Why did we ever start counting things in ‘Dozens’? Why not in tens, or something easier to work with?
Base 12 was used in ancient Egypt. You can count to twelve on one hand, using your thumb to move on each finger joint (four fingers, each with three joints). Arguably, base 12 and base 60 make more "sense" than base 10, because you can count to 12 on the one hand and keep track of five groups of …
The Short Answer
Base 12 was used in ancient Egypt. You can count to twelve on one hand, using your thumb to move on each finger joint (four fingers, each with three joints). Arguably, base 12 and base 60 make more "sense" than base 10, because you can count to 12 on the one hand and keep track of five groups of 12 with the other. Some have argued that this using 12 carried forward directly, some argue that it developed independently in lots of different places, which makes sense to me because it works really well.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Base, count, hand
This explanation focuses on base, count, hand and spans 87 words across 4 sentences. At 28% above the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Base 12 was used in ancient Egypt.” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #142 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 29%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why we ever start counting things in 'dozens'? why not in tens, or something easier to work with?
Base 12 was used in ancient Egypt. You can count to twelve on one hand, using your thumb to move on each finger joint (four fingers, each with three joints). Arguably, base 12 and base 60 make more "sense" than base 10, because you can count to 12…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is an above-average answer at 87 words, ranked #142 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are base, count, hand.
What approach does this answer take to explain we ever start counting things in 'dozens'? why not in tens, ?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 87 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.