Ancient Beginnings
The story of measurement begins with the most basic tool available to ancient humans: their own bodies. The cubit, based on the forearm length, was one of the earliest units and gave us terms like “foot” and “hand”.
Early Measurement Systems
- Egyptian Cubits (c. 3000 BCE)
The Royal Cubit was standardized using a granite rod and helped build the pyramids.
- Indus Valley Weights (c. 2500 BCE)
Among the first standardized weight systems used widely in trade.
- Roman Units (c. 750 BCE)
The Roman foot (pes) became a standard that influenced Europe for centuries.
The Birth of Standardization
As trade expanded, agreed-upon standards were needed. Official reference measures were kept in temples or government buildings.
Key Historical Developments
Medieval Period (500–1500 CE)
Local standards varied widely; a “foot” could differ by centimeters between cities.
Renaissance (1300–1600 CE)
Science pushed precision and common standards for research.
Industrial Revolution (1760–1840)
Mass production and global trade drove demand for universal standards.
The Metric Revolution
In 1791, the French Academy proposed a rational, universal system—the metric system.