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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;EWC3, post: 4268959, member: 93416&quot;]I judge measurement in grains is unlikely to pre-date fairly widespread gold use, which is perhaps c. 5th millennium BC?</p><p><br /></p><p>I suspect the Babylonian Mina (of c. 500g = 10,800 grains) is much older, representing a man-day food ration.&nbsp; As old as the start of organised grain collection/production, so perhaps c. 9th millennium BC? </p><p><br /></p><p>Linked to that, I would make open ended &quot;ladder&quot; counting systems start about that time, linked specifically to annual grain harvest assessment and storage.&nbsp; If so, stress on the the base 60 version of the Babylonian counting system slightly misses the point.&nbsp; It is the 360 basis that is really fundamental - based upon a 360 day year</p><p><br /></p><p>Rob T</p><p><br /></p><p>PS&nbsp; You can try this at home.&nbsp; Make a cup out of both your hands and scoop a heap of wheat.&nbsp; Perhaps it will weight c. 250g?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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