Was the concept of different time “zones” ever “discovered”? Or has it always kind of been with us?

by bechtold1684

Sorry if the title is confusing. So, I’m NOT talking about our modern conception of time zones. I’m thinking more of like, did people 500 years ago know, realize, think about, plan around the fact that noon in Australia is not the same as noon in England. Or is that something people never had to think about until we had the ability to send message over long distance?

Thanks!

KLuHeer