Time

What is time? How do we measure it? What does it mean to us? This theme uses objects in the British Museum's collection to explore the different ways we understand time.

• Measuring and keeping time
  How and why do we measure time?
• Mechanical time
  Discover how timekeeping has become more accurate
• Personal time
  Find out how we mark key events in our lives
• The effects of time
  See how we try to hide, slow down and understand the ageing process
• The beginning and end of time
  Where did we come from and where are we going? Discover the big questions about time

Looking through the lens of time enables us to compare and explore objects in thought-provoking ways. While almost any object has a relationship with time through its own history, those examined in this theme range from the familiar to the surprising. In many ways, time is a gateway to understanding and appreciating how world cultures perceive human experience. 

More information about objects featured here (from top)

Astrolabic quadrant, from Damascus, Syria