The "long cubit" is a historical unit of length used in various ancient cultures, including ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was a longer version of the standard cubit, which was used for measuring length in these civilizations.
The exact length of the long cubit could vary depending on the region and time period, but it was typically longer than the standard cubit. In ancient Egypt, for example, the long cubit was approximately 52.3 centimeters (about 20.6 inches), while the standard cubit was around 45 centimeters (about 17.7 inches).
These cubits were often used in construction, architecture, and other applications where length measurements were needed. The long cubit was particularly useful for larger and more precise construction projects.
It's important to note that the long cubit is a historical unit of measurement and is not part of modern measurement systems like the metric system or the imperial system.
A "handbreadth" is a unit of length that is approximately equal to the width of an adult human hand, excluding the fingers. It is often used in various historical and cultural contexts as a convenient way to estimate small lengths or distances. The actual measurement of a handbreadth can vary somewhat depending on the size of an individual's hand, but it is typically around 3 to 4 inches (about 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters).
In some historical systems of measurement, particularly in the ancient Near East and the Bible, the handbreadth was used as a standardized unit for measuring length. It was one of the smaller units within a larger system of measurement, often used for small-scale applications like measuring cloth, the dimensions of objects, or architectural details.
While the handbreadth is not a commonly used unit of measurement in modern times, it remains a useful and intuitive way to approximate small lengths informally, especially when a quick estimate is needed.