In ancient times in Russia to measure the distance and length of use of his body.Marilee fingers, palm, steps.The most common measure of length was seven feet.Its name comes from the verb "syagat", which means - a hand reach.This root is still preserved in the word "untouchable".It is believed that such measures of length is very subjective, because the growth and size of the hands of all the people are different.But despite this, in Russia we built beautiful temples and harmonious structure.With the introduction of the metric system in the USSR, the length of the old measures have forgotten.So now hardly anyone knows fathom - this is how much.
ancient measure of length
distance measured the steps of our ancestors or yardstick, which is equal to 72 centimeters.When measured by the pairs were steps - simple fathoms or threes - breech fathoms.Long distances were measured in miles.In ancient times, this measure is also called "field".Its length is varied depending on the length and the number of yards.Also differ mezhevaya and travel miles.The average distance of a mile - a little more than a kilometer.How many yards less than a mile, it is impossible to determine precisely.Typically, 500 to 750, and in the mid-17th century, it was installed Milestone of 1,000 yards.
To measure small distances used by other measures.Fabric measured the elbows, so merchants chose sellers of small stature.Another very ancient measure of length - a span.It is equal to the distance between the tips of his outstretched fingers: large and medium.This is approximately 19 to 23 centimeters.And the smallest measure of length - inch - almost 4.5 centimeters.This distance is measured with two crossed fingers - index and middle.
history of Russian fathoms
a long time, scientists could not understand how a measure used by ancient Russian builders.But after archaeologists found a stone on which was engraved: "Prince Gleb Meryl. 10,000 and 4,000 yards," was able to calculate the value of 151 fathoms centimeter.This coincided with the results of other Russian national measures.There are several different yards, which were used in the different dimensions and construction.To do this, special fathoms of rope and wood "triptych".
It is difficult to say, seven feet - this is how much?In the mid-17th century was adopted breech fathom is equal to 216 centimeters.It contained a six feet by 72 centimeters.But Peter made the call with Russian fathoms British measures of length - and thus change the length of a yard.She declined.And, accordingly, the length is 213 fathoms become centimeters.In 1924, these measures of length completely out of use for measurements began using the metric system.The most common measure of length to 1 meter.How many yards it consisted of, it is now difficult to say.Much of ancient knowledge lost, but scientists gradually reduced the old system of measures.
Sazhen - is how much?
Initially, all Russian measure of length and distance were measured by the human body.And if you step and elbow - it is clear how much, how long fathoms determined?If breech fit into the image has been installed in a yard in length, it is most common in people "centrifugal fathom" is defined by the distance between the spaced apart arms of an adult male.It was about two and a half yards of or 176 centimeters.But it is the most ancient measure of length, according to which the bell tower was built by Ivan the Great in the Kremlin.Since the 17th century, it was used only informally.
Different types fathoms in Russia
origin of many of them is still unknown.It was believed that some appeared in Russia, while others were borrowed.For example, it says that the church seven feet, equal to 186 centimeters, is based on ancient Roman measure of length, royal - Egyptian and great - Lithuanian.There was another Greek, which had a length of 230 centimeters.There are also small, yardstick, a policeman, breech, simple, and many others.They were not proportional, and multiples of each other.Even so often it happened that different people use different types of measurement.
most common fathoms
There are several popular types used by all.It is the oldest: a simple seven feet, equal to 150 centimeters, folk or centrifugal - 176 centimeters and oblique seven feet - 248 centimeters.Its length is determined by the distance between the arm extended upwards and the fingers of the opposite foot on the diagonal.This concept survived in the proverb "an oblique seven feet at the shoulders."So we are talking about heroes.There was also a small seven feet, equal to the distance from the outstretched hands to the floor.It equals 142 centimeters.Therefore it is very difficult to say, seven feet - this is how many centimeters.You must first decide on the extent to which the length of the question.
As used fathoms in Russia
wood and rope yardstick used in measuring distances, for example, to determine the size of land and construction.It often happened that each master had his own personal fathom.Distributed were about 10 different species of them, all of which are not whole numbers and are not multiples of each other.They are used mainly for the measurement of the average values.Now one fathom equated to two meters, but in general the size ranges from 142 to 248 centimeters.Therefore, those who are interested in how many fathoms in the meter, do not specify a valid question.
Russian architecture
Although the construction in Russia used different fathoms, ancient temples and other buildings hit harmoniously and proportionately.Why is this so?In the construction of buildings of the ancient architects relied on natural proportions.What principles were applied in the construction?
length and height of the walls of the buildings consisted of whole numbers fathoms.This is consistent with the principles of the "golden section".
always used for the construction of not one but several yards.One for measuring the breadth of the building, the other - for the length.The height was determined by a third fathoms and interior planning of the fourth.If the building was another floor, then used in its construction over a fathoms.
Another feature - during the construction of getting smaller measures of length produced by dividing into two fathoms.Gets polsazheni quarter fathoms (or elbow), eighth (inch), and thirty-second (inch).
Why ancient buildings seem so harmonious
Despite the complexity of the calculations and the use of different systems yards, ancient structures still delight people with its proportionality and aesthetic perfection.Anyone feels comfortable in them because they are built with human proportions.And no matter what fathoms had certain constant value.Each of them appeared from measurements made using the hands, elbows, hands, or feet of man.
all ancient buildings seem surprisingly harmonious and proportionate also because in their natural three-part partitioning was used instead of a modern two-part principle.In addition, scientists have found that the ratio of the longer fathoms to small corresponds to the "golden section".And this number is calculated with an accuracy of four decimal places.
Modern people are familiar with the concept of "fathom", mainly from the works of Russian classics or proverbs.Also the term "oblique seven feet at the shoulders," used such as "you're on business for a week, and it's from you - to sazhenku" "log to be lazy - seven feet" and some others.It is not surprising that many are interested in the question: seven feet - this is how much?Although, in fact, an unambiguous answer to this question can be given.
