Which ancient civilization notably contributed to the development of sundials?

The ancient civilization that notably contributed to the development of sundials is Egypt. Egyptians were among the first to recognize the usefulness of using the sun's position to tell time. They created obelisks, which were tall and narrow stone pillars that cast shadows on the ground. By observing the length and position of these shadows throughout the day, they could segment time into distinct parts, which laid the groundwork for more complex sundial designs.

Moreover, the ancient Egyptians understood the importance of measuring time in relation to their agricultural cycles, religious practices, and daily activities, leading them to refine their time-telling methods. Their innovations not only advanced timekeeping but also influenced subsequent cultures that adopted and modified sundial designs.