Articles About History (20)
UTC: The World’s Time Standard
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the basis for civil time today. This 24-hour time standard is kept using highly precise atomic clocks combined with the Earth's rotation.
History of DST
History of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Why was Daylight Saving Time created, who invented it, and what is the point of having a time change every year?
The Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar is the internationally accepted civil calendar that was first adopted in 1582.
DST in the United States
When did Daylight Saving Time start in the US? Which states use it, and why?
When Did DST Start in Europe?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first adopted in Europe by Germany in 1916.
Gregorian Calendar Reform: Why Are Some Dates Missing?
The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 in some countries. The US, Canada, and the UK changed in 1752. Why were some days skipped?
Why Do We Have Time Zones?
The expansion of transport and communication during the 19th century created a need for a unified time-keeping system, and time zones were introduced.
When Did the 21st Century Start?
When did the 3rd millennium and 21st century begin: on New Year's Day 2000 or 2001? Do we count from year 1 or year 0 AD? What century are we in?
What Is Local Mean Time?
Use a sundial to determine the time of day and you will probably be off by a few minutes. That's where LMT comes into play. How is it measured and what is it used for?
What Are Leap Seconds?
Every now and then a leap second is added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in order to synchronize clocks worldwide with the Earth's rotation.
Is the Greenwich Meridian in the Wrong Place?
Why does a GPS device not show 0 degrees of longitude at the line marking the prime meridian in Greenwich, London, UK? Is it wrong—or just different?
Anniversary and Birthday Traditions Around the World
Anniversaries and birthdays are celebrated differnetly in different cultures around the world.
December Solstice Customs
Learn more about the customs, traditions and events surrounding the December solstice.
Did the Mayan Calendar Predict The End?
The Mayan calendar ended one of its great cycles in December 2012, which has fueled countless predictions about the end of the world on December 21, 2012 at 11:11(UTC).
June Solstice Traditions
In many Northern Hemisphere cultures, the June solstice is associated with holidays, feasts and celebrations.
September Equinox Customs
Folklore, customs, traditions and holidays surrounding the September equinox.
March Equinox Customs
Learn more about the customs, traditions and events surrounding the March equinox.
When Do Decades Start?
Did the year 2020 mark the beginning of a new decade, or did the twenties begin on January 1, 2021?
How To Write and Count Roman Numerals
To write any number in Roman numerals, combine the letters I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). Start with the highest number. For example, 2022 is MMXXII. MM = 2 x 1000; XX = 2 x 10; II = 2 x 1.
What Is a Calendar?
Calendar definition and meaning: Solar and lunar, tropical and sidereal – why did humans invent calendars? Current year in Gregorian, Muslim, and Chinese calendar.