---
title: Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9154/sun-dial-with-aramaic-inscription-from-madain-sale/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9154.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9154.jpg)

## Image Caption

The concave inner side of the half dome-shaped dial is divided into 12 parts by 11 radial lines. The rod perpendicular to the center is the pointer. The shadow of the pointer falls on the radial lines as the sun moves. Although the system of dividing the time passing between sunrise and sunset into 12 equal units was used in [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/) as early as the [Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/) times, this type of dial is known as the Babylonian Dial. First century BCE. From Madain Saleh, in modern-day Saudia [Arabia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Arabia/). (Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, [Turkey](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/)).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, September 03). Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9154/sun-dial-with-aramaic-inscription-from-madain-sale/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 03, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9154/sun-dial-with-aramaic-inscription-from-madain-sale/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Sun Dial with Aramaic Inscription from Madain Saleh." *World History Encyclopedia*, 03 Sep 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9154/sun-dial-with-aramaic-inscription-from-madain-sale/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 03 September 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.