tímadeiktík

A tímadeiktík is a type of ancient Greek sundial. The word itself is a compound of two Greek words: "time" (time) and "deiktēs" (pointer or indicator). Therefore, a tímadeiktík essentially means a "time pointer" or "time indicator." These devices were used to tell time by observing the position of a shadow cast by a gnomon onto a marked surface.

Tímadeiktiks varied in design and complexity. The simplest forms consisted of a vertical stick or pillar (the gnomon) and a flat or curved surface marked with lines representing hours. As the sun moved across the sky, the shadow of the gnomon would fall on different marks, indicating the time of day. More elaborate tímadeiktiks were often incorporated into architecture, such as on walls or pillars, and could feature more intricate markings and sometimes even inscriptions.

The use of tímadeiktiks was widespread in the ancient Greek world. They were essential for organizing daily life, from agricultural activities and public affairs to religious ceremonies. While they were not as precise as modern clocks, they provided a practical and accessible means of timekeeping for centuries. The development and use of tímadeiktiks represent an important step in the history of metrology and the understanding of celestial mechanics.