Time-telling with clocks—and mechanical clocks in particular—has played a significant role in the development and shaping of human societies and the growth of industry. The first mechanical clocks appear in 13th century ItalyMechanical clocks first appeared in northern Italy in the 13th century, following earlier methods of timekeeping like sundials and hourglasses. The rapid rise of clocks in bell towersMechanical clocks were invented for a specific purpose: to work in tandem with bell towers. Before mechanical clocks, days—the expanse between the seasonally changeable sunrise and sunset—were broken up only by tasks. In his book, About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks, Rooney points to the textile industry as one of the most oppressive industries in its use of clocks to regulate the lives of workers.