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🏰world history – before 1500 review

Sexagesimal system

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The sexagesimal system is a base-60 numeral system that originated in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily used by the Sumerians and later adopted by the Babylonians. This system facilitated complex calculations and measurements, especially in astronomy and timekeeping, forming the foundation for how we divide hours and angles today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The sexagesimal system allowed for easier calculations involving fractions, as it included 60 as a factor, which has many divisors such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, and itself.
  2. It is believed that the choice of base-60 may have been influenced by earlier counting systems based on body parts and the number of fingers on two hands plus two feet.
  3. The influence of the sexagesimal system can still be seen today in our timekeeping system: there are 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour.
  4. In terms of geometry, the sexagesimal system was crucial for calculating angles, leading to the division of circles into 360 degrees.
  5. Ancient astronomers used the sexagesimal system to create precise models of celestial movements, which laid the groundwork for modern astronomy.

Review Questions

  • How did the sexagesimal system influence ancient Mesopotamian advancements in mathematics and astronomy?
    • The sexagesimal system significantly influenced ancient Mesopotamian advancements by providing a robust framework for complex mathematical operations. It facilitated precise calculations needed for astronomical observations and predictions. This base-60 system allowed Mesopotamians to develop sophisticated models of celestial movements, ultimately contributing to their understanding of time and space.
  • Discuss the practical applications of the sexagesimal system in ancient Mesopotamian society and its impact on modern systems of measurement.
    • In ancient Mesopotamia, the sexagesimal system was applied in various practical fields such as commerce, astronomy, and land measurement. This numeral system enabled accurate calculations that were essential for trade transactions and land surveys. The legacy of this system persists today in our division of time (60 seconds per minute) and angles (360 degrees), showcasing its long-lasting impact on modern systems of measurement.
  • Evaluate the significance of the transition from simpler counting systems to the sexagesimal system in shaping the intellectual landscape of ancient civilizations.
    • The transition from simpler counting systems to the sexagesimal system marked a pivotal shift in the intellectual landscape of ancient civilizations. This advancement enabled more complex mathematical thought processes and precise scientific measurements, fostering developments in astronomy and engineering. The ability to perform intricate calculations using a base-60 framework laid essential groundwork for future civilizations' scientific endeavors and influenced their approach to knowledge and understanding of the universe.