Plato's water clock was the world's first alarm

History
Plato's water clock was the world's first alarm

Ancient Greek philosopher Plato invented the world's first alarm clock, a water-powered device that precisely woke him at dawn for his lectures, showcasing early timekeeping ingenuity.

Around 400 BC, ancient Greek philosopher Plato invented the world's first known alarm clock. This ingenious device, a water clock or clepsydra, used a steady drip of water to slowly fill a container. As the water level rose, it eventually triggered a mechanism that released a weight, striking a bell or dropping pebbles to create a loud noise.

There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.

Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz
Open in App

Get the full experience

Download Facts A Day