The late 13th century saw significant advancements in timekeeping technology, with the mechanical clock being refined in Europe. By 1297, these clocks began to appear in public spaces, particularly in cities like Florence, Italy. This innovation not only transformed daily life by regulating time but also influenced cultural practices, including the timing of poetry readings and performances.

The invention of the mechanical clock had a profound impact on poetry and literature, as it allowed for more structured forms of expression and performance. Poets began to consider the passage of time in their works, leading to themes of temporality and mortality that would resonate in later literary movements, such as the Baroque and Romantic periods.