⏱️
60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour
The sexagesimal number system (base 60) was inherited from the Sumerians and Babylonians. The division of time into 60 parts has survived for 4,000 years. 60 is convenient: divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30.
Science
💎
Diamond jubilee — 60 years
The 60th anniversary is the diamond jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the diamond jubilee of her reign in 2012 — 60 years on the throne. Only two British monarchs have reached this milestone.
Culture
🐉
60-year cycle in the Chinese calendar
The Chinese calendar is based on a 60-year cycle: the combination of 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches gives 60 unique pairs. To live through a full cycle is to experience a 'small eternity'.
History