Origins of the 360 Degree Circle Convention

AI Thread Summary
The 360-degree circle convention likely originates from ancient Babylonian mathematics, which utilized a base-60 numeration system. This system influenced the division of time and angles, leading to 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in a degree. The approximation of 365 days for Earth's revolution around the sun also contributed to the adoption of 360 degrees. The choice of 360 degrees may reflect a combination of these numerical systems and astronomical observations. Overall, the convention is deeply rooted in Babylonian practices and their mathematical framework.
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Where did the 360 degree for a circle convention come from? By any chance, is it from the ~360 days for the Earth to revolve around the sun?
 
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Could be. 360 deg. seems to come from the ancient Babylonians.
 
The Babylonians used a numeration system based on multiples of 60. That, together with the fact that 365 is close to 360 influenced the choice.
 
they worked in base 60 didn't they?

*got there too late*
 
Irrational said:
they worked in base 60 didn't they?

*got there too late*
Yes. That's how we get 60 sec. = 1 min. and 60 min. = 1 hr. for time, and also 60 sec. = 1 min. and 60 min = 1 deg. for angle.
 
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