Ancient Sundials

‹ Ancient Sundials

Dialface ID 59

Abstract

The large base is decorated with four steps, as well as with panels outlined with a narrow molding. A four-petalled flower can be seen in the center of both left and right sides.

Measurements

Measurement record: pipeline ObjID 62, matched to this dialface by inventory number.

Quality gradeA (completeness 66 %)
Dial surfacecone (preferred, not decisive) · fit residual mm: cone 1.47, cylinder 1.47, sphere 2.47
Latitude φ30.13 ± 0.03° (consensus of witnesses)
Klimanearest Alexandria (26.6 sigma)
Engraved lines10 hour lines, 2 day lines
Cone half-angle α24.0 ± 0.23° (cone residual on all points 1.54 mm)
Measured2026-06-12 21:01

What the dial shows at this latitude

Winter solsticeEquinoxSummer solstice
Noon altitude of the Sun36.2°59.9°83.6°
Noon shadow (gnomon heights)1.370.580.11
Length of the day10.0 h12.0 h14.0 h
Length of a seasonal hour50 min60 min70 min

Computed for the measured latitude with the obliquity of the JPL ephemeris at 101 BC (year -100). The latitude is the one the dial was made for, not a find-spot coordinate.

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References

  • – Gibbs, Sharon L., Greek and Roman Sundials, New Haven and London, 1976, p. 173, p. 176, plate 11.
  • – Héron de Villefosse, Antoine Marie, Musée Africain du Louvre: promenades archéologiques en Algérie et en Tunisie, Paris, 1921, p. 19, no. 254.
  • – Guerbabi, Ali, Les cadrans solaires antiques d’Algérie, 2017, no. 8.
  • – Cherbonneau, Auguste, Inscriptions latines découvertes dans la province de Constantine, depuis le commencement de l'année 1860, 1860-1861, p. 147, no. 17.
  • – Berbrugger, A., Épigraphie numidique, 1864, p. 192, no. 52.

3D Models

3D Point Selections

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DOI

10.17171/1-1-795

Citation

Berlin Sundial Collaboration, Ancient Sundials, Dialface ID 59, Paris, Inv. Nr. MA 1775, 2014, Edition Topoi, DOI: 10.17171/1-1-795

Citable

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