pace) being used for various purposes. These units were later standardized by the Roman government to ensure uniformity in measurements across the empire. The concept of length measurements continued to evolve over time, with different cultures and civilizations contributing their own units and standards to the mix. This eventually led to the development of the metric system, which is now used by the majority of countries around the world.- The origins of length measurements can be traced back to early human history, where the need for a standardized system of measurement arose from the desire for consistency and accuracy in trade, construction, and other activities. Through the contributions of various civilizations and cultures, we now have a wide variety of units and standards for measuring length, each with its own unique history and significance.
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