

In mid-15th century Italy, two brothers started an engineering revolution that would lead to the creation of hourglass’s successor: the mechanical clock. Eventually they became widespread throughout Europe and China, where they were used to give speeches and even to measure the water supply for elaborate fountains. Hourglasses were later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who used them for similar purposes. They also found other uses for them, such as counting how long a prisoner had been in jail or timing how long a pregnant woman had to stay in bed. Hourglasses were first used by the ancient Egyptians, who used them to time religious ceremonies. When the top bulb is filled with sand, it slowly falls through the neck and into the bottom bulb, creating a measurable delay. Its design is simple but effective, using two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck to measure time. The hourglass is one of the oldest timekeeping devices in the world, predating both clocks and watches. Whether you’re looking to get one for yourself or are just curious about what they mean, read on for all you need to know about the hourglass clock tattoos! History of the hourglass Hourglass tattoos are popular for a reason: they look amazing and have symbolism that is both rich and varied. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
