Can ancient calendars be considered engineering or physics inventions?

[kaleidoscope]

I was wondering if the early calendars developed by mankind can be considered engineering or physics inventions, as they were developed to count or measure time. Any opinions about this?

 

[mfb]

Both?
You need physics to know what you want to build, and engineering to build it.

 

[Jobrag]

I think that they were probably a theological invention, if in a primitive society you could foretell the time to plant crops, the changing cycle of tides or when animals would start to migrate than you'd be a wise man who communicated with the Gods and thus got the best of everything.

 

[phinds]

I agree w/ mfb. Why do you feel the need to put a lable on them?

 

[sardar]

I would say that ancient calendars can be considered both engineering and physics inventions. Engineering is the application of scientific knowledge to design and build useful structures, machines, and systems. In this sense, ancient calendars were designed and built to measure time and track the passage of days, months, and years. This required a level of engineering skill to create a functioning and accurate calendar.

On the other hand, physics is the branch of science that deals with the properties and interactions of matter and energy. Ancient calendars were based on astronomical observations and calculations, which are rooted in the laws of physics. For example, the length of a day is determined by the Earth's rotation on its axis, while the length of a year is determined by the Earth's orbit around the sun. The development of ancient calendars involved a deep understanding and application of physics principles.

Furthermore, the creation and use of calendars also required a combination of engineering and physics knowledge. For instance, the ancient Egyptians used their knowledge of engineering and physics to design and build the Great Pyramids, which served as both tombs and astronomical observatories. The alignment of the pyramids with the stars and the sun allowed them to accurately track time and create their calendar.

In conclusion, I believe that ancient calendars can be considered both engineering and physics inventions due to the combination of design, construction, and scientific principles involved in their creation and use. They are a testament to the ingenuity and scientific understanding of our ancestors.