Origins of the 360 Degree Circle Convention

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the origins of the 360-degree circle convention, examining potential historical and mathematical influences, including connections to ancient Babylonian numeration systems and astronomical observations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the 360-degree convention is related to the approximately 360 days it takes for the Earth to revolve around the sun.
  • Another participant suggests that the 360 degrees likely originate from ancient Babylonian practices.
  • A participant notes that the Babylonians used a base-60 numeration system, which may have influenced the choice of 360 degrees, especially since 365 is close to 360.
  • There is a reiteration of the Babylonian base-60 system and its implications for time and angle measurements, linking it to the division of time into seconds and minutes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the connection to the Babylonian base-60 system, but the exact origins and influences of the 360-degree convention remain open to interpretation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific historical pathways that led to the adoption of the 360-degree circle convention, nor does it clarify the relationship between the number of days in a year and the choice of 360 degrees.

jobyts
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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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