The "cubit" (Greek: πῆχυς, pēchys) in ancient Greece was a unit of length used in antiquity for measuring various objects, including architectural dimensions. Like many ancient units of measurement, the length of the Greek cubit could vary over time and by region.
The most commonly referenced Greek cubit is the "common" or "short" cubit, which is believed to have been approximately 45 centimeters (about 17.7 inches) in length. However, there were variations in the length of the cubit in different parts of Greece and during different periods in ancient history.
The Greek cubit was used for measuring building dimensions, as well as in various crafts and trades. It was often based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, much like other cubits used in different ancient cultures.
It's important to note that the length of the Greek cubit is a matter of historical interpretation and may not be precisely defined due to variations in antiquity.
A "barleycorn" is a small unit of length that was historically used for measuring small lengths or sizes of objects, particularly in some English-speaking countries. It is based on the length of an average grain of barley.
In the traditional English system of measurement, one barleycorn is equal to approximately 1/3 of an inch or about 0.8467 centimeters. This unit was used for measuring short lengths, such as the length of a person's foot for shoe sizing.
While the barleycorn is not commonly used in modern times for scientific or everyday measurements, it has historical significance, especially in the context of footwear sizing. Some traditional shoe sizing systems still reference barleycorns, where each size increase or decrease corresponds to the length of a barleycorn. However, most modern countries have adopted standardized shoe sizing systems based on centimeters or inches for more precise and consistent measurements.