The Prague Orloj is one of the oldest and most intricate clocks ever created. This clock displays three times. All these clocks, including the ones in your home, are known as orlojs. The mechanism of the Prague Astronomical Clock was developed in 1410 by two exceptionally skilled artisans. Cruel alderman blinded one of the craftsmen, Hanus, to prevent another such clock from appearing in the world. Hanus wasn't foolish, and he knew who it had done, so he vowed to carry out revenge. With the assistance of an apprentice, he reached his creation and stopped the clock; legend has it that it took 100 years to bring the clock back to life.
The clock was first repaired eighty years later, in 1490. It is made up of three main parts: an astronomical dial that shows the sun and moon's positions in the sky, as well as additional astronomical details. The upper disc displays six times: the solar and lunar rotation periods, the old and new Central European times, the Babylonian time, and the astronomical time, while the lower disc displays three more times: the months, weeks, and days. This disk is mounted on 365 screws, representing the number of days in a year, and spins through one screw per day.
Looking at the clock, you'll notice two stationary figures: the Archangel Gabriel on the left and the Chronicler next to him. Above the upper disc, there are moving figures, and behind the blue boxes, there are twelve figures depicting the Apostles. Not only are there apostles, but there are also moving figures: on the right is a guillotine, holding an hourglass in his left hand, which measures a man's life, and a chiming bell in his right hand. The image of a Turk with a lute next to him represents sensuality and passion.
The Death turns the hourglass over and shows it to the Turk, as if to say, "Your time is up, you will die," and the Turk shakes his head, "No, no, I will live longer, I will not die". A hat-wearing person can be seen to the left of the disc. This is a miser, holding a bag of money and a stick with which he threatens. Next to him is a vanity (narcissus) staring into a mirror. This narcissist is not only showing off his looks, but also checking to see how much money the greedy man has in his bag. The greedy clearly demonstrates that this is his money.
These characters appear for only 30 seconds. After the apostles have gone and the figures have stopped, a rooster crows at the top. Only then do we hear the clock striking to indicate the hours.
The figurines were damaged during World War II and replaced by replicas in the second half of the twentieth century. There is a myth that if the clock stops, the country will face trouble, such as war or epidemic. This is what happened in 2002, when the Great Flood swept through Europe. When huge rains swept over the area, The Vltava River in Prague witnessed its most severe flooding in 100 years. More than 200,000 people were evacuated from their houses, primarily in Prague and southern Bohemia. The floods claimed the lives of at least nine people, threatened historic sites, and flooded Prague's tourist centre.
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