Convert Long Reed (long reed) to Famn (famn) instantly.
About these units
Long Reed (long reed)
The long reed is a traditional unit of length used in Egypt and other ancient cultures, roughly equivalent to 2 cubits. It was employed in surveying, architecture, and the measurement of agricultural fields. The unit's length made it suitable for laying out longer distances with relatively few measurements, especially in river valley contexts where precision at large scales was important for irrigation and crop management. Historical records show the long reed in use for temple construction, pyramidal measurements, and land division, illustrating the practical integration of human-based units into early engineering practices.
Famn (famn)
The famn, related to the English fathom, was a Scandinavian unit roughly equal to 1.78 meters. Like other fathoms, it originated as the distance between a person's outstretched arms, making it a natural measure for tasks performed at arm's length. Historically, the famn was used in maritime contexts, forestry, and measuring firewood. Sailors relied on it when describing water depth, rope lengths, and the dimensions of boats. On land, stacked firewood was often quantified in famnar, making the unit central to resource management in cold northern regions. Today, the famn has largely disappeared from practical use, but it continues to appear in maritime literature, folklore, and historical accounts. Its surviving references help illuminate the working methods and daily experiences of Nordic sailors, fishermen, and rural communities prior to metrication.